The Retreat is about cultivating creativity and uncovering inspiration at your own pace. January is a perfect time to set out on self-guided explorations—whether in your city, from the comfort of your home, or through an imaginative journey sparked by a book or film.
This month’s Cultural Compass features Suggested Field Trips—artistic experiences to enrich your January. Think of these as optional stops on your journey, just like the curated readings a professor might assign for self-study. You decide where they take you! Need a visual map- HERE
🎨 Artist Spotlight: LaToya M. Hobbs
Explore the stunning woodcut prints of LaToya M. Hobbs, which celebrate Black womanhood with profound artistry. Dive into themes of resilience, identity, and family through her intricate work.
Exhibit to See: Carving Out Time
📍 Milwaukee Art Museum
📅 Special Guest Gallery Talk: January 5, 7:30 PM
Why It Matters: Her process reminds us that even the hardest materials—like wood—can tell tender and transformative stories.
✨ Events by City
Milwaukee, WI
Winter Series: Meadow
🖼️ Immerse yourself in serene landscapes blending modern and traditional artistry—a visual retreat for the soul.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
🎷 Let the brilliance of jazz spark your imagination.
📅 January 30, 7:30 PM
Chicago, IL
Project Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica
🌍 Discover how Pan-African artistry continues to shape and inspire cultural movements.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
🎭 A vibrant theatrical celebration of creativity and connection.
📅 January 19–February 25
Fort Worth, TX
Diaries of Home
🏠 This exhibit explores themes of belonging and memory through evocative visual storytelling.
San Antonio, TX
Whitfield Lovell: Passages
🖼️ A deep dive into memory, identity, and history through poignant artwork.
Women Artists of the Ballets Russes
🎭 Explore groundbreaking designs by women who shaped the Ballets Russes.
New York, NY
Edges of Ailey
If you can’t make it to the exhibition, bring it home. This coffee table book is a stunning reflection on Alvin Ailey’s legacy and the power of dance to communicate universal emotions.
🎥 Arthouse Movie Pick
American Fiction
This sharp satire on race and storytelling is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Perfect for an introspective evening or sparking conversation with friends, this film invites you to question the narratives we consume and create.
📰 Premium Magazine Pick
Ursula, Issue 11
Filled with fresh perspectives on contemporary art, Ursula is a visual and intellectual delight. This issue is an invitation to spend a quiet afternoon exploring new ideas and finding beauty in unexpected places.
🎵 Currently Listening
Relax & Unwind
Smooth grooves to complement your January evenings.
This month’s Cultural Compass is your invitation to explore the arts at your own pace. Whether venturing out for a gallery visit, curling up with a great film, or flipping through the pages of a stunning magazine, every step you take feeds your creativity.
Have you embarked on a field trip or found inspiration from these recommendations? I’d love to hear about it! Share your discoveries in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other this January.
[…] This outfit strikes a balance between ease and intentionality. It’s the perfect blend of artistic flair and practicality—ideal for gallery hopping, coffee sipping, or simply soaking in the creative vibes of your favorite arts district. With thoughtful details like the Sera Tote and Dainty Turbanette, this look is layered, cohesive, and just plain fun. Who says comfort and style can’t go hand in hand? Certainly not you—Sunday never looked so good. If you need to find an event take a look at our “January’s Cultural Compass: Guided by Art and Discovery” here. […]