WE’RE ADDING ANOTHER FUN EVENT TO OUR 2025 RETREAT! We’re pleased to announce THE MARKETPLACE February 6th thru February 8th noon until 7 pm La Paloma Resort and Spa Terrace Level OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE EVENT WHEN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6th thru SATURDAY, FEBRUARY, FEBRUARY 8th NOON UNTIL 7pm DAILY WHO Vivi Magoo instructors Vivi Magoo students Juried vendors WHERE … Read More
The Marketplace 2025 by Vivi Magoo
WE’RE ADDING ANOTHER FUN EVENT TO OUR 2025 RETREAT! We’re pleased to announce THE MARKETPLACE February 6th thru February 8th noon until 7 pm La Paloma Resort and Spa Terrace Level OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE if you’re a student or instructor at our retreat NO FEE TO BECOME A VENDOR! We want to showcase our awesome students and … Read More
Weather forecast in early February
Tucson weather ranges from daily highs of 70(ish) to overnight lows of 45 degrees. The extended forecast during our retreat looks beautiful! Picture Perfect! Here’s what Accu-Weather says about Tucson’s weather during our stay – It’s Chamber of Commerce perfect Our classrooms are generally well-controlled, but that’s not to say it may appear a bit warm or somewhat chilly to … Read More
One Small Item That Makes a Big Difference
HERE’S SOMETHING WE RECOMMEND One item we highly recommend packing is a small portable LED task light. A rechargeable or battery-operated light can make a tremendous difference, helping reduce eye strain and making it easier to see fine details, read instructions, and enjoy your creative time. Many lights fold flat for travel, take up very little room in your suitcase, … Read More
How do I get to the hotel?
FLYING If you’re flying into Tucson, you can pick up an Uber or Lyft at the airport, and they will get you safely to the Westin La Paloma in no time. It’s as simple as downloading an app, and you’ll be set up to request a ride in minutes. We use them all the time, and they are safe, less … Read More
A quick guide to shopping the gem shows
Wondering where to shop in Tucson? Wondering where all the gemstones are? Wondering how best to navigate Tucson gem shows? We have the answers and we’re here to help! __________________________________ If you want a concise online guide for many of the shows in Tucson, this is the one we recommend. Tucson Gem Shows __________________________________ REMEMBER THERE ARE RETAIL AND WHOLESALE … Read More
Grab these last-minute seats!
THE DESERT 2025 As of today, January 15th, these are classes with limited seating. If you see any you want, grab them quickly before they’re gone! February 6, 2025 Alex Boyd and Baleigh Acebo – DEMO: The alchemy of Gold April Bower – Sticks and Stones Danny Wade – “World Famous! Stamping Class!” Shannon Bundschuh – Dogwood Earrings Shannon Bundschuh … Read More
Not sure where to find a list of supplies you need to bring to class?
#Q – I’m coming to The Desert and need a supply list that includes to what to bring. Thanks for your help. I’m really excited! #A – Hi – so good to hear from you! Class supplies lists are located on our website – part of each class description. Click on the class for which you are registered, and scroll … Read More
Welcome to The Desert 2025
We are getting really excited about our upcoming retreat next month! We’re working diligently to put the finishing touches on everything to make it perfect for you. We’ll be emailing you – sometimes daily – over the next several weeks with updates and information that we hope will be beneficial. Our experience is that students become a bit anxious about … Read More
What an amazing experience!
We’re back home and (almost) settled in after our exciting retreat last month in Tucson. We were blessed with an amazing group of students and instructors – and the venue was incredible. February weather can be a bit of a wild card, and it surely was. One moment it was sunny and warm in the eighties, and next, winter rolled … Read More






