# Travel Artist Books Retreat with Artists Carla Sonheim and Julie Liger-Belair in Morocco

Join artists Carla Sonheim and Julie Liger-Belair for a playful, hands-on art retreat in Morocco. Open to all experience levels, this retreat invites you to let go of perfection, embrace experimentation, and explore the joy of creating. Through drawing, painting, and collage, you’ll collect inspiration from Morocco’s rich colors and textures and turn it into three unique travel art books that capture your journey in a personal way.Enjoy daily workshops with Carla and Julie, complemented by three exciting art trips. Explore the mesmerizing fishing village of Taghazout, the hustle and bustle of the Souk El Had of Agadir (Africa's largest urban market), and the majestic imperial city of Taroudant.Spend a week at an eco-conscious Berber fortress, delight in chef-prepared authentic cuisine, and experience the wealth of Moroccan culture and hospitality with a tea ceremony, a night of Berber music, and an argan oil demonstration by local craftswomen. Explore the treasures of Morocco alongside a group of likeminded artists and make lifelong memories!

## Details

- **Dates:** June 1 - 8, 2026
- **Location:** Agadir, Morocco
- **Starting Price:** $4,350
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Travel Artist Books Retreat
Join artists Carla Sonheim and Julie Liger-Belair for a creative, lighthearted art retreat in Morocco—an experience designed to help you loosen up, try new things, and immerse yourself in the process of making art. Open to artists of all levels, this retreat is about experimenting without pressure, collecting inspiration from your surroundings, and turning it into three handmade travel books filled with drawings, paintings, and collage.With Carla and Julie leading the way, you’ll explore simple drawing exercises to build confidence, playful painting prompts, and fun collage techniques using both found and handmade materials. Julie will guide you in combining elements to create unique, layered pages, while Carla will encourage you to embrace the unexpected and let go of the need for things to be “just right.”The focus is on observation, curiosity, and being present. You’ll record textures, colors, and memories from your Moroccan adventure in two smaller artist books and one larger accordion book structure—each becoming a personal keepsake of your experience.The retreat includes both studio sessions and time out exploring. You’ll wander through the lively medina of Taroudant, visit the bustling Souk El Had of Agadir (the largest urban market in Africa), and spend a day in the sunny coastal village of Taghazout, where fishing boats and ocean views offer stunning scenes.This is an invitation to step away from routine, reconnect with your creativity, and come home with a collection of art that reflects not only places you’ve been, but how they spoke to your creative spirit!Topics covered during your workshops include:Create three different travel booksLetting go of self-doubt and experimenting freelyTurning your memories and adventures in Morocco into creative memorabiliaJulie's unique collage techniques and combining elements in unique waysCarla's methods of loose drawing and watercolor paintingTaking inspiration from your surroundingsMark-making, stamp carving, and creating unique patternsBuilding confidence in your drawing skills (and silencing that pesky inner critic)...and many more!Your venue for the retreat, a stunning Berber fortress, lies hidden among the Atlas Mountains, providing a tranquil space to learn and create. The Agadir region features verdant valleys, quaint villages, and a stunning coastline, providing an ever-present inspiration for your artwork.Moreover, you'll experience the full extent of local Berber hospitality by taking part in a traditional tea ceremony, trying out a traditional pottery or cooking class (guests' choice), rejuvenating with a complimentary hammam bath, and enjoying a Berber folk band concert on the final evening.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) in time for the 1:00 PM transfer to the retreat venue. Upon arrival, settle into your room before meeting artists Carla Sonheim, Julie Liger-Belair, and your fellow participants. Begin your retreat with a charming tour of the venue, exploring its stunning terraces, lush gardens, and cozy living areas. As the evening unfolds, join the group for a sumptuous three-course welcome dinner, perfectly complemented by a glass of wine.

### Day 2: Art classes at the Kasbah
Begin your day by fueling up with breakfast before the very first class of the retreat.Head to the studio for an introductory workshop. Get the creative juices flowing with a warm-up exercise, becoming more familiar with your materials. Dive into the start of your first project: a mini travel book. Julie and Carla will demonstrate a couple of playful techniques, such as drawing, collage, and using mixed media. Focus on experimentation and approach your practice with curiosity.Pause for a wholesome lunch, exchanging ideas before returning to the studio. The afternoon is dedicated to the preparation of the second project, the larger book. Carla and Julie will show you how to prep the pages with paint and collage, helping you plan out your later additions. Throughout the week, you'll work on these projects in tandem.As the day winds down, take time to relax and reflect on your day. Stroll through the gardens, unwind in the peaceful atmosphere, or simply rest and recharge. The evening brings a delightful dinner paired with wine, where you can connect with the group and share stories of the day’s discoveries.

### Day 3: Trip to Souk El Had in Agadir
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast, fueling up for the first trip of the retreat. Join Carla, Julie, and your fellow artists for coffee to discuss today's plans: a trip to the lively Souk El Had in Agadir.Souk El Had is the largest urban market in Africa; its bustling and colorful energy is impossible to match. Wander through the stalls filled to the brim with spices, produce, traditional rugs, and goods crafted by local artisans. This kaleidoscope of color, shape, and texture is an excellent source of inspiration for your travel books. Sketch on the spot or simply snap reference photos, on the lookout for unique patterns. Later on, join your group for a cable car ride over Agadir, an excellent way to take in the sweeping coastal landscape.Return to the venue for a well-deserved lunch. After you've refreshed, return to the studio and look over the inspiration you've gathered in Agadir. With Julie's and Carla's help, you'll choose your favorite patterns and carve them onto stamps. This new tool will help you in an upcoming mark-making exercise. Craft collage pieces using paper items collected at the market, and embellish them with drawings and paint. Try out unique techniques, such as spraying watercolor through lace.Toward the end of the class, you'll start working on your third travel book. Using your work so far, spend the remainder of the class preparing your pages with shapes and patterns.The day ends with plenty of time to unwind, chats with your fellow artists, and a mouthwatering dinner prepared by the private chef.

