2025 Mixtek Mystics with Amanda Sage & Joe Bob Merritt
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Join us at CoSM for the return of the Mixtek Mystics Masterclass, a week-long transformational painting retreat with Amanda Sage and Joe Bob Merritt. An annual experience at CoSM!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST
2024 Mixtek Mystics at CoSM
Amanda Sage and Joe Bob Merritt have masterfully woven their teachings together, crafting an enriching and effective learning experience tailored to individuals of all skill levels with a passion for art and an interest in personal transformation. This upcoming seminar is centered around exploring innovative Mixtek painting techniques while delving deep into Mystic Teachings.
Left: Anima Magika (self portrait), acrylic, casein & oil on canvas, 2024, Amanda Sage. Right: Self Portrait, Acrylic, Casein & Oil on Canvas, 2024, Joe Bob Merritt.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
This class is for intermediate to advanced students. Accepted applications will be notified asap in order to allow for travel planning.
Tuition is $1,300.00 and includes meals. Accommodations are additional. Payment plans are available.
MIXTEK
‘Mischtechnik’ means ‘Mixed Technique’. Developed by early visionary European renaissance masters such as Hieronymus Bosch and Van Eyck, this indirect painting process was revived and reinterpreted by the Austrian painter Ernst Fuchs in the 1950’s.
‘Paradise Tree’ by Ernst Fuchs
Fundamentals of the Mischtechnik have been adopted by many painters working with fantastic and visionary subject matter, as the transparencies and use of light in the development of a painting are exquisite and lend to an ease of rendering the subties, transparencies, and complexities of visionary experiences.
The Great Wave of Trainsformation, acrylic, casein & oil on canvas 4x6’, 2020-21, Amanda Sage & Joe Bob Merritt
Amanda was first introduced to this method in 1996 by Michael Fuchs and Philip Rubinov-Jacobson, which led to a 2 year apprenticeship with Michael Fuchs. She then worked for 10 years as a painting assistant to Ernst Fuchs. Since 2011, Amanda has taught workshops based on this technique while continually integrating and evolving the MixTek approach in her own work.
Ernst Fuchs, Amanda Sage & Michael Fuchs 2013 - Vienna at the Galerie 10
Amanda will guide participants in her approach to the Mischtechnik, which she refers to as 'Painting with Light.' During the seminar we will explore various techniques and materials through lectures and hands-on experience while creating paintings using basic and advanced concepts of this process of in-direct painting.
Sequence example of the development of a painting, Amanda Sage
Mischtechnik color charts; layers of transparent color glaze create new hues, depth and luminosity
While participants can choose their subjects, Amanda & Joe Bob encourage working on self-portraits from a mirror, as this project offers the chance to deeply study both inner and outer aspects of the self.
Drawing and underpainting stages of the Mischtechnik, Mixtek Mystics, 2024
MYSTICS
We are tripping in a temple of time, upon the altar of the ever present. Psyght Seers we Art.
Amidst painting demonstrations and studio sessions, Joe Bob will deliver a series of talks on “The Science of Man’s Conscious Self Evolution”. These insights spring forth from ancient origins and arrive in the current age as a psychetechnical framework laid out by the late Dr. Bob Gibson. Drawing from over 25 years of engagement with these ideas, Joe Bob will humorously, precisely, in a rather common-folk way, share these ideas that describe techniques for investigation and experimentation, designed to be worked with in the midst of everyday life. The concepts covered in these lectures will include maps of the elements comprising the knowable aspects and behaviors of the self, the function of awareness, descriptions of obstructions to awareness, and ways to integrate the ideas into one’s artistic practice that may contribute to one’s ability to understand one’s self in relationship with Life and thus strengthen one’s ability to function creatively.
We believe that coming together as a community creates a unique opportunity to foster deep connections and forge lasting friendships. It is within this nurturing environment that we invite you to join us, where the shared experience becomes a catalyst for inspiration and collaboration.
