WINE WITH WRITERS & ZORA'S DEN PRESENTS:
BLACK ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IN A CLIMATE OF ERASURE
June 26-27, 2026
The last resort artist retreat
Baltimore, md
Tickets on sale 2.14.26
The line up
beverly jenkins
tiffany l. warren
takerra allen
danielle allen
joan vassar
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dl white
rae lyse
piper hughley
angelia vernon
mckennon
alyx monroe
victoria adams kennedy
tracy chiles mcghee
nia forrester
lily java
jacinta howard
This year, in partnership with Zora's Den, Wine With Writers chose to raise funds for
The Last Resort Artist Retreat because the mission hits close to home.
The Last Resort Artist Retreat
A Mission-Driven Haven for Black Creative Rejuvenation
Founded by celebrated artist Derrick Adams, The Last Resort Artist Retreat (TLRAR) is a sanctuary for Black creatives to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their purpose.
Located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Waverly neighborhood, this park-like residence redefines rest as resistance—built on the truth that leisure is therapy and that Black joy, reflection, and restoration are vital forms of cultural preservation.
Black creatives exist in environments that demand overproduction
while withholding rest, reframing recovery as a luxury rather than a necessity.
TLRAR exists to change that—at no cost to invited artists.
Artists stay in the home and have all meals provided.
Wine With Writers
A live literary event that brings readers and writers
together to celebrate storytelling and community
This year, in partnership with Zora’s Den, Wine With Writers chose to raise funds
for The Last Resort Artist Retreat because the mission hits close to home.
Writers and artists know what it feels like to be burned out and stretched thin,
especially in creative spaces that don’t always support rest.
Hosting this fundraiser is a way to give back — helping The Last Resort stay free
for the Black creatives who need that time and space to recharge and keep creating.
WHAT TO EXPECT
PANEL CONVERSATIONS
Dynamic discussions centered on this year’s theme — exploring the role and responsibility of Black creatives in an era of cultural erasure. Featured writers share their insights, stories, and creative journeys.
BOOK SIGNINGS
Meet the authors. Discover new voices. Purchase signed copies and connect with writers in intimate, welcoming space.
WELLNESS EXPERIENCES
A space to pause, breathe, and realign — harmonizing your inner and creative energy.
WINE RECEPTION
Unwind, mingle, and celebrate literature and community over wine and good conversation.
SIP & PAINT WITH DERRICK ADAMS
Join renowned artist Derrick Adams for a one-of-a-kind Sip & Paint experience — where art, storytelling, and wine meet in vibrant color. A Baltimore-born, Brooklyn-based visionary, Adams is celebrated for his bold explorations of Black culture, identity, and joy. His work has been featured at The Met, the National Mall’s Beyond Granite project, and in The New York Times, Forbes, and CNN Style, cementing his place as one of today’s most dynamic voices in contemporary art.
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wellness experiences
A gentle pause between doing and being — where clarity and creativity meet.
Author Panels
Listen to insightful discussions and Q&A sessions with renowned authors. Gain unique perspectives and behind-the-scenes stories of their literary works.
BOOKS
Meet and mingle with your favorite authors in a relaxed environment.
OPEN WINE BAR
Indulge in a sensory experience with wines paired with literary themes. Savor the flavors while mingling with fellow book enthusiasts.
about wine with writers
Wine With Writers was founded by four independent authors—Nia Forrester, Jacinta Howard, Lily Java, and Rae Lamar—who built an online community to celebrate and support Black writers across multiple genres. Through virtual book chats, interviews, and giveaways, they engaged readers and promoted Black literary voices.
As their digital community grew, so did the desire to connect in person. In 2015, the first Wine With Writers event brought together about 50 readers and the founders in Washington, DC, for an evening of conversation, wine, and tapas. Since then, they have hosted sold‑out gatherings in Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Unlike larger book fairs, Wine With Writers emphasizes intimacy and community over commercial transactions, creating a space where readers and writers can engage meaningfully, exchange ideas, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
about zora's den
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Zora’s Den is a program of Charm City Cultural Cultivation (CharmCCC), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering cultural growth in Baltimore through public arts, social, educational, and leisure programs.
They empower Black women writers by providing a platform for their stories and voices. Their offerings include:
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A monthly in-person and virtual reading series
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Writing workshops and a feedback-based "Sister Circle"
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An annual published anthology
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Active social media engagement
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Participation in local literary events
Zora’s Den aims to build a supportive sisterhood of writers at all levels, honoring both legendary and emerging voices in Baltimore and beyond. All Black women writers are welcome to join their online community and public events.
