A place to recalibrate
We love it here and want to share this wonderful place with others!
Located in the quiet hills of Chattaroy Washington, Making Space is a sanctuary for reflection, integration, and creative exploration. It is a place to step out of the noise and into intentional creativity.
Here, recalibration is not indulgent. It is essential.
Many who have been a part of my teaching career see this as a natural extension of how I hold space, create experiences, and listen deeply.
Founder/Facilitator
Suzanne Ostersmith
After 25 years of creating and leading the Dance Department at Gonzaga University, I retired in May 2025. Those years were rich with collaboration, artistry, mentorship, and community-building. I spent decades investing my creative capital into students, productions, curriculum, and interdisciplinary collaboration. And then it was time to Make Space for what was next.
My background in interdisciplinary arts — the integration of theatre, dance, and visual arts to expand perspective and foster innovative problem-solving - developed through working with undergraduates and mid career masters students. I have always believed that the arts are not about performance alone. At their deepest level, they are about inquiry, discovery, and accessing wisdom.
Making Space is the continuation of that belief.
Our
Story
Making Space is rooted in the home we built by hand, where we raised our two sons and planted deep connections. Constructed with sustainably harvested timber, reclaimed wood trim, and carefully restored “orphaned” windows, the house reflects our longstanding commitment to stewardship and thoughtful living. Set on 18 acres, the property has been home not only to our family, but also to organic produce grown for local farmers markets—and even a small herd of llamas for a time.
While tending the land and raising our family, we also spent over two decades working in academia and the corporate world. Now, a new vision has taken shape: to transform this beloved home into a retreat venue.
Today, we are “Making Space” — for ourselves and for others — to step away from the noise of daily life, reconnect with the beauty of the natural world, nurture community, and engage in art and craft as pathways to reflection, restoration, and meaningful connection.
The Space
Making Space is intentionally intimate.
The scale of the property and home allows for small groups, meaningful connection, and a pace that honors nervous system restoration.
There are no crowds here, this isn't a resort but a thoughtfully designed home with room to breathe and a silence from nature that allows for your own thoughts and creativity to come to the forefront.
Pause Here
Making Space is built on one core belief: when we slow down and engage creativity with intention, we uncover deeper truths about ourselves and reimagine what’s possible.
Unlike large wellness events or performance-driven workshops, we create space for reflection and clarity without pressure.
This philosophy shapes everything here. Making Space is a home-like environment designed for depth, presence, and meaningful work. This is a venue where both guests and retreat leaders are supported in creating and engaging in experiences that truly matter.
Alexa Young, CA
"Testimonials are coming. If you are reading this, would you like to write one?"
Madeup name, NY
"Suzanne has a warm and welcoming presence that immediately put me at ease. Her thoughtfully developed and executed exercises allowed me to think about my life in new ways, all while having fun! A rare skill."
Lisa Driver, MI
“Please share a testimonial.”