Retreats — JESS T. DUGAN

Queer Artist Retreat at Kindred Forest
April 9-11, 2027 / Registration opens December 2026
Facilitated by Jess T. Dugan, Janie Stamm, and Mary Statzer

The Queer Artist Retreat at Kindred Forest is designed for queer artists to spend time in nature, reflect on their lives and practices, and connect with others in a small, intentional community. It is centered around rest and fostering a connection with ourselves, each other, and the land.

Facilitated activities include a session to share work and creative practices, a conversation about living and working as a queer artist, and a forest bathing session with Kindred Forest founder Jo Pang. In addition, there will be ample time for self-directed activities on the land, including nature walks, campfires, using the outdoor sauna and hammocks, swimming, journaling, and artmaking.

Please note that this retreat is centered around rest, connection, and reflection and is not production-oriented. You are welcome to bring supplies to create, though to protect the buildings and the land, we ask that guests do not use materials that can leave residue or damage surfaces, including sequins, paint, glue, glitter, or similar messy art supplies.

Shared group meals and lodging are included. To preserve an intimate environment, this retreat is limited to 14 participants.

About Kindred Forest:

Kindred Forest, located in Bourbon, MO, is a nature-immersed retreat space on 140 private wooded acres in the Missouri Ozarks, located just over an hour from St. Louis. The accommodations are modern, intentionally designed, and thoughtfully appointed to support contemplative retreats — bringing the calm and beauty of the surrounding forest into the living spaces. Guests can enjoy hiking private woodland trails, fire pits, hammocks, and quiet outdoor seating areas. The environment invites rest, ease, and deep connection with nature, while offering comfortable, elevated lodging that immediately helps people feel at home.

Lodging:

Participants will stay in shared bedrooms spread across two buildings, The Studio and The Lodge. The buildings are newly renovated and thoughtfully designed—blending modern, elevated comfort with nature immersion.

The Studio (sleeps 4-5) includes a large Gathering Room where we will meet as a group for facilitated activities. It also has three bedrooms, one bathroom, a library, a kitchenette, a cozy dining nook, a deck with outdoor seating, and a firepit.

The Lodge (sleeps 11-12) has four bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a spacious kitchen where we will gather for meals. Outside, all participants can enjoy a large backyard, a fire pit, and ample covered outdoor seating, including porch swings, rocking chairs, and hammocks. There is also an outdoor sauna available for participants to use.

About the Facilitators:

Jess T. Dugan is an artist and writer whose work explores the complexities of personhood, relationships, desire, love, and family through photography, film, writing, and drawing. Their work is informed by their own life experiences, including their identity as a queer and nonbinary person, and reflects a deep belief in the importance of representation and the transformative power of storytelling. Their work is regularly exhibited internationally and is in the permanent collections of over 70 museums. They live and work in St. Louis, MO.

Janie Stamm is an artist based in Pacific, MO. Born and raised on the edge of the Everglades in Broward County, Florida, her work focuses on preserving Florida’s environmental and Queer history in the face of climate change through embroidery, assemblage sculpture, and installation. She recently had a solo exhibition, Mermaid’s Purse, at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and regularly exhibits her work throughout the United States.

Mary Statzer…

View the gallery below to see images of Kindred Forest: