Welcome to STUDIO ELEVEN 2026

Barb Solem2026, Art Retreat in the Desert, News, VIVI MAGOO NEWSLETTER, Vivi Magoo Presents Art Retreats and Other Inspirations

Since 2011, Vivi Magoo has been bringing together artists, makers, and creatives from across the country for immersive, joy-filled retreats rooted in connection, craftsmanship, and community.
What began as a jewelry-making retreat has grown into something truly special—a creative family. One that supports one another, learns together, and yes… knows how to have a whole lot of fun along the way.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of students and world-class instructors into our classrooms—sharing techniques, stories, and unforgettable moments.

And now… we’re ready to begin a new chapter.

Introducing

STUDIO ELEVEN

???? Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs

Phoenix, Arizona

???? August 3–8, 2026


STUDIO ELEVEN is our newest retreat experience—designed to expand beyond jewelry-making into the vibrant, expressive world of mixed-media art, while still honoring our roots in metalsmithing and design.
This is where disciplines meet.
Where exploration is encouraged.
Where you can take a jewelry class one day… and dive into paint, paper, wax, or print the next.
Six days of creativity.
A thoughtfully curated lineup of instructors.
And a schedule designed so you can experience multiple artists and techniques throughout the week.

What Makes STUDIO ELEVEN Special

Three days of teaching per instructor

Standalone, one-day classes (choose your own creative path each day)

A blend of mixed-media + jewelry-making

Onsite shopping + creative commons space

A welcoming, supportive community of makers


Meet Your Instructors

We are thrilled to bring together an incredible group of artists—each with a unique voice, style, and set of techniques to share.

???? Kristin Peterson
Mixed-Media Artist

Kristin brings an energetic, boundary-pushing approach to creativity.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Layered mixed-media composition

Intuitive mark-making

Creative experimentation through guided prompts

Breaking through creative blocks (hello, structured chaos ✨)

???? Roxanne Evans Stout
Mixed-Media Artist

Known for her soulful, organic style and connection to nature-inspired materials.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Story-driven collage

Textural layering

Found object integration

Personal narrative in art

???????? Susan Lenart Kazmer
Jewelry-Making + Mixed-Media Artist

A beloved Vivi Magoo instructor known for her innovative techniques and bold designs.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Resin and cold connections

Wire integration with mixed materials

Layered jewelry design

Experimental surface techniques

???? Robyn Cornelius
Jewelry-Making Artist

Modern, sculptural, and effortlessly cool.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Metal forming and fabrication

Contemporary jewelry design

Clean, architectural construction techniques

???? Diane Cook
Jewelry-Making Artist

Precision meets creativity in Diane’s beautifully constructed pieces.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Stone setting techniques

Fabrication fundamentals

Structural design for wearable art

???? Shannon Bundschuh
Mixed-Media Artist

Playful, expressive, and full of color.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Acrylic layering

Color exploration

Abstract composition

Building depth and movement

???? Studio Luna Verde (Ace McCasland)
Jewelry-Making Artist

Organic, nature-inspired metalwork with a soulful edge.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Textured metalsmithing

Natural forms in jewelry

Patinas and surface treatments

Earth-inspired design approaches

???? Hoss Rogers
Jewelry-Making Artist

Known for his inventive spirit and approachable teaching style, Hoss brings both technique and ingenuity to the bench.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Tool-making and tool adaptation

Problem-solving in metalsmithing

Efficient bench practices

Creative approaches to fabrication

???? April Lozevski
Mixed-Media Artist

April’s work is layered, expressive, and deeply personal—inviting students to explore their own visual voice.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Layered collage and composition

Mark-making and texture building

Combining paint, paper, and found elements

Developing intuitive creative flow

???????? April Bower
Jewelry-Making Artist

April blends thoughtful design with strong technical foundations, creating work that is both wearable and artful.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Metalsmithing fundamentals and beyond

Soldering and fabrication techniques

Creating cohesive jewelry collections

Surface design and finishing

???? Anne Mitchell
Jewelry-Making Artist

Anne’s classes are both refined and approachable, with a focus on creating beautiful, wearable pieces with precision.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Stone setting (faceted and calibrated stones)

Creating coordinated jewelry sets

Fine silver fabrication

Design balance and proportion

???????? Nancy Anderson (Sweet Bird Studio)
Mixed-Media Artist

Nancy’s work is heartfelt and expressive, often centered around storytelling and meaningful imagery.

Techniques you’ll explore:

Mixed-media collage

Visual storytelling through imagery and text

Layering techniques for depth and meaning

Personal symbolism in art


More Than Classes

STUDIO ELEVEN is more than a schedule—it’s an experience.

✨ STUDIO ELEVEN Commons
A relaxed gathering space to connect, create, share, and simply be.

✨ Onsite Shops
Featuring SJ Jewelry Supply and curated mixed-media offerings—making it easy to get what you need, when you need it.

✨ Community
Come solo or with friends—you’ll leave with both.


Take a look at what’s coming together…
We’re just getting started, and classes are beginning to roll out now.

???? Explore STUDIO ELEVEN
???? Preview instructors + upcoming classes
???? Start planning your week

STUDIO ELEVEN by Vivi Magoo


We cannot wait to welcome you into this new space.

A space to explore.
To stretch creatively.
To reconnect—with your art and with each other.

STUDIO ELEVEN is calling… and we’d love to have you with us.

With excitement,
Barb & the Vivi Magoo Team

Barb (602) 509-6030 (cell)
Barb@ViviMagoo.com
Erin (602) 615-4136 (cell)
Erin@ViviMagoo.com