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Artist Fellowship

Artist Fellowship

Meet An Artist Fellow: Poet Jessica Manack

By Jessica Manack -

Meet writer and poet, Jessica Manack, who recently visited Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek as part of our Artist Fellowship program. Read more about Jessica, her craft, and her experience escaping to Postcard Cabins.

I’m a writer of poetry and non-fiction who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love living in such an historic, bustling and diverse place. However, I also really appreciate nature, and undeveloped spaces, and taking a pause to remember that there’s so much more going on around us than we usually see while going to work or school or running errands. 

My connection to nature has grown as I have grown, and learned more about the people who have come before me. For generations, my ancestors were loggers in rural northwestern Pennsylvania. I think about the fact that, although they are no longer with us, the forests in which they lived are still there. I visit these places and it feels like visiting my family. Just as trees produce the oxygen we breathe, we produce the carbon dioxide that trees breathe. The landscape becomes a monument to those who’ve walked before us. I explored these themes in my poetry collection GASTROMYTHOLOGY, which I published a few months ago. Releasing my first book was a milestone many years in the making, and I’m working toward my next collection. So having a break from the day-to-day was a great opportunity for some focused brainstorming.

I chose to visit Beaver Creek, which is the location closest to my house, a little over an hour away. I was glad that it wasn’t a far drive, yet was still some place I had never been. The nearby town was charming and very picturesque, but I was most excited to have the time to read. I live with my family, including two small kids who are very active, so there’s always something to do around the house and neighborhood. Having the time to dive into books, draft new works, and revise old ones, without being pulled away from my thought processes by a door knock, siren or delivery was invaluable. For parents, especially artist parents, recharging is very important – yet we don’t often have the luxury of time to take a long time off, somewhere far away. Postcard Cabins are great for that, as they’re close to cities, and everything you might need is thoughtfully provided. Everything I might have wanted was within arm’s reach – a radio, a space heater, a landline. As someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time off-grid, unplugging was easier knowing that I was a phone call away from help if any issue arose.

I wasn’t sure how the stay would go, because I visited on maybe the coldest days of the year. I pulled up at dusk, and was glad to find the lights on and the cabin warm. In the morning, it was -8F outside, with the “feels like” temperature even colder than that. I was pleased to find the cabin comfortable the entire time. I was also glad to find that the roads in and out of the secluded location were well-maintained during the snowy weather, and I had no problem getting around. I was a little less adventurous than I would have been during better weather, but I was glad that the cabin had everything I needed to cook and make warm beverages during my stay. I did bring my snow boots to take some walks outside, watching the resilient woodpeckers and juncos look for food and create shelters in the abundant trees. I’m the kind of writer who works slowly, so these images are stored in my brain-bank for future use.

Keep up with my work at @jessicamanack on Instagram or jessicamanack.com – my book tour continues throughout the U.S. this year, and the list of appearances is continuously updated.

A poem I wrote during my stay:

Getting Through

In winter we walk a tightrope:
Moving slowly, one ginger step at a time

         A breath, a pausing

We think we might not get across
In spite of the times we did before
We find what was in us, usually unused

         A slowness, a noticing

Our surroundings are easier to see 
Against a white sky unobscured by foliage
Like the woodpeckers, we use what’s been stored
Finding surprises, things we forgot we’d saved

         A strength, a patience

Until we make it to the other side

Artist Fellowship | Features

Meet An Artist Fellow: Graphic Designer Marissa Nieto

By Marissa Nieto -

We recently hosted Graphic Designer Marissa Nieto at Postcard Cabins Big Bear to disconnect and find inspiration in nature. Read on to hear more about her stay.

My name is Marissa Nieto. I am a multidisciplinary designer and small business owner on Etsy, where I create and sell stickers & stationery merchandise.

My creative journey began when I was four years old. Growing up in a busy Mexican household, I often found myself surrounded by unexpected visits, cramped spaces, and a lively/loud environment that sometimes felt overwhelming. To escape, I immersed myself in creativity. I remember collecting coloring books, and blank sheets of paper, and filling my art box with crayons, markers, and paint. Those tools brought me immense happiness, allowing me to tune out the noise and spend countless hours in my creative world.

A pivotal moment came when I was given a Polaroid 600 One600 Instant Film Camera. Photography quickly became a new passion, sparking a lifelong love for visual storytelling. From that moment, I knew I wanted to live a creative life.

Fast forward to 2019, I graduated from California Polytechnic University with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Design. Since then, I’ve worked in the design industry across diverse sectors—including magazines, baby and infant toys, headwear, and footwear—and honed my skills while taking on freelance projects aligned with my interests. During the pandemic in 2021, I rediscovered illustrations and began selling stickers on Etsy (@marissanieto.co). This venture not only reignited my passion for design but also introduced me to marketing and content creation.