This workshop is designed to empower you to not only refine your artistic skills but also to explore and challenge your creative boundaries. Together, we will delve into the art of bringing visions to life and creating meaningful, transformative artwork.
Students engaged in the study of the self while painting with light, Mixtek Mystics 2024
Mixing fresh egg tempera in the Art Lab, Mixtek Mystics, 2024
Accepted applications will receive a letter with a more detailed description of the workshop program, materials list, link to register and accommodation options at CoSM. Responses will come ASAP so you can start planning your travel.
If you have questions or need support in filling out the form, please email us: [email protected]
YOUR INSTRUCTORS:
Amanda Sage
Amanda Sage is an artist driven to contribute to the development of regenerative culture by using painting as a tool for transformation within the individual and collective.
Besides lecturing and teaching transformational painting workshops, her work has been exhibited in galleries, art fairs, museums and festivals worldwide.
Passionate about artistic social experiments, her endeavors are focused towards building, facilitating and participating in platforms designed to experiment and explore creative solutionary activism within community.
amandasage.com | visiontrain.org | IG: @amandasageart | FB: @amandasageart
'A New Dawn’ acrylic, casein & oil on canvas 2017 - Amanda Sage
Joe Bob Merritt
Joe Bob is interested in the intersection of the visionary arts, mindfulness, and the creative process. He believes that art making provides one with innumerable opportunities to develop sensory clarity, strengthen concentration skills, and cultivate powers of equanimity. He believes that the efforts that we as artists make in the cultivation of these skills contribute to the possibility of having direct experiences of freedom from mechanical conditioning and habitual re-actions, thus increasing the probability of intelligent, response-able, and creative activity in the midst of everyday life situations.
josephrobertmerritt.com | southmaingunnison.com | IG: @josephrobertmerritt
‘Persevere’, acrylic, casein and oil on wood, 2020, Joe Bob Merritt
‘The Wind in the Meat’ acrylic, casein & oil on canvas, 2018, Amanda Sage & Joe Bob Merritt
The real magic's gonna happen in the studio, where y'all will be helpin' each other out, growin' together, and fine-tunin' your craft while seein' the world from different angles. So, saddle up and mosey on over to the Mixtek Mystics Masterclass, where art, know-how, and soul-searchin' collide for a wild ride!
Amanda & Joe Bob, 2025
CoSM WORKSHOP SETTING:
Class sessions will take place in the beautiful, newly renovated MAGI Art Lab.
The Grey House, CoSM's Visionary Victorian guest house, provides accommodations for all participants. Residing onsite together is encouraged as part of this immersively creative week, providing maximum benefit & enrichment. Accommodations in the Grey House are offered in a variety of economies, in addition to the workshop fee.
For participants choosing to stay off-site, a $250 commuter’s fee covers use of CoSM facilities and amenities.
Participants are welcome to extend their overnight stay at CoSM to the Wednesday before and/or the Monday after the workshop, with limited availability after the workshop.
Available for the duration of the 7 day workshop:
- Three healthy meals daily provided by CoSM chefs
- Coffee, tea and snacks available in the Art Lab between meals
- Access to Grey House common spaces — The Library, The Parlor, The Dining Hall & Gallery Spaces on all three floors
- Yoga mats for self guided practice
- Accommodations include private rooms and shared dorm rooms—femme only or co-ed options
- The Wisdom Trail offers a contemplative walk through the CoSM woods, including a labyrinth, outdoor sculptural installations by visionary artists
Participation also includes Day Admission to CoSM: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 6pm:
- Access to Facilities, grounds and self-touring Entheon
- Students are welcome to experience Entheon and Grey House Galleries, including both CoSM Shop & Entheon Shop.
- Beverages and light fare will be available for purchase in the Mushroom Cafe, an immersively muraled space with mushroom themed contributions from 19 accomplished visionary artists
MATERIALS:
Egg tempera emulsion demonstration
Participants will be invited to work in acrylic, casein, egg tempera and oil depending on their preferences.
