COCUCO - THE BEAUTY MAKERS
ART+ SOUL RETREAT - AUGUST '25 

Write your awesome label here.

A LOVE NOTE FROM MELODY 
I'm so grateful and honored that you're here. This will be the first art retreat ever held at COCUCO’s new desert sanctuary, right at the base of Red Mountain in Ivins, Utah. This land is ancient and electric. And ohhhh this beautiful new space we are building—it’s not just a studio—it’s a soul's refuge, a creative nest of beauty for all of us. Every inch is being created with love, intention, and meaning (and the most epic collection of art supplies and tools and pieces and scraps, of course.)

Every detail of this retreat is being curated from the deepest, most transformational pieces of my own journey back to joy, beauty, and belonging.

I love you and I can't wait to see you, gather with you and make life beautiful with you!

xo - melody 


AUGUST 2025 retreat - AUGUST 11-15
It is now April 29, and this retreat has 8 spots left. Please register soon if you really want to come! 

After you register, you’ll receive a welcome packet from Angela that will give you info about flying here, your packing list, what time we are starting, the address,  etc!!!

I hope you can make it!!!!
xoxo
melody 


Optional On-Site Lodging
Want the full experience? Stay on-site in our “girl party” sleepover-style shared
accommodations —cozy, feminine, and full of late-night laughter. Women only. Limited spots available. You'll have a full shared kitchen, shared bathroom, washer and dryer, a shared living room and your own bed. 
Onsite lodging is limited, and first come, first served. 
Retreat Only: $1,444
Retreat + On-Site Lodging: $1,829

Contact ANGELA - angela@cocuco.shop to book our onsite lodging and tell us if you have a preferred roomie.

There are many wonderful hotels and air b-n-b's in the area if you prefer to stay offsite.

An Immersive, Soulful Retreat For Creative Women

You're invited to five days of beauty, art, and soulful connection beneath the stunning red cliffs of southern Utah. This isn't just a retreat — it’s a call to come home to your creative essence. A place to remember who you are, what lights you up, and to co-create in community. Together, we’ll gather to rest, make art, share stories, and tap into the magic of summer. It’s messy art tables and midnight talks. It’s soul journaling with views that will take your breath away. It’s a sacred sleepover for your inner artist. It's sunset walks that will remind you of everything your soul wants you to remember. 

You need this.
There is time for you.
Take this time, for you.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes... including you.”
— Anne Lamott

Your soul is calling.
Your creativity is calling.
The life you yearn to live is calling.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” — Thomas Merton

Who is this experience created for?

It's for YOU, beloved friend! This retreat is for the Beauty Makers — those who feel alive when they're creating, who find poetry in the mundane, who want to remember the wonder of being a woman, and who long to gather with other wild-hearted souls. Whether you're a seasoned artist or simply crave creative expression, this is your space.

You have this one life.
It matters. 
You matter.

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
— Jean Shinoda Bolen

You've been waiting.
Years, you've been waiting.
It's your time.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
— Anaïs Nin

What's Included?

 • All workshops & creative sessions with Melody
 • A one hour one-on-one coaching session with Melody
• A very special group session with Angela
• Brand new life-transforming curriculum
• Daily nourishing snacks & drink bar
• A curated swag bag (think: magic in a tote)
• All art + project materials provided (really great ones) 
• Soulful surprises (the kind that make your eyes sparkle)
JUST BRING YOUR CREATIVE HANDS
AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL HEART

OK, Dear soul kindred, wild & tender wise woman, this part is for you:

I know you’ve been waiting for this. Quietly, patiently. Maybe even scrolling past retreats and workshops for years, whispering to yourself, “Someday…” But always putting something else first. Always tending to others, always waiting for the perfect timing. And yet… here you are. Still hearing the call. Still carrying that little ache that says, “I need this. I want this. I’m ready.”

T h i s    i s   y o u r   m o m e n t.


I know how easy it is to talk yourself out of things like this. To believe it’s too indulgent, too expensive, too far, too much. To convince yourself that now’s not the time. But sister—what if it is? What if this is the door you’ve been waiting to walk through? What if your soul has been circling this invitation for years, and it’s finally here?


This isn’t a massive, crowded event. It’s small, sacred, intentional. It’s for the women who feel the quiet nudge and say yes before fear steals the mic. The truth is—these spots will go quickly, because the right ones always find their way here. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Not just to come—but to choose yourself. To stop delaying your healing, your joy, your remembering.


Come. Let us love you, hold space for you, create beside you. Let you love you—maybe for the first time in a long time. You have given so much. This is your soul’s time to receive.

You don’t have to earn it. You just have to say yes.

We’ll be waiting with open arms and messy paintbrushes.


