Institute Retreat | Nature, Grace and Interdependency with Mako Fujimura

Join us for an extraordinary retreat led by renowned painter and cultural visionary Makoto Fujimura as we explore the profound themes of Nature, Grace, and Interdependency. Set in a serene environment that invites reflection and renewal, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to engage with the beauty of creation and the deep interconnections that bind us to each other and to the world around us.

Guided by Fujimura’s unique vision—one that sees art as a spiritual act and the world as a canvas of grace—you’ll engage in contemplative practices that nurture your soul and awaken your senses to the subtle interplay between creation and Creator. This retreat invites you to see beyond the surface of things to the grace that emerges in and through the interdependent relationships of life. The goal is to help you see like an artist, to learn to rejoice in the complexity of our prismatic realities all around us.

Whether you are an artist, a seeker, or someone yearning to reconnect with the rhythms of creation, this retreat will offer you a sanctuary for reflection and renewal. Come and discover how the interplay of nature, grace, and interdependency can transform your vision of the world and your place within it. Space is limited for 12 people for this cozy retreat; register ASAP to secure your spot.

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Details:

Weekend Schedule:

• Friday December 6, 7:00-9:30p: Opening Session, with optional Welcome Drinks + light bites.
• Saturday December 7, 9:00a-9:00p: Full day of structured group and personal time, including discussions, contemplation, meals, and exploration.
• Sunday December 8: Morning listening, optional church service and group debrief, depart midday.

Location: Princeton, NJ (exact address provided after registration)

Cost: $1000 (individual) / $1800 (couple)
Your retreat registration includes several of the group meals and all retreat materials, but does not include lodging. We have a room block and group rate ($169-$189 per night) reserved at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, details provided at registration.

About your Guide:

Makoto Fujimura, a dean of the Goldenwood Institute, is an internationally renowned painter, cultural thought leader, and author whose work sits at the intersection of art, faith, and nature. An influential voice in both the art world and the broader cultural landscape, Makoto has authored several acclaimed books, including Art+Faith: A Theology of Making, Silence and Beauty, and Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture. Through his writings and paintings, he invites readers and viewers alike to explore the profound connections between creativity, spirituality, culture, and the natural world.

As a leading practitioner of Nihonga, an ancient Japanese painting technique that uses natural materials such as minerals, gold, and silver, Makoto’s work is deeply informed by his reverence for nature. His art captures the intricate beauty of creation, drawing attention to the subtle details of the natural world and offering a meditative space to reflect on life’s deeper meanings.

Beyond his contributions as an artist, Makoto is a cultural thought leader who speaks passionately about the role of creativity in society. His work challenges contemporary notions of utility and productivity, advocating instead for a culture that values beauty, contemplation, and the nurturing of the human spirit. As the founder of the Fujimura Institute, IAM Culture Care, and a former Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts, Makoto has influenced a wide array of disciplines, from education to public policy, with his vision of cultural renewal through the arts.