Upcoming Events
Cottage photograph: Bill O’Leary
Banyan Arts · Naples, Florida · January 2027
Make room for your writing.
Two immersive workshops. Two accomplished authors. An intimate gathering of writers in a setting with a rich artistic history.
Paul and Eileen Arsenault invite you to Banyan Arts Writing Workshops at their private property in Naples—a collection of four historic cottages that has welcomed artists and writers over generations.
Jacki Lyden
January 10–15, 2027 · Memoir
The Story in You: Finding Your Voice
Discover how to shape your lived experience into a story only you can tell. Memoirist and former NPR correspondent Jacki Lyden will guide you through writing practice, structure, documentation, and thoughtful feedback.
- Mornings of prompts, exercises, and constructive feedback
- Catered lunch, followed by time to write and review one another’s work
- Individual instruction and review, with daily signups
- An exploration of interviewing as a way to uncover and deepen your story
New writers are welcome. Come ready to write, explore what feels stuck, and do the work of finding your voice.
The week includes a welcoming reception, a guests’ cocktail party on January 14, and a concluding dinner on January 15.
About Jacki
Jacki Lyden is an award-winning storyteller, memoirist, and former NPR host and correspondent whose radio career spanned 36 years. Her memoir, Daughter of the Queen of Sheba, explores growing up with her mother’s mental illness. She has led writing workshops in the United States and Ireland and speaks on family mental health and caregiving.
More about Jacki
About Jacki Lyden
Jacki Lyden is a lifelong storyteller and traveler, native Midwesterner is an advocate for storytelling and reportage of the diverse and valued human experience. She has founded numerous workshops for scores of writers in the US and Ireland. She is an award-winning (Dupont-Columbia, American Women in Radio and TV) former NPR host of 36 years, former Middle East correspondent and a former podcaster. Her 1997 memoir, “Daughter of the Queen of Sheba,” describes growing up with her mother’s mental illness. The New York Times called it an “instant classic that belongs on the shelf with Angela’s Ashes and “The Liars Club.” Her juried Irish workshop, “Love Comes in at the Eye,” now in its tenth year, has collaborated with such writers as Alice McDermott, Matthew Klam, and Nick Flynn (2027). She is a Rosalyn Carter Fellow for Mental Health Journalism. She is a First Amendment activist and on the National Steering Committee for Writers for Democratic Action and its Wisconsin state chair. She is a frequent speaker on family mental health and caregiving. She lives in Wisconsin and Maryland outside DC, with her husband, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer William Patrick O’Leary.
Email jacki.lyden@gmail.com with no more than two pages about yourself, your writing practice, and the story you would like to explore.
Kate Feiffer
January 24–29, 2027 · Children’s books
Children’s Book Writing Workshop
Immerse yourself in the art, craft, and business of writing for children with author and illustrator Kate Feiffer. Develop your characters, plot, voice, and pacing—and explore working with illustrators and getting published.
- Five mornings of instruction, writing prompts, and kind, constructive feedback
- Catered lunches and afternoons available for your own writing
- An art class and recommendations for kid-lit-related activities
- Readings and receptions later in the day
For writers interested in picture books and middle grade novels, from a first idea to a draft in progress. Bring your project and take the next step.
Begin with a welcome party on Sunday, January 24. Paul and Eileen will host a cocktail party for attendees and their partners on January 28, followed by a special dinner beneath the banyan tree on January 29.
About Kate
Kate Feiffer is the author of eleven acclaimed children’s books, including Double Pink, Henry the Dog with No Tail, and The Problem with the Puddles. She is also an illustrator, the author of the novel Morning Pages, and director of Islanders Write on Martha’s Vineyard. She has collaborated with Caldecott Honor illustrators and with her father, Jules Feiffer.
More about Kate
About Kate Feiffer
Kate Feiffer is the author of eleven highly acclaimed and award-winning children’s books (Double Pink, Henry the Dog with no Tail, The Problem with the Puddles) and is currently working on her twelfth. Her books are known for being laugh-out-loud funny, as she enjoys the sounds of children giggling. She has worked with Caldecott-honor illustrators, as well as her father, Jules Feiffer. Kate is also an illustrator, the author of the novel “Morning Pages,” and the director of the program Islanders Write, which hosts literary events on Martha’s Vineyard island. Kate divides her time between Martha’s Vineyard and New York.
Email katefeiffer@gmail.com with no more than two pages describing yourself, your writing practice, and your project.
A place to gather and create
Four historic cottages. A week for your words.
Cottage photograph: Bill O’Leary
Cottage photograph: Bill O’Leary
Hosted by Paul and Eileen Arsenault at their private property:
1188 Gordon Dr, Naples, FL 34102
Each workshop is limited to 10 participants. Tuition is $1,500 per workshop, with a $500 deposit due upon acceptance.
To apply, email the instructor for your chosen workshop with no more than two pages introducing yourself and your writing project. Applications are reviewed before acceptance and payment.
Every Sunday from 12-4 pm
Past Events
Please email info@arsenaultgallery.com for details.
Paul has long held a fascination with gardens, which he has been painting for decades. This new exhibition in Kapnick Hall celebrates Paul's love and passion for Naples Botanical Garden and the natural world by bringing together a selection of his original artwork featuring the Garden's 170-acre tropical paradise, as well as a few other great gardens from around the world. Paul's work celebrates and pays homage to the rich tradition of painting "en plein air"—or painting outdoors. A highly-collected artist and gifted storyteller, Paul has called Naples home since 1974.