EXPERIENCE
about the last resort
The Last Resort Artist Retreat (TLRAR) in Baltimore, founded by artist Derrick Adams, is a transformative residency designed to give Black creatives space to rest, reflect, and recharge without the pressure to produce. Located in the historic Waverly neighborhood, the retreat blends art, community, and wellness—offering serene accommodations, holistic practices like yoga and meditation, and shared meals that foster connection and collaboration. By centering rest as a radical, creative act, TLRAR redefines what artistic support looks like—creating a sanctuary where innovation emerges naturally from restoration and community rather than exhaustion and output.
our sponsors
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become a sponsor
FAQs
About the Event
Q: What is the Wine With Writers Retreat & Benefit?
A: This is a unique, multi-day event presented by Charm City Cultural Cultivation's Zora’s Den and the founders of Wine with Writers. It features an invitation-only retreat for a select group of celebrated Black writers, culminating in a day of public-facing activities. The event serves as both a friend-raiser and fundraiser for The Last Resort Artists Retreat (TLRAR).
Q: What is the mission or purpose of this event?
A: Our mission is twofold: to create a space for fellowship and creative renewal for Black writers, and to raise essential funds to ensure the continued operation of The Last Resort Artists Retreat, a no-cost respite space for Black creatives in Baltimore.
Q: Who is organizing this event?
A: The event is a collaboration between:
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Zora’s Den: A multi-generational group dedicated to empowering the lives of Black women writers through workshops, readings, and retreats.
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Wine With Writers: An event that brings together readers of Black women’s contemporary fiction to foster community and conversation, created by indie authors Nia Forrester, Jacinta Howard, Lily Java, and Rae Lamar.
Event Details
Q: Which parts of the weekend are open to the public?
A: The second day of the retreat (Saturday, June 27, 2026) is the public event. It will feature tiered, ticketed activities including:
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Panel Discussions with our Featured Writers
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A Book Signing
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An Open Bar Wine Reception
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A Sip & Paint session facilitated by Derrick Adams
Q: Where is the public event being held?
A: The public events will be held at The Last Resort Artist Retreat in Baltimore, Maryland.
Accommodations & Travel
Q: Will hotel accommodations be available for out-of-town attendees?
A: Yes. We have partnered with Hotel Indigo, located about 15 minutes away from The Last Resort Artist Retreat.
Q: Is the venue accessible, and what are the transportation options?
A: The Last Resort Artist Retreat is located in North Baltimore’s Waverly neighborhood. Limited on-site parking will be available, and ride-share services are strongly recommended. Accessibility accommodations will be provided upon request—please email us in advance so we can ensure your comfort.
Event Experience
Q: What is the dress code for the public event?
A: We want guests to feel comfortable, expressive, and ready to mingle. If you plan to participate in any of our wellness experiences, dress in loose, breathable clothing to enable you to move freely. Smocks will be provided to participants in the Sip and Paint with Derrick Adams.
Q: Will wine be served during the event?
A: Yes. Wine will be available for guests aged 21 and over during the reception and Sip & Paint. It is an open bar. Please bring valid photo ID. We encourage responsible enjoyment and will provide non-alcoholic alternatives.
Q: Will the event be photographed or recorded?
A: Yes. Portions of the event will be professionally photographed and filmed for promotional use by Zora’s Den, Wine With Writers, and The Last Resort Artists Retreat. By attending, guests consent to being included in event media unless they opt out in writing at check-in.
Q: Are tickets refundable?
A: All ticket sales are final. However, if you can’t attend, you may transfer your ticket to another guest by contacting us before June 20, 2026.
Supporting the Event
Q: How can I support this event if I can’t attend?
A: We greatly appreciate your support! You can make a direct tax-deductible donation to The Last Resort Artist Retreat through our event portal (link to be provided). Sharing the event on social media is also a tremendous help.
Q: My company is interested in providing in-kind donations or sponsorship. Who should we contact?
A: Thank you for your interest! Please contact us at winewithwriters@gmail.com and our team will be happy to discuss partnership opportunities.
About the Beneficiary
Q: What is The Last Resort Artist Retreat (TLRAR)?
A: Founded by renowned artist Derrick Adams in Baltimore, TLRAR is one of the few places in the country that offers Black creatives a no-cost space for respite, community, and artistic regeneration. It serves as a vital sanctuary for sustaining Black art and culture.
Q: How will the funds raised be used?
A: Net proceeds from this event will be donated directly to Charm City Cultural Cultivation to support its programming, including Zora’s Den and The Last Resort Artist Retreat, ensuring it can continue offering its unique, no-cost residency programs to Black artists and writers.
Q: How do artist stays at The Last Resort Artist Retreat work?
A: Artist stays at The Last Resort are invite-only. However, artists may reach out to inquire about potential future opportunities. Availability is limited and all inquiries are reviewed on a curated, case-by-case basis.
Contact Us
Have a question we haven’t answered here?
Email us at winewithwriters@gmail.com