Amidst the pandemic, I pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone to do more camping trips, hikes, road trips, and solo adventures. When I need to unwind, being outdoors always grounds me and rejuvenates my soul. I’ve found that earth-tone colors, organic shapes, and calm environments have a profound effect on my nervous system. These experiences helped me escape the feeling of being stuck indoors and provided a sense of freedom. It also transformed me, making me more resilient and adventurous while deeply influencing my art and photography. 

As a designer, I believe that a fulfilling life is built beyond the keyboard. My interest in traveling fuels my inspiration for my art and photography. It’s also incredibly rewarding to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and creativity. It’s a constant reminder that there are countless places to explore and amazing people I have yet to meet.

This was my second stay at Postcard Cabins, and it was as peaceful and grounding as I had hoped. During my stay, I grabbed my FujifilmX100V camera and ventured outdoors, capturing moments that caught my eye: glimpses of deer at the crack of dawn, the texture of acorns, the light angled so perfectly on the cabin, the crackles and smell of burning a fire, the crunch of dry autumn leaves, and the view from the square window that became my favorite spot for reading, sketching, and napping. The serene environment deeply inspired my creative process, influencing me to create two Postcard Cabin sticker designs during the day and night. I believe that no matter how busy life gets, it’s beautiful to pause, take a moment to admire the phases of the day, and rediscover the beauty woven into the simplest moments around us.

Whenever I’m exploring, I love sharing my travel adventures, photography, and new sticker or merchandise designs on my social accounts. If you’re an artist, nature enthusiast, or fellow traveler, let’s connect! 

You can keep up with Marissa on Instagram, Etsy, and everywhere else.

Artist Fellowship | Features

Meet An Artist Fellow: Writer, Lydia Fiyori

By Lydia Fiyori -

I overpacked: laptop, camera, notepads, chargers—you name it. But after arriving I realized it was less about what I needed to bring and more so what I needed to leave behind.


One of the most profound realizations I had during the retreat was just how much I had been standing in my own way. I found myself spending a lot of time shedding layers of doubt and perfectionism that had built up over time. In the absence of deadlines, social obligations, and self-imposed pressure, I began to trust my creative instincts more.


They tell me I will find
what I am looking for on the other side.
First travel through the trees,
over the moon, through the sky.
Allowing every living creature
to witness this journey.
Where the land meets the water
is where I stand to receive
the long awaited gift.
But to receive this one,
I must not open my hands
but rather look down
to see my reflection.


Writing in free form, without overthinking or editing as I went, became an almost meditative process. Words poured out with an urgency I hadn’t felt in years. The poems that emerged weren’t always perfect, but they were honest and unfiltered—a reflection of thoughts and emotions I’d been holding back.


With this name I was given a story.
A past, present, and a future.
But I think she is the root, and
I am her flower.


Instead of focusing on whether a poem was “good enough,” I leaned into the process of discovery—letting the words guide me rather than forcing them into a predetermined shape. This shift in perspective was liberating. It reminded me that creating isn’t always about the outcome; sometimes, it’s simply about showing up for the work and allowing it to take form- wherever it may lead. Sometimes it would even stray me away from writing itself and instead imagining the stories, drawing, or going on a walk. These pauses weren’t distractions; they were integral to the creative process, allowing me to approach my writing with renewed energy and clarity.


In the delicate dance of dawn’s embrace, the flower unfurls, each petal a stroke of artistic grace, whispering secrets of resilience and legacy. Like the multi-hyphenate creative woman, it knows no bounds, its roots anchored deep in the fertile soil of passion, reaching towards the sun with an insatiable hunger for realization. With each bloom, it tells a story of perspective, adapting to the shifting winds of inspiration, its colors a kaleidoscope of dreams woven into existence. Just as the flower transcends seasons, she transcends labels, embodying the essence of creation in all its myriad forms. Each facet of her being, a symphony of talents intertwined, painting the world with the arousing hues of her imagination.


By the end of the weekend, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment motivating me to submit my work to a book publishing grant. Not only had I made substantial progress on my poetry book, but I had also reconnected with the joy of writing itself. What felt like a daunting task now feels like an instinctual expression. It was a reminder that sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your creative goals is the space to focus and the freedom to not be perfect.

