The 2026 Taos Paper Retreat

Capture the Light in the Southwest

Come explore ways to find the magic in paper. Create paper surfaces that are enhanced with illumination and can be incorporated into wall art, artist’s books, suspended forms or sculptural works.

  • Discover the glow in translucent and opaque papers
  • Coat and crumple papers to add texture and enhance the surface
  • Create thin balsa wood panels with papercut illustrations
  • Fold, pleat, and layer a variety of papers
  • Embed strings, wire and light strands between sheets

Workshop Location

This workshop will be held at Mabel Dodge Luhan House (MDL), 240 Morada Lane, Taos, New Mexico, 87571. The facility borders Pueblo land and is within easy walking distance of the heart of Taos. Those traveling by air can fly into Albuquerque or Santa Fe, then take a private shuttle or public transportation to Taos. I will connect you with other participants, if you wish to carpool.

Mabel’s is an historic site and is not handicap accessible. Taos is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet above sea level. For those of you coming from lower altitudes, please read up on adjusting to high altitude and prepare to drink lots of water. I want you to feel your best!

The facility is not air-conditioned, but windows can be opened and fans are available. MDL is a retreat-style facility  with no televisions, alarm clocks or telephones. There is wi-fi only in the main living area (you will have 24-hour access to this space).

Please review this list of “Things to Know Before You Come to Mabel’s“.

Dates: Sunday, July 19 – Saturday, July 25, 2026

Sunday, July 19: Arrive for dinner at 6pm (check in is at 3pm)

Monday – Friday Schedule:

  • 8-9am: Breakfast
  • 9-12:00: Workshop
  • 12:00 – 1pm: Lunch
  • 2-4pm: Workshop (Wednesday afternoon will be free – you can choose to sightsee in the area or work in the classroom).
  • 4pm: explore Taos and dinner on your own.
  • You will have 24/7 access to the studio.

Saturday, July 25: Depart after breakfast (check out by 10:30am)

Retreat Fee:

There are enough private rooms for everyone to have their own room, and they are all lovely. Helen will assign your room, based on the order of when you pay your deposit. You will have the option to request a shared room on the registration form, but unless you know the person you wish to share a room with, shared rooms can be tricky to coordinate. Take a peak at the rooms here. You do have the option to bring a companion (who is not taking the workshop) for an additional fee.

  • Historic House Private: $3,750
  • Historic House Shared: $3,450
  • Juniper House Private: $3,550
  • Juniper House Shared: $3,300

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. The balance is due March 1, 2026.

What’s included:
  • Your single or shared room
  • Breakfasts, lunches, and 2 dinners (Sunday and Friday)
  • Coffee, tea and homemade treats throughout the day
  • Restorative yoga on M/W/F
  • Most supplies
What’s not included:
  • Personal tools and some supplies (A list will be sent about a month before the retreat)
  • Your transportation to and from the Mabel Dodge Luhan House
  • Dinner, Monday – Thursday

Cancellations and Refunds

If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please let me (Helen) know as soon as possible. If someone fills your spot, your payment will be refunded, minus the $500 nonrefundable deposit. If I am not able to fill your spot after your final payment, you will not receive a refund. If I have to cancel the retreat, you will receive a full refund. You may wish to purchase trip insurance.

If you have questions, feel free to e-mail Helen: helen@helenhiebertstudio.com.

About Helen

Helen Hiebert constructs installations, sculptures, films, artists’ books and works in paper using handmade paper as her primary medium. She teaches, lectures and exhibits her work internationally and online, and is the author of the several how-to books about papermaking and papercrafts. She has an extensive network of paper colleagues around the world and her interest in how things are made (from paper) keeps her up-to-date on current paper trends, which she writes about in her weekly blog called The Sunday Paper. She also hosts the podcast Paper Talk, and holds an annual paper retreat and papermaking master classes in her Red Cliff, Colorado studio.

Watch the 2025 Taos Paper Retreat Video.

Testimonials from 2025 Taos Paper Retreat Participants

  • How wonderful is was to be in a community of artists with various skills and interests who were more than willing to help others and share ideas. 2025 Taos Paper Retreat participant
  • Thank you for a lovely week in Taos. Your enthusiasm, organzational skills, ability to convey your love of paper and teach new techniques, and your willingness to experiment really made this a wonderful retreat. Your friendly demeanor and inclusive approach made every student feel welcome, no matter their prior experience with paper weaving. It was a pleasure to finally meet you and to spend a week with the type of people you attract.
  • Helen Hiebert is a generous, humble, and accomplished artist, and an exceptional teacher and guide. The depth and breadth of our paper weaving play was fun, and to view everyone’s results was a delight – so different yet so beautiful.
  • What a wonderful week with a great teacher, wonderful people and in a stunning location!
  • I was one of the few beginners in the class, but I felt supported, nourished, and valued. It was wonderful to learn from both Helen and my talented, more- experienced classmates.