Join us August 4th-8th for our 6th annual Indigofest Retreat at the historic Sou’wester Lodge and Resort in Seaview, Washington.

This retreat spans the indigo universe from fresh indigo plants(persiciaria tinctoria) to pigment extraction with a special focus on vat creation, care, and resist techniques.

Workshop Highlights:

• The Local Coast Vat made with local indigo pigment

• Resist techniques and pattern play with shape resist - feat. our custom wood and 3D printed shapes.

• Indigo beyond the vat: paper, ink, and more

• Fresh indigo plant processing techniques.

• Aqueous pigment extraction

• Indirubin exploration

• Interactive art installation

• A nurturing learning community - creative collaboration connects hearts.

Retreat Dates: August 4th- 8th 2025

Overview: Meet & Greet with focaccia & komBluecha and all campus check-in starts at 4-6pm Monday the 4th. Workshops and group activities through the week T/W/Th 9am-4pm. Thursday night group pizza, potluck, & giveaways. Closing circle and checkout by 11am Friday the 8th.

Location: Sou'wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort

Address: 3728 J Pl, Seaview, WA 98644

Registration Deadline: July 1st

Retreat Ticket Includes: All workshop instruction, materials, & fiber, daily sauna access, and pizza, potluck, & giveaways on Thursday evening. Retreat ticket does not include lodging or meals(with the exception of Thurs nite pizza dinner +potluck). You must secure lodging through the Sou’wester link separately below. Tickets are non-refundable, please view our cancelation policy Here.

Lodging: Please note a new window will open when you click the link to secure lodging, please finish checking out your retreat ticket here and secure your lodging separately with Sou’wester. A lodging discount of 20% per night is automatically applied for Indigofest participants.

Click here to reserve your lodging with Sou’wester

If attending with children: the Family Bus, Cabin, Large Lodge suite, or Park model vintage trailers are the best lodging options.

New True Blue Children’s Camp: We are excited to partner with Dylan Jude Harrell Community Programs to offer a parallel children’s camp for ages 6-11 this year. This camp is onsite at the Sou’wester and features nature-based learning featuring indigo processes & play. True Blue camp runs adjacent to the main retreat schedule from 9am-4pm Tuesday-Thursday August 5th-7th. We will have a family-friendly full campus check-in on 4-6pm Monday the 4th and checkout is Friday the 8th by 11am. More details and to pre-register, click Here

True Blue Camp Program:

• Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center is a 5013C insured and vetted non-profit program offering camps/afterschool programs for the Long Beach community

• Instructors: Ally Bruser (camp director) and Tully Sullivan Daire(facilitator)

• Ages 6-11(1st-5th grade as of fall ‘25) with a maximum of 20 participants

• Price: $50 per child, 9am-4pm August 5th-7th onsite at Sou’wester (children will bring a packed lunch to camp or take the option to meet with them each day for lunch hour)

Sou’wester Info: The Sou’wester provides a variety of lodging options from full cabins, spacious lodge suites, an assortment of vintage travel trailers(sleeping 1-4 people) , and campsites/bring your own trailer/RV sites. Situated just blocks from the beach and the Discovery Trail, and only 15 miles from Astoria, Oregon, our location is perfect for exploring the rich history, natural beauty, and lush bounty of the evergreen coast. The Sou’wester grounds feature fire pits, picnic tables, and inviting outdoor spaces. The three-story lodge features a front porch market curated with a collection of snacks and provisions, local and regional beer and wine, handmade gifts, art and wellness products along with a nostalgic VHS/ Vinyl library. The onsite garden and finish sauna will also be available to Indigofest participants in the evenings during your stay.

Long distance travelers: The PDX Portland International Airport is located approximately 2 hrs from our venue. PDX airport has rental car options and we can assist in arranging rental/ride sharing with participants.

Mask Policy: Please bring a mask as it will be required for specific class activities(mulling/grinding fine powders, etc.).

Dog Friends: In our experience it is preferable to keep class time dog-free. If you plan on bringing a dog, please make arrangements for them to stay in your lodging while you enjoy workshop time. Sou’wester Dog Policy allows canine guests in trailers and cabins(no dogs allows in Main Lodge or Sauna). There is a one time $20 cleaning fee. We ask that you bring blankets to cover bedding and furniture. Washington State Law requires all dogs to be on leashes and we trust that you will be responsible for your dog while you are here.

Scholarships: We offer scholarships to the Chinook Nation, BIPOC community, and low-income participants. May 1st deadline for scholarship applications, apply Here

View the gallery from Indigofest ‘24 Here- passcode: “blue2024”

All images courtesy of Erin Scabuzzo

Questions? Contact us at northcoastindigo@gmail.com