The Humble Beginnings of Starry Night
Starry Night Retreat has been in the making for almost 13 years. The property was purchased by our director, Monika Proffitt, when she was just 24 years old. At the time, she had not foreseen what was to come or how the little run-down property would evolve into an inspirational, reflective, and relaxing artist residency.
Back in 2000, Monika was working in social work and found herself in Truth or Consequences by way of an independent study project. This is a love at first sight kind of story, and she would return every year. Eventually she purchased 718 Van Patten, a small (did we already say run-down?) apartment complex in the downtown hot springs district. It came complete with lots of leaky pipes, and an abundance of weeds and work.
Starry Night before Starry Night
At this time Starry Night was barely a glimmer in Monika’s eye; she fixed up what she could and began renting out the property occasionally, while using the current staff apartment as a getaway and art studio when she visited from Seattle. Down came the pink fence, up came more privacy. Out came the weeds, in went flower beds and a variety of flowers and herbs. Concrete was poured, walls were painted, ideas were formed. Scroll down to see just how far we came in the months before we opened our doors in 2011.
View of the carport, which now serves as our lounge area, after the cement pad was poured
The well, and a view of the old fence in the back
Once upon a time, there was a sad, empty courtyard
A new fence – and a flirt with selling the property
Weed blocking and new flower beds – and revitalized hope in our little oasis
Red gravel and the establishment of the fire pit
…After lots of hard work…
Before filling the planters with dirt.
The new walkway and planters.
The first tub for our very own hot springs.
Cerillos after its first makeover, but still a long way from the cozy apartment it has become
Pretty bare bones
Ah, the early days
Pouring the new walkways
Putting in furniture in what would become the Artist In Residence units
Electrical and plumbing work for functional apartments is always a good thing…
Our first new plants!
And up go the twinkle lights!
To see more of our grounds as they look now, click here.
