Artists Seeking Transcendence
For the betterment of artists and their creations
What we do.
Artists Seeking Transcendence is an organization dedicated to providing world-class workshops and retreats for composers, painters, filmmakers, crafters, dancers, writers, actors—artists of any type—that explore core character attributes like creativity, happiness, wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, and temperance. We share philosophical and scientific understandings of these topics and mentor artists as they wrestle with rich, enduring questions in the pursuit of bettering themselves and their creations.
Upcoming Events
Our most recent event, the Creativity Retreat, has concluded. Watch this space for announcements about our future activities.
If you prefer, follow us on social media or join our mailing list to receive updates. We only email you when we have something important to say, and you can unsubscribe any time.
Meet the Team.
FAQs.
How skilled of an artist do I need to be?
Our events accommodate a wide range of ability levels. Generally, our attendees fit into what might be called the emerging artist category. Many are college students majoring in an arts-related field, some are established professionals, and others are precocious teenagers. Wherever you are on your journey, our goal is to help you expand your knowledge and artistic ability.
What if I can’t attend all of the sessions in an event?
No problem! Registration provides access to all sessions, but it is not a requirement that participants attend every session. There are through-lines that thread segments of a workshop to each other, yet each session can stand independently as well.
Can I donate to the scholarship fund?
Absolutely! We are very thankful and grateful for the generosity of our supporters. It is because of them that we are able to maintain top-notch events while keep costs down for attendees. 100% of our scholarship fund goes to financially stressed artists, enabling them to attend our events at reduced cost. If you would like to support these efforts, please consider making a donation by clicking the link below.
What People Are Saying.
“AST pushed me to consider how I live in the world as a person with creative impulses and encouraged and challenged my creative practices with daring and exciting tasks. Daniel Smith’s tutelage was profoundly effective by making astute observations and passionately inquiring into our practices. I felt my creative practice grow more honest and representative of who I am.”
— Francisco G., photographer and former dancer with Paul Taylor Dance Company
“Artists Seeking Transcendence encourages big thoughts about the human condition. It provides an invaluable opportunity to experiment with philosophical ideas in the context of improving your artistic practice!”