Basic materials are included in the tuition fee.
A thorough list of provided, additionally required & suggested materials list will be shared upon registration.
SCHEDULE:
All times are listed in EDT (detailed schedule will be shared upon registration).
Thursday, October 23rd
- 3pm-5pm: Guests arrive by 5pm and check-in to their rooms.
- 6pm: Dinner & Orientation are part of the workshop for all participants.
- 7:30pm: Opening Circle & Presentation on the History of Visionary Art in the Library
Friday, October 24th through Tuesday, October 28th
- 8am - 9am: Self-serve breakfast in the Dining Hall
- 9am: Work Session in the Library or Art Lab
- 1pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
- 2:30pm: Demo & studio work in the Art Lab
- 6pm: Dinner in the Dining Hall
- 7:30pm: Work Session in the Art Lab
Wednesday, October 29th
- 8am - 9am: Self-serve Breakfast in the Dining Hall
- 9am: Clean up & Closing Circle in Art Lab
- 1pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
- 2pm: End of Workshop
- 4pm: CoSM closes
CoSM and Entheon are open weekly on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12pm - 6pm when CoSM Grounds close. Participation includes day passes during open hours to CoSM facilities and grounds for the duration of the workshop.
Students will experience a private tour of Entheon during the seminar, led by Alex Grey and Allyson Grey.
ADDITIONAL CoSM PROGRAMMING:
2025 Deities & Demons Masquerade Ball & Full Moon Gathering
Hosted by Alex Grey & Allyson Grey, and featuring live painting by Amanda Sage & Joe Bob Merritt!
- Saturday, November 1st, 2025
- 3pm - 1am
- CoSM is open for day visitors 12pm - 6pm
Since January 2003, CoSM has held an unbroken chain of Full Moon ceremonies that honor the importance of cosmic alignment, spirituality and creativity. We meet on this monthly high tide of the spirit because the Full Moon is a symbol of the Soul, a luminous circle reflecting a greater light, just as each of us are sacred mirrors of God’s shining presence. The evening includes:
- Full Moon Ceremony hosted by Alex & Allyson Grey
- Live Painting by Amanda Sage & Job Bob Merritt and others
- Music Performances: Stay Tuned!
- Costume Walk - Come Dressed to Impress!
- Bonfire & Fire Dancing
- Drinks, snacks, and interactive art
While the Grey House can accommodate all students during the workshop, only a few rooms are available for overnight stays during the Full Moon weekend. Workshop participants have first priority for these rooms and can indicate desired length of stay during registration.
*Tickets are additional and not included in workshop tuition.
2024 Mixtek Mystics at CoSM, Class Entheon Tour
TUITION:
This class is for intermediate to advanced students.
Tuition Details:
- Tuition for the 7-day Mixtek Mystics intensive includes meals - $1,300.00.
- Accommodations are additional.
- Payment plans available, with all funds due 1 month before the start of the workshop.
- For further information, contact [email protected]
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Grey House, CoSM’s Visionary Victorian guest house, offers accommodations for all participants. Works of art by Alex Grey, Allyson Grey and accomplished artists of the international Visionary Art community are featured throughout the guest rooms and common spaces of the Grey House.
Onsite accommodations are a part of the course experience and are available in a variety of economies. Here is the pricing for the six night stay, arriving Thursday, October 23rd, departing Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, reflective of the 10% workshop discount:
- Private king room with ensuite bathroom $1,485.00
- Private queen room with ensuite bathroom $1,350.00
- Private queen room with a shared bath $1,080.00
- Single bed in a dorm room $648.00 *femme only and co-ed options
A $250 commuters fee applies to participants staying off-site, covering use of CoSM facilities and amenities.
Accepted participants will receive instructions on booking accommodations along with their acceptance letter.
Questions about tuition or accommodation fees, payment plans, travel, retreat amenities, materials etc.?
Contact Genevieve Wood, Workshop Coordinator: [email protected]