WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

The Elkhorn Ranch Workshop and Events Program invites talented people into the ranch community to inspire, teach and entertain ~ an experiential travel addition to ranch life.

The leader participates in daily life, alongside our guests ~ dining in the Long House and sharing time outdoors on the trail. Their presence integrates the arts or science into Elkhorn’s unique blend of camaraderie, wilderness adventure horseback riding or hiking, and Sonoran desert relaxation.

Workshops are designed to include more deliberate interactive teaching that progresses through the week. Activities take place daily Monday through Friday, often in the late afternoon). The activities strive to work around the horseback riding schedule, but in some cases could involve choosing between workshop and riding in the afternoon.

A Residency involves having the leader informally share their talent with guests throughout the week and provide at least two formal programs. For example, a painter sets up a studio space on the ranch and provides a slide show and drawing lesson. A scientist shares insight during rides or hikes and provides late afternoon or after supper educational programs.

Most, but not all, events are offered as part of the all-inclusive ranch vacation experience. If there are additional charges, they are specifically noted in individual event descriptions.

OLD-TIME MUSIC

JAN 3 –10, 2027

Led by Sandol Astrausky, Charlie Nolan, and Bill Burke. Inspired by the tradition of old-time music where friends gather to make music together.

FOLK & BLUEGRASS MUSIC

JAN 10 – 17, 2027

Elkhorn’s music weeks have stretched beyond the popular Old-Time Music Workshop to include a second week with an open-minded folk orientation led by Peter McLaughlin and Chris Brashear.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

JAN 17 – 24, 2027

Led by Curt Gerston and Laura McCarthy. Unravel the mysteries of still photography and video, plus learn what you can do with all those great images!

DESERT LANDSCAPE ART

JAN 24 – 31, 2027

Deborah Mechigian of Flagstaff will guide daily opportunities to capture the beauty of the ranch using watercolor or pastels.

Coming Into Balance: Exploring Relationships Through Horsemanship

JAN 24 – 31, 2027 AND
JAN 31 – FEB 7, 2027

Jim Culver works with a small group of 6 people to explore and improve communication and partnership with your horse, and with people.

HUMAN HISTORY OF THE ALTAR VALLEY

FEB 7 – 14, 2027

Explore and learn around the ranch and on the trail with Archaeologists in Residence Bill Doelle and Linda Mayro.

OPEN ART STUDIO WITH KATE AITCHISON – FAMILY FRIENDLY!

April 11 – 18, 2027

Artist in Residence Kate Aitchison sets up a welcoming open studio in the ranch dining room. Activities expand outdoors when things get messy! Great for kids and adults!

DESERT CREATURES WITH BERMEE – FAMILY FRIENDLY!

April 18 – 25, 2027

Herpatologist Juan *Bermee” Bermudez brings live animals to the ranch to teach and entertain and inspires exploration of Elkhorn’s desert creatures with kids and adults!

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR WORKSHOP OR RESIDENT WEEK

*Meals at 7:30-9:00am, 12:30pm, and 6:30pm