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BINGEN — Say hello to Wild Arts, a rustic workshop space founded by self-taught metalsmith, artisan jeweler and Pacific Northwest native Kim Thompson.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Bingen, the studio opened its doors in July, offering single and multi-day art workshops covering a wide swath of creative media. This spring, Thompson will begin hosting luxurious artistic and recreational retreats for women, promising participants an unforgettable blend of expression and adventure in the Columbia River Gorge.
Before dipping her toes into metalsmithing, Thompson bounced between corporate jobs. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that her creative interests began to bloom. Suddenly laid off and living in a house that didn’t have internet or TV, Thompson required a new direction — something to fill the monotonous days of quarantine. “I was kind of going crazy,” Thompson said. “I decided to try teaching myself metalsmithing, and I got sucked into it.”
Five years after the fact, Thompson is a professional craftswoman — the one-woman show behind her online shop, Wild Heart Wares, which boasts a diverse assortment of handmade, heirloom-quality jewelry.
Although she grew up just south of Olympia and frequented the Gorge during her lifetime, Thompson had yet to fully explore and absorb the area. Upon relocation to Bingen in 2021, increased exposure illuminated the Gorge’s wonders — from its stunning landscapes to its dynamic, vibrant communities. Moreover, Thompson began to recognize a new opportunity: a chance to utilize her creativity to access a thriving tourist scene. “The Gorge is what tipped me over the edge for this idea,” Thompson said.
Building off that notion, Wild Arts encourages women — locals and visitors alike — to experience the intersection of art and nature. “It doesn’t seem like creativity is encouraged in culture right now,” Thompson said. “But pursuing metalsmithing changed my life in very positive ways.”
While showcasing her work at the Hood River Farmer’s Market every other weekend, Thompson encountered numerous women wishing they were as creative as she was. “Everybody is creative,” Thompson said. “Writing, music, dance, art, whatever it is, everybody’s got something.”
Hoping to unearth that creative potential in all women who choose to participate, Wild Arts’ upcoming retreat packages offer a little slice of everything. Folks will get a hands-on taste of several forms of artistic expression during morning workshops, including metalsmithing, pottery, fiber arts, glass work, linocut, textile dyeing, hat making and more. Afternoons will venture outside the studio for wine tasting, e-bike rides, hiking and private tours. Each loaded day will end with an all-inclusive stay at the Society Hotel and Spa.
For those hoping for a smaller-scale excursion, the studio will continue to offer a variety of single-day workshops accessible to beginners, experts and anyone in between.
Moving forward, Thompson hopes the retreats are a big hit with customers. “I love organizing events, and I think people value in-person gatherings,” Thompson said. “I hope that someday I’m doing 10 week-long retreats a year.”
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Wild Arts Workshops + Retreats resides at 100 N Ash St., Bingen. For more information, visit wildheartwares.com.
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