By Patricia Belyea
Have you ever gone on vacation and not wanted to go home? I think that happened to Jennifer Peterson—but in a quilty kind of way.
In 2018, Jennifer attended a five-day independent study session with Ricky Tims at his headquarters in La Veta, Colorado. At the time, she was ready to abandon quilt patterns but had no idea how to move forward. Her time with Ricky was magical. Jennifer returned home transformed, her creativity expanded tenfold.
Two years later, Jennifer went back to finish her project with Ricky. You can see the outrageously freestyle quilt behind Jennifer that she completed in the second session.
In 2022, Ricky put his headquarters on the market. Jennifer bought the building with a bold vision: to create an art retreat center where others could also experience creativity, community, and rejuvenation.
The Timeline
End of 2022 Jennifer purchases Ricky’s building
2023 First floor remodeled
2024 Upstairs renovated with new bedrooms and bathrooms
2025 Five retreats offered
2026 Ten retreats offered
GALLERY/WORKROOM
MISTY MEADOW BEDROOM
PETER MAX BEDROOM
Estelle Center for Creative Arts
As a child, Jennifer found refuge in visits with her grandmother Estelle—a visual artist who worked in clay and paint. Estelle valued time spent making art and deeply influenced Jennifer’s way of being in the world.
As an adult, Jennifer gravitated to fabric and quilting. It was Estelle who delighted in everything Jennifer pulled from her project bag — her loving supporter.
When it came time to name her passion project, Jennifer knew exactly who to honor.
JENNIFER WITH HER GRANDMOTHER ESTELLE
Teaching at Estelle Center
In April 2026, I experienced the care, thoughtfulness, and excitement of the Estelle Center. It was a wonderful week with eager students who learned about Inserted Curves.
A third of my students were from Colorado. The rest journeyed from further afield. When they arrived at the Colorado Springs Airport, the Estelle Shuttle picked them up.
Everyone loved the camaraderie, good food, and five full days to concentrate on a new skill set.
ME WITH AN INSERTED CURVES QUILT
Be sure to check out America's newest retreat center:
Estelle Center for Creative Arts
La Veta, Colorado
+click here to learn more
BOSTON SEAMSTRESS BEDROOM
# # # # #
ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria import vintage Japanese textiles, host in-person and online creative quilting experiences, and lead textile tours to Japan.
FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts
