With over three decades of experience as the co-owner of a commercial real estate development organization, Donna Deerin Ward has plenty of business experience, but it was personal experience, in life and love, that compelled her to create Artemis – The Art of Living, with locations in Red Lion and Brogue, Pennsylvania.
As a business owner, leadership coach, artist, and yoga instructor, Donna was seeking a place to help guide people of all ages and genders through life’s transitions. What she created is a sanctuary that offers people access to resources that help them to explore a new way of living – The Art of Living.
“It is what we do with the minutes, hours, and days between birth and death that creates a life worth living,” Donna says. “We exist to inspire people to do more of what makes them come alive.”
Artemis—The Art of Living offers a wide variety of creative outlets designed to help people see life from a different perspective and inspire them to learn and grow. Programs include art; children’s birthday parties and camps; fitness classes for all ages, including antigravity aerial yoga; team building for small businesses; personal or corporate retreats; and transformational life coaching.
With the intent to “bring creative souls together to make the world a more artistic, beautiful, compassionate place,” Artemis – The Art of Living strives to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals.
“For many years, I traveled to different wellness centers to experience relaxation, yoga retreats, and workshops,” Donna shares. “My average travel time was six hours each way. When I made the decision to start offering women’s retreats four summers ago, I wanted it to be accessible to people living within a 50-mile radius.”
That accessibility is a bonus for local residents, as the Red Lion location is the only antigravity studio within 50 miles. The Barn, at the property overlooking the Susquehanna River in Brogue, is also unique in that it offers breathtaking views, abundant wildlife sightings, and a rich history as Native American land.
Retreats at the latter location center around personal growth and wellness. Described as a place to “reconnect with yourself,” the peaceful location along the Susquehanna River provides the ideal backdrop for quiet self-reflection. Activities include yoga, aerial yoga, massage, hiking, forest bathing, campfires, laughter, and, most importantly, honoring your soul purpose.
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Discovering, or re-discovering, one’s purpose is a central theme at Artemis – The Art of Living. Manager Barb Riley describes the change she sees in people as what she cherishes most about her dream workplace.
“I love seeing how they leave feeling more empowered,” shares Barb. “One of my favorite things we say here is, ‘Come as you are and leave as you wish to be.’”
Indeed, the energy in the historic building in Red Lion does feel empowering. With high ceilings, stained-glass windows, and charming character, it offers the ideal setting to channel creativity.
Cheryl Thompson, an antigravity aerial fitness class member, acknowledges that it provides more than aerial fitness and yoga.
“At Artemis – The Art of Living, you find a way of being,” Cheryl shares. “As soon as you reach the top of the steps, you find studios filled with artwork and amenities that calm your mind and bring peace to your spirit.”
This October the captivating surroundings at Artemis – The Art of Living will expand to include event space for corporate meetings, workshops, fundraisers, personal or holiday events, and even weddings. Currently under renovation, a neighboring former cigar warehouse will serve as Terrapin Station Sanctuary—an event venue that’s refreshingly unique to the area. Featuring multiple levels, exposed brick, original beams, and two walls of windows with soaring views that reach all the way to Lancaster, it’s the ideal setting to host an event.
Artemis – The Art of Living expects to expand more than just events in the near future. Expect to find a wide variety of children’s programs in response to the continued success of offerings like children’s camps, guitar lessons, art, dance, yoga, and birthday parties.
Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, was known for her commitment to her causes —a trait that’s admirably shared by Donna Deerin Ward. She exemplifies her message in her everyday life: “Just do more of what brings you joy.”
For more information, upcoming women’s retreat dates, events, class schedules and sign-ups, go to ArtemisTheArtOfLiving.com. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/ TheArtOfLiving.Artemis and on Instagram @artemis_theartofliving.
