White Rose Painting Case Study: Transformative Art for a Retreat Center in California
Case Study: White Rose
Project Type: Large-scale Original Painting
Title: White Rose
Dimensions: 5ft x 6 ft x 3 inches
Medium: Water soluble wax paint and 24k Gold leaf on wood panel
Artist: Yohanna Jessup
OVERVIEW
White Rose is a luminous, large-scale painting commissioned by a private Retreat Center in Northern California that hosts meditation groups. As the first painting in the series, White Rose was envisioned as a focal point—an anchor of serenity and spiritual presence—for the main gathering space of the meditation center.
More than an aesthetic choice, White Rose embodies the values of the center and symbolizes a new chapter in its evolution—from a former high-end Western-themed guest ranch into a sacred space for inner transformation.
THE CHALLENGE
When the retreat center was acquired the physical space still carried the strong identity of its former life as a guest ranch with traditional log cabin furnishings that dominated the interior aesthetic.
“We got rid of the deer antler chandeliers, cowhide decor and in time replaced much of the furniture.”
While the bones of the space—the log walls, vaulted ceilings, and rugged charm—remained, there was a clear need to shift the emotional tone. The goal was to create an environment that resonated with peace, openness, and presence.
After years of updates to furnishings and finishes, the space was ready for a transformative centerpiece. That’s when the leadership team commissioned Yohanna Jessup of Archetype & Hourglass a painting that would both honor the past and point toward a renewed, elevated future.
CREATIVE PROCESS
Yohanna worked closely with the retreat center’s leadership to understand xxx so that is piece would carry the vision, values, and aspirations for the space they were hoping to create. A detailed project proposal was submitted, including:
- Concept sketches
- Size and placement recommendations
- Symbolism aligned with the center’s mission
- Materials and budget
- Timeline for creation and installation
Once the proposal was approved, materials were sourced and the work began in February 2022—just weeks before the center’s post-COVID reopening.
BEFORE
AFTER
A Symbolic New Chapter
White Rose was painted on-site, allowing the energy of the place to inform the process. Its completion coincided with a significant moment: the reopening of the retreat center after two years of closure due to the 2020 Covid pandemic.
The installaion of the painting was done by a group of volunteers before the unveiling.
The unveiling took place during a special gathering. The painting was ceremoniously revealed to the community with a short talk by the artist, marking a milestone in the center’s journey. The moment served as both an honoring of the challenges faced and a declaration of a hopeful, re-energized path forward.
Transformation of the Space
Positioned above a doorway in a tall-ceilinged central room, the painting immediately transformed the visual dynamic of the space:
- Vertical lift: It draws the eye—and the spirit—upward, introducing a sense of spaciousness and inspiration.
- Lightness on log walls: The white rose introduces softness and luminosity that balances the density of the log structure.
- Contemporary harmony: The center complemented the painting with modern furnishings and a refreshed color palette, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
- Symbol of hope: Emerging from the collective pause of the pandemic, White Rose carries a quiet yet powerful message of renewal, purity, and resilience.
“The right piece of art, in the right location, has an uplifting effect on the space—and the people in it.”
Advice TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
What can other retreat centers, healing spaces, and organizations learn from this project?
“Communicate with the artist the essence or the impact of what you want to be…
and then get out of the way!”
When organizations trust the creative process and align around a clear intention, the resulting work can do more than decorate a room—it can become a beacon for the community, a symbol of transformation, and a statement of vision.