Slide to the next slide to see what we will be doing!
Then slide to the one after that for the FAQ page!

What we will be doing:

This retreat is a celebration of hands-on beauty, soulful expression, and sisterhood. Each d ay is a mix of creative immersion and inner a wakening. You'll leave with more than just what you ma de — you’ll leave with who you remembered yourself to be.

We’ll Create With Our Hands... A Beautiful Canvas Masterpiece Your heart on a canvas. Guided by soul, shaped by color, kissed by intuition. Wearable Art of your creativity. Make a pair of earrings, necklace, or bracelet that feels like you. Not just an accessory! Art Space Adornments to take home and adorn your own sacred creative space. 
-A hand-painted paintbrush cup
-Your own signature palette, made from scratch
-Adorned, sacred paintbrushes
-A gorgeous creative mat to work on each day

We’ll Create With Our Souls...
-Mini Art Journal A pocket-sized sacred space for spontaneous poetry, soul whispers, and creative sparks. This little book becomes your summer relic.

Morning Soul Work Lessons... Gentle guidance, heart-opening teachings, and deep reflection to set the tone each day.

Nightly Sharing Circles... Under the stars, in a circle of kindreds — we’ll share, listen, laugh, cry, and hold space for each other’s truths. Because your story is sacred here. 

Each moment of our time together is curated with care, beauty, and meaning—because this isn’t just about making things, it’s about making meaning. In between creating, you’ll have time to rest, wander the desert trails, soak up the Red Mountain sunrise, sip tea in sacred silence, or connect deeply with new soul sisters.

You’ll be surrounded by color, texture, music, laughter, and the kind of conversations that stitch something back together inside of you. There will be time to connect with your new friends, or silently with yourself, and you’ll have access to cozy nooks and dreamy outdoor spaces designed to invite inspiration. Everything about this retreat is crafted to feel like exhaling after holding your breath for way too long. And because you are more than your art—this retreat honors your whole self.

We’ll move our bodies gently each day, nourish ourselves with yummy snacks and food for our souls, and make space for quiet integration and play. There will be spontaneous moments of music and magic, surprise creative prompts, and little soul-treasures to take home. By the end of the week, you won’t just have handmade beauty to carry back with you—you’ll have a deeper connection to your own inner compass, a circle of kindreds to cheer you on, and a renewed sense of joy, clarity, and sacred permission. This is more than a retreat—it’s a revival of your truest self.

FAQ

Who is this retreat for?‬ ‭ This is a women’s retreat for anyone who identifies as a‬‭ Beauty Maker‬‭ — artists,‬ ‭ creatives, seekers, beginners, and seasoned soul explorers alike. If you long for‬ ‭ connection, expression, and beauty in your life, this is for you.‬ ‭

Do I need to be “an artist” to attend?‬ ‭ Absolutely not. If you’ve ever doodled in the margins of a notebook, arranged flowers‬ ‭ on a table, or felt the joy of making something by hand — you already are. We’ll‬ ‭ guide you gently, step by step. No experience required. Just a willing heart.‬ ‭

What’s included in the retreat price?‬ ‭ Everything you need to create and connect:‬ ● ‬‭ All art supplies + materials‬ ● ‬‭ Daily snacks and refreshments‬ ● ‬‭ A curated swag bag full of beauty‬ ● ‬‭ Daily soul work lessons + guided creative time‬ ● ‬‭ Nightly sharing circles‬ ● ‬‭ All workshop sessions and materials‬ ‭ ‭ ‭ ‭ ‭ ‭ ‭ If you choose the on-site lodging option, your stay in our cozy, feminine group‬ ‭ housing is also included.‬ ‭

Where is the retreat held?‬‭ Ivins, Utah — a sacred desert space nestled beneath‬‭ Red Mountain‬‭ . Think: red rocks,‬ ‭ golden skies, and quiet magic. Exact address provided upon registration.‬ ‭

Can I come alone?‬ ‭ Yes! Many do — and find instant soul-sisters. We’ve intentionally created a space‬ ‭ where connection blooms easily, and no one is left on the edges.‬ ‭

What are the sleeping arrangements like?‬ ‭ Our on-site lodging is a‬‭ girl-party-style sleepover‬‭ — cozy, comfortable, and‬ ‭ connection-filled. Think shared rooms, soft lighting, late-night chats, and sacred‬ ‭ sisterhood. Bring your favorite PJs. This option is for women only.‬ ‭

Are meals provided?‬ ‭ We provide daily nourishing snacks, hydration stations, and some treats throughout‬ ‭ the retreat. You’ll be on your own for main meals, with lots of great local options‬ ‭ nearby. (We’ll send our favorite spots in the welcome guide!)‬ ‭

