SALT
RETREATERS
Chantel Foretich
"Meals and walks on the beach with this loving family were a welcome start to the new year and set the course for my most successful two years yet of exhibiting works. We also visited the vast, beautiful Hindu mandir in nearby Windsor, NJ."
Why a Retreat instead of a Residency?
relax + reposition
Founded by Carrie Mackin and Noel Kurdi in 2024, Salt Artist Retreat. "SALT" is a retreat designed to support artists and art world professionals through rest, reflection, and professional guidance. Situated on the Shrewsbury Bay in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, SALT provides an immersive environment where participants receive a tailored program to support both their creative practice and career goals. Each retreater's customised program thoughtfully balances strategic mentorship with wellness support, to include round-trip travel, a daily stipend, room and board, and dedicated resources for both professional development and personal well-being.
In alignment with its mission to extend its impact beyond the retreat itself, SALT is launching an annual catalogue to showcase the work of its participants—establishing a lasting legacy while offering continued visibility and professional recognition. This publication will serve as both a record and a platform, connecting artists to broader audiences and fostering future opportunities. In tandem with the catalogue, SALT is initiating collaborations with leading art fairs to further amplify the careers of participating artists on a global level. Through curated presentations and strategic partnerships, these efforts are designed to foster international dialogue, broaden collector engagement, and accelerate career advancement for retreaters.
Demonstrating its commitment to sustained artistic and professional support, SALT has appointed curator and writer Charles Moore as its 2025–2026 Curator-in-Residence and has fully funded Moore’s publication, Global Conversations: Mexico. This project aligns with SALT’s values of fostering cross-cultural exchange while highlighting Latin American voices in contemporary art.
Salt Artist Retreat is a non-profit initiative underwritten by the Kurdi Mackin Family and sponsored by Givinga.