### Day 4: Painting and tea ceremony
Following a hearty breakfast, prepare yourself for a full day of creative exploration.You'll spend the whole day at the venue working on your travel books. Work at your own pace, asking Julie and Carla for advice whenever necessary. Let your ideas flow freely and keep filling your book pages with loose drawings, colorful paintings, or even snazzy collage pieces. Carla will also explain the structure of your second travel book in further detail, performing demonstrations along the way.After a light lunch, the afternoon continues in a similar fashion, giving you ample time to fully immerse yourself in your travel books. Julie will give a demonstration on creating collages, expanding your artistic toolset. Continue adding, deleting, swapping, layering, and pasting elements over the pages of your book. Don't rush the process and trust your intuition. The goal is not the destination, but the colorful journey you'll embark on!Before dinner, take part in a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. Observe the graceful preparation of mint tea and enjoy its refreshing flavors, a symbol of Moroccan hospitality. Use this time to sketch, capturing the delicate gestures of the ritual or the figures around you. It’s a wonderful chance to add cultural richness to your travel book.As the day winds down, gather with the group for a delicious meal. Reflect on your creative journey and share insights from the day, ready to continue building on your work in the days to come.

### Day 5: Trip to Taroudant
Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast before heading out on the next art trip of the retreat: the majestic city of Taroudant.After a 1-hour drive, arrive at Taroudant, a historic imperial city bursting with cultural richness. Pass through its ancient gates into the Medina, where the towering walls and intricate archways have stood watch for centuries. Use this time to sketch on location in your book, capture textures and patterns, or gather reference photos for your future projects. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with artisans crafting leather and metal goods, provides endless opportunities for unique scenes. Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch, soaking in the ambiance of this remarkable city.Return to the venue in the afternoon, ready to continue your artistic exploration in the studio. Using the fresh inspiration gathered in Taroudant, and keep developing your books. Draw, paint, or create colorful collage pieces while reflecting on your experiences. As always, Carla and Julie will be on hand, ready to give you a nudge in the right direction.As the day winds down, join the group for a hearty three-course dinner.

### Day 6: Art trip to the Atlantic Coast
Wake up to a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee. Grab your travel books, pack some light materials, and set off towards the coast for the last trip of the retreat: the fishing village of Taghazout.A lesser-known gem among Agadir's lively beaches, Taghazout is beloved by locals and the local surfing scene alike. You'll have the wonderful opportunity to explore the sprawling beaches and find the perfect spot to set up camp and sketch. The rhythmic dance of the waves and the embrace of the golden sun will be your muse. Explore the quirky painted doors of the village, go for a dip in the sea if the weather's on your side, and say hello to Taghazout's fluffiest locals: the friendly cats.Regroup for lunch at a nearby cafe and bring your travel books with you. After enjoying a bite, you'll spend the afternoon filling in your pages with scenes that inspired you, focusing on the larger book. This casual art party at the cafe is a great chance to work leisurely, sharing ideas with your fellow artists.Return to the venue in the afternoon, taking time to relax and reflect on the day’s progress. Stroll through the gardens or unwind in the peaceful atmosphere. End the day with a delicious three-course dinner, accompanied by a glass of wine.

### Day 7: Art class at the venue
Kick off the final day of the retreat with a nourishing breakfast before gathering over coffee to discuss plans for wrapping up your creative journey. With inspiration from previous trips and yesterday’s work, the focus shifts to reviewing and refining your travel books.The morning unfolds in the studio, where you’ll have time to consolidate everything you’ve explored throughout the retreat. Add final touches, refine details, and build layers in your collage pieces. There's no pressure to completely 'finish' your projects; polish as much or as little as you like. The goal is to bring all the techniques you've covered together. Julie will show you how to bind the large travel book towards the end.This energy continues into the afternoon, with more time to finalize your pieces and prepare for a special event. The retreat ends in style with a mini-exhibition, a book-sharing circle where you'll get to show off your amazing process. Share your travel book pages, gather feedback, and celebrate the diversity of styles and perspectives within the group. Whether showcasing your work or simply admiring others’, it’s a moment to reflect on the progress made and the inspiration gained.As the sun sets on the golden Atlas Mountains, enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner with the group. A Berber folk band will set the tone for a lively evening, blending art, culture, and camaraderie as you mark the end of your Moroccan retreat.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast together, exchange any last contacts, and catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), arriving at the airport at around 1:30 PM.

## Instructors

- **Julie Liger-Belair** - Mixed-media collage artist, educator, creative guide
- **Carla Sonheim** - Artist, illustrator, author, designer

## Accommodation

### Traditional Eco-Lodge

### Shared standard ensuite room

### Shared superior ensuite room (female only)

### Single ensuite room (no AC)

### Single deluxe suite

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/travel-artist-books-retreat-artists-carla-sonheim-julie-liger-belair-morocco](https://uptrek.com/retreat/travel-artist-books-retreat-artists-carla-sonheim-julie-liger-belair-morocco) to make a reservation.

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