Is there a payment plan?‬ ‭ To honor the intimacy and intentionality of this retreat,‬‭ full payment is required at‬ ‭ the time of booking‬‭ to secure your spot. With only‬‭ 18 spaces available per session,‬ ‭ your reservation ensures we can fully prepare your materials, space, and‬ ‭ soul-nourishing surprises in advance.‬ ‭ We appreciate your understanding and commitment — this allows us to create the‬ ‭ most magical, heart-aligned experience for everyone attending.‬ ‭

What’s your cancellation policy?‬ ‭ Due to the intimate size of the retreat and the nature of the planning, all sales are‬ ‭ final. However, you may transfer your spot to another person if needed. Reach out to‬ ‭us and we’ll help coordinate.‬

We’ve poured our hearts into every detail of this retreat with the hope that it feels like a true homecoming—to your creativity, to your joy, and to the parts of you that are so ready to be seen and celebrated. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. We can’t wait to welcome you with open arms, paint-stained hands, and hearts full of love. Your seat in the circle is ready—and your soul already knows the way.
WE WILL BE CREATING:
  • a gorgeous collage canvas
  • decorated paintbrushes,
  • soulful, exquisite natural stone jewelry
  • a handcrafted paint palette
  • an heirloom handcrafted paint water cup
  • a beautiful art journal

Where have I been, anyway?

After more than five years away from hosting the most epic and life transforming art retreats, I’m finally coming back—and I’m coming back an older and wiser woman, as we do after our most transformative years. I am grateful for these years, I am more me than ever. It's been a wild ride for all of us, I have missed you!

. . . and, you might’ve wondered where I went, why I got quiet, why the retreats stopped. But here’s the truth: I didn’t disappear. I descended.

I went into the wilderness of life, of loss, of deep remembering. And while I was there, I learned the kind of truths you can’t gather from books or stages. I was initiated into the kind of beauty that can only be born from ashes. And now, I’m ready—ohhhh, so so called—to gather again.

COCUCO was born from the idea that we don’t have to create in isolation anymore—that healing and artistry thrive in community, in co-creation, in sacred collaboration. It’s a return to what’s real. A gathering of the makers, the truth-speakers, the soul-tenders. And this first retreat is more than an event—it’s a threshold.

The ones who come will know they were called. The right souls always show up. I know you’re here because you’ve always wanted to come to one of my gatherings. I see you. And I’m so honored. These life-changing, beautiful retreats are my soul’s calling. Creating them and witnessing the transformation that unfolds—it’s the work I was born to do.

I am so grateful to be back in my purpose. And this one? It will be extra special. So if you’ve felt the ache to create again, to remember yourself in the company of kindreds, to return to the ritual of beauty-making—not just as a hobby, but as a spiritual path—this is your invitation.

Come sit in the circle. Come make art with your whole heart. Come be seen, be known, and begin again. Let’s make some magic. Let’s start this next chapter together. With so much love, melody freebird

We change.
We transform.
We become. .

“The only journey is the one within.” —Rainer Maria Rilke

Parts of us die.
New parts are reborn.
I'm here for it.

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
—C.S. Lewis

What Exactly Is COCUCO?

Let me tell you what COCUCO really is—not just what we’re doing, but why it matters.

COCUCO stands for Collaborate, Curate, Co-Create—but it’s more than a name, it’s a soulmap. It’s the blueprint for how I want to spend the rest of my days.

I created COCUCO because after decades of creating in the commercial world, I knew it was time to create in communion. Time to gather the ones I love—the artists, the truth-tellers, the healers, the ones who have beauty stitched into their bones—and make something together that’s not just beautiful, but meaningful. This is for those of us who believe that art is a form of remembering. That soulwork and paintbrushes go hand in hand. That beauty can be a spiritual discipline. That gathering in creative, intentional ways can heal us.

COCUCO is a sanctuary disguised as an art collective. It’s a place to come home to yourself, to your people, to the parts of your voice that have been whispering beneath the noise. It’s a return to soulful, slow-making—where no one has to hustle for their worth, where we celebrate artistry in all its forms, and where we lift each other as we rise.

If you’ve ever felt like there was no place in the world that fully held your spirit, I want you to know—we built this for you. For us. For the ones who make beauty out of brokenness, who still believe in goodness, who are ready to create not just from inspiration but from truth. This is where the magic happens now. And I am so, so honored to finally invite you in.

P.S.  COCUCO will have an online community called COCUCO Kindreds and a beautiful online shop with videos and tutorials called COCUCO SHOP, it's still being built but it's soon soon soon. 

We dream.
We believe.
We create.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wild & destructive times
call for wild & beautiful new ways.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
—Henry David Thoreau

WE ARE IN IVINS, UTAH,
a beautiful & scenic area
of Saint George, Utah

Nestled at the base of Red Mountain, this sacred desert landscape will hold us in beauty, sacred fun, and soul-soothing awe. The land itself is part of the magic. This is the land I now call home. 

If you're flying to us for the retreat, you can fly into Saint George, Utah airport or Las Vegas airport is less than 2 hours away and has a shuttle that comes to Saint George several times a day.

Once you register, we will send you an information packet to find everything you'll need here!

Be sure to scroll to the FAQ above, so many questions will be answered there!

NO, NO, NO.
You do not have to be
"an artist."

What even is an artist, anyway? If you have a soul that aches to create, to make something with your hands, to express what words can’t hold—that’s more than enough.

We’ll guide you through every step, but really... your soul will be leading the way.

It’s beauty, bravery, and belonging wrapped in sunlit desert air. It’s sacred space to exhale and remember who you are. We’ll paint, we’ll make, we’ll laugh-cry around soul circles and feast on soul food and stay up late talking about real things. You’ll leave with treasures in your hands, stories in your heart, and a glow that only comes from being seen, known, and nourished.

YES, YES, YES.
It is definitely going to be
as wonderful as it sounds.

Maybe even more!  This isn’t just an art retreat—it’s a beautiful homecoming, to yourself. It's a gathering of your soul's kindred. 

If you’ve been craving a reset, a remembering, or a sacred pause to reconnect with your inner artist (or discover her for the first time)—this is it. This is where we begin again, together. Come as you are. Leave a little more whole. You are so deeply invited.

And just so you know—you won’t be behind, too old, too messy, too anything. You’ll be perfect. Just as you are. We’re not here to impress—we’re here to express. To be real. To be raw. To be radiant in our own way. This retreat is a homecoming for the creative parts of you that have been waiting patiently for their turn. And sister… it’s their turn now.

Write your awesome label here.
HERE'S WHO WILL BE TAKING CARE OF YOU!

This is us!

From Melody:

Hi, I’m Melody Ross—artist, writer, mentor, and Founder & Soulkeeper of COCUCO. For nearly three decades, I’ve been creating for my own global brands and for countless others—designing products, telling stories, and building epic soul-stirring retreats and gatherings that blend art with meaning.

I’ve written over 20 books, created more than 50 transformational courses, and developed the Art Healer curriculum now taught by instructors all over the world. But at the heart of it all, I’m just someone who believes in the power of beauty, truth, and co-creation to change everything.

COCUCO was born from a dream to gather soulful artists together—to make things that matter, to tell stories that heal, and to create beauty that feels like coming home. I get to lead the creative pulse of our collections, contribute my own art and soulwork, and help steward a community built on love, authenticity, and collaboration.

I’ve been married to my dream guy for 35 years, and together we’ve raised five incredible children and now have seven beautiful grandchildren. They are the deepest part of my why—and the greatest creations of my life.

Slow mornings with my guitar and watching birds out my window . . . that's where most of my inspiration begins. I believe we’re here to make beauty not just as artists, but as humans. And that’s what COCUCO is all about.

Let’s make something beautiful—together.


From Angela:

Hi, I’m Angela—creative strategist, systems whisperer, and co-dreamer of COCUCO. I’m the behind-the-scenes magic-maker who turns vision into structure, soul into strategy, and creative chaos into something beautifully aligned.

When Melody brought this idea to me—fully formed in heart and ready to be born—I felt the sacredness of being asked to help midwife it into the world. From the very beginning, I’ve had the honor of building alongside her, weaving the bones of what would become a movement of soulful collaboration.

As Director of Sacred Structure, I help shape the frameworks that hold our collections, artists, and community with integrity and clarity. I thrive in the space where purpose meets practicality, where beauty has a rhythm, and where creativity is supported by something that lasts.

I’m also an artist and writer, and you’ll find some of my own soulwork and visual contributions woven into our seasonal collections—right alongside Melody’s. I believe in creating with intention, and I want everything we offer to feel like a homecoming.

Outside of this work, I’m a mama to the love of my life—my son, Lenny. He keeps me rooted in what matters most. I also work as a trauma-informed coach, blending Spiritual Psychology with Human Design, Gene Keys, and Astrology to help people know themselves, be themselves, and become the conscious creators of their lives.

COCUCO isn’t just a project—it’s a living container for truth, beauty, and co-creation. I’m so grateful to be part of this from the ground up.

Let’s make everything beautiful!
Patrick Jones - Course author
M E L O D Y   R O S S
Patrick Jones - Course author
A N G E L A   D I G I O V A N N I 
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