~ Lydia Asmerom-Hall aka Lydia Fiyori
Instagram: @lydiafiyori @ladibugstudios

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Artist Fellowship | Features

Meet an Artist Fellow: Ngoc-Tran Vu on Rediscovering Stillness

By Ngoc-Tran Vu -

Sitting here in this quiet haven, surrounded by the gentle hum of nature, I feel like I’m finally rediscovering what it means to just be. There’s no schedule to keep, no deadlines to chase—just me, the trees, and the rhythm of the earth. The Artist Fellowship has offered me a gift I didn’t realize I needed so desperately: permission to slow down.

The mornings here are my favorite. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth, and the sunlight feels like a soft embrace through the window. I’ve started each day with simple rituals—breathing deeply, stretching, and letting my mind wander as I journal or sketch. In this space, my thoughts aren’t tied to outcomes; they’re free to roam like the wind weaving through the forest.

During the afternoons, I take long walks, letting my feet guide me. The rhythm of my steps mirrors the rhythm of my heart—steady, unhurried, present. The trees stand tall, growing slowly and steadily over time. The streams flow gently, finding their path with ease. Everything around me exists in harmony, moving at its own pace, and yet nothing feels incomplete.

This slower pace has become a teacher. It’s taught me to listen—to the whispers of my own body and to the wisdom in silence. It’s shown me that rest isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. For so long, I’ve been caught up in the idea that I need to be in constant motion to create, to contribute, to matter. But here, in this stillness, I feel more connected to my creativity, my purpose, and myself than I have in a long time.

As the sun sets each evening, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, I sit by the window with a cup of tea, watching the light fade and the stars emerge. I’m reminded that even in darkness, there is beauty, and even in rest, there is growth.

I’m leaving this experience with a deep sense of gratitude—for the space to heal, for the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, and for the reminder that life doesn’t need to be hurried to be fulfilling.

This is the gift I’ll carry with me: the knowledge that I can move forward at my own pace, trusting that everything will unfold in its time. 🌿✨

Artist Fellowship | Features

Meet an Artist Fellow: Visual Artist, Ngoc-Tran Vu

By Ngoc-Tran Vu and Postcard Cabins -

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

Recovering in nature through the Artist Fellowship has been a true blessing. It feels like a soft exhale after months of navigating the intensity of recovery, community projects, and the endless demands of life. Here, amidst the trees and the quiet, I’ve been reminded of the profound wisdom in Lao Tzu’s words: nature moves at its own rhythm, unhurried and steady, yet everything it sets out to do is completed.

There’s something so healing about stepping out of the usual pace and surrendering to stillness. Waking up surrounded by the whispers of leaves, sipping tea while watching the morning light filter through the trees—it all feels like a gentle reset for my spirit. There’s no rush here, no pressure to produce or perform. Just being is enough, and that’s a lesson I hope to carry with me when I leave.

In solitude, I’ve found clarity. Space to reflect on what matters most: my health, my loved ones, and the creative energy that fuels me. There have been moments of inspiration too—sketching as the sun sets, writing by the campfire, and letting my thoughts wander without constraint. Nature has a way of grounding you, of reminding you that even in stillness, growth is happening beneath the surface.

This fellowship has been more than just a retreat; it’s been a reminder to honor my body’s need for rest and to trust the natural flow of my journey. Gratitude fills my heart for this opportunity to slow down and be nurtured by the simplicity of this place.

To everyone who needs to hear this: it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to take your time. Nature doesn’t hurry, and neither should we. 🌱✨

Campfire Cooking

Campfire Cooking: Three Courses of Georgia Peaches

By Postcard Cabins -

Photographer and food blogger Katherine D’Costa spent her recent Artist Fellowship cooking up a storm at Getaway Chattahoochee. Katherine and her husband, a chef and recipe developer, came up with a three-course summer meal, all featuring Georgia peaches.

Now they’re sharing their recipes for poached peaches and corn salsa, bourbon barbecue pork chops with grilled peaches, and grilled peaches and pineapples.

Poached Peaches and Corn Salsa

What you’ll need:

  • 2 ears fresh corn (shucked)
  • 8 grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro (finely-chopped)
  • 1 cup lime juice
  • 1 tsp kosher slat
  • 2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp red tomato (finely diced)
  • 1 poached peach

What to do:

  1. To poach the peach, grill the peach until it’s marked and slightly smoked.
  2. Remove kernels from corncob.
  3. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  4. Serve immediately.

Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop with Bourbon BBQ Sauce and Grilled Georgia Peaches

What you’ll need:
For Pork:

  • Medium to thick bone-in pork chops

For Sauce

  • 2 cups Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp & 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup & 4 tbsp bourbon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp ground garlic
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 peaches

What to do:

  1. Grill the pork chops to medium temperature.
  2. Heat soy sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar is melted.
  3. Add this mix into a blender, along with ketchup, pepper, salt, 1 cup bourbon, ginger, garlic, cilantro, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Mix in blender until fully incorporated.
  5. Grill peaches until marked and mildly smoked (the color will darken a bit).
  6. Add butter, peaches, 4 tbsp bourbon, and 1 tsp salt into a sauté pan and heat until peaches are fully tender.
  7. Chop peaches and add to blender mix.
  8. Spoon sauce over pork to taste.
  9. Add cilantro to garnish.

Grilled Peaches and Pineapples

What you’ll need:

  • 2 peaches
  • 1 pineapple
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tsp salt

What to do:

  1. Grill 2 peaches and pineapple slices until tender.
  2. Heat all other ingredients until melted.
  3. Add peaches and pineapples until fully coated.
  4. Chop and serve.

Ready to create a recipe of your own? Book your escape now. Find more delicious recipes from Katherine here.

Artist Fellowship

Meet an Artist Fellow: Illustrator, Courtney Ahn

By Courtney Ahn -

Hi, I’m Courtney, but everybody calls me Courn! I’m a multidisciplinary designer, illustrator, and freelance creative based in Portland, Oregon. My direct experience as a Korean American has largely shaped my career philosophy, serving as inspiration for the social justice advocacy present in my creative work. Through my freelance studio, Courtney Ahn Design, I aim to provide accessible design services for small BIPOC business owners and partner with organizations working directly in the equity space as a force for good. In the past year, I’ve found purpose in using art as a tool for activism, sharing weekly posts navigating antiracism and oppressive systems through my Instagram account, @courtneyahndesign.

I’ve always felt an immense connection to nature growing up in the PNW; from as early as I can remember I’ve been surrounded by climbing forests of evergreens, winding hiking paths, and never more than a couple minutes away from the beach. Through the years, much of that connection was lost as I pursued a career in the design industry, switching to long work schedules, spending weekends managing my freelance business, and being too burnt out to do anything else in my free time. But it’s been such an empowering decision to make more time for myself the past year and reconnect in so many ways I was unable to before: actually having weekends off to enjoy the outdoors, making time in my day to walk my dog/actually work outside(weather permitting!), and being able to take more intentional trips to the outdoors. This reconnection has been incredibly impactful for me in sustaining my creative work and taking better care of myself.

I quite enjoyed it! I wish I could say I came up with this great big idea while I was away, but it was quite the opposite. I thought about nothing creative or work-related…and that was really empowering for me. As someone whose mind and body is always racing a million miles a minute for the next deadline, it’s incredibly challenging to turn it all off. I guess it took quite literally not being able to connect to it to remove myself from those worries. And while I can’t say that I’ve found a new lease on life after a couple days away, I will say that the intentional break in my schedule has really let me slow down and re-evaluate the pace at which I was working unsustainably.

You can keep up with Courtney’s work on her Instagram and her website.

Ready for your own creative escape? Book your Getaway today.

Artist Fellowship | Features

Artist Fellows of Getaway

By Postcard Cabins -

With the hustle and bustle of city life, we know it can be hard for artists to find uninterrupted time to create. That’s why we created our Artist Fellowship Program, to give creatives a space in nature to work on their projects. We love seeing what our artists come up with and we’re excited to share some of our fellows from this past month.

Illustrator Fabiola Lara is inspired by a combination of pop culture and her own feelings, whether they are obsession, happiness, anxiety, or sadness. Fabiola has been illustrating since she was young, but she began sharing her work with the world in 2013.

“I’ve been creating since I was a kid,” Fabiola said. “I can remember spending hours drawing Spongebob and making elaborate paper Christmas ornaments.”

Fabiola, who recently spent some time working at our New York Outpost, hopes to one day create the illustrations for the next teen Netflix series.

Samantha Testa, who recently took to our DC Outpost, first began painting and drawing as a little girl with her grandfather. It’s a story that particularly resonated with us, as all of our cabins are named for grandparents.

“He was a phenomenal artist who taught me how to be patient with my work and find joy in creating things,” Samantha explains. “I still have a set of his old rickety brushes that I pull out from time to time.”

Since then, Samantha has drawn her inspiration largely from architecture and vast landscapes. Her dream would be to travel to different cities and paint the structures that represents their history, culture, and vibrancy.

“I love searching for symmetry, angles, ornate details, and color palettes that make me feel inspired to get them down on paper,” Samantha notes. “Aside from the tangible inspiration, there is sometimes just an abstract feeling that compels me to make something with my hands.”

Interested in tapping into your own creativity in nature? Escape today.