Karen Kimmel and the Art of the Family Getaway

Kids get crafty at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, courtesy of Kimmel Kids and Splendid.

Los Angeles-based artist and mother of two Karen Kimmel has created the art of the family getaway.

On October 8-10 at the ultra-hip Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, parents and little ones can take a break from the hectic L.A. scene and join Kimmel and other talented artists for, as she puts it, a weekend of crafting, community and creativity.

Started as a way to bring families closer together, "Crafting Community," is a three-day escape ($695; more info below) presented by Kimmel's children's educational line Kimmel Kids and clothing boutique Splendid that offers artistic workshops in underwater photography, skateboarding, pottery, macrame and more.

For Kimmel, it was that mix of art, family and community that really inspired the idea for the weekend.

"I have a lot of experience interacting with the community through art installation, and I really liked it," Kimmel said. "And then having my own kids and seeing how easy it is to slip into routines and miss an opportunity to either interact with parents at school because you're just dropping your kids off or just because how fast-paced life is" also served as the impetus for the project.

In addition to daily workshops, families also have the opportunity to meet other families at a morning yoga class or by just kicking back in the evenings while listening to storytelling under the starry desert sky.

Kimmel's goal, she said, was to "create an opportunity for everybody to slow down and make some things together, to spend time together as a family and do something creative."

In addition to Kimmel and other artists, "Crafting Community" draws on the expertise of another mom-founded organization, the hospitality-focused consulting company Kid Concierge.

Created by former children's boutique owner Stacy Bernstein and event producer Tait Chatmon, Kid Concierge is all about taking kid-friendly brands and experiences to the next level. Both Bernstein and Chatmon were able to blend their work experience with their mom experience to form a company that caters to family-focused products and events.

"Even though we were passionate about our careers, we were even more passionate about our kids," said Bernstein, explaining how she and Chatmon began their company.

"I was so excited by all the modern and creative and unique options there were for new moms." Chatmon added.

As far as partnering with Kimmel, Bernstein said that it seemed like a natural fit, especially because Chatmon and Kimmel were already connected.

"We just saw an opportunity to bring our businesses together," Bernstein said, "to really elevate this program that (Kimmel) had envisioned and then bring our resources in."

They also wanted "to take it to the next level from a hospitality standpoint," she added. "And to bring it to a hotel and create this entire experience and weekend that really nurtures the family relationship."

And while the weekend does implement art as a way to bring families themselves closer together, Kimmel also said it's about the greater dialogue between a community of families: "where people get to know each other and maybe say, 'I go to that school, too. We should carpool.' "

Click here to enter to win an all-inclusive "Crafting Community" weekend.

More information:

Karen Kimmel

Kimmel Kids + Splendid present "Crafting Community"

Special package rate of $695++ includes:
• 2 nights lodging (standard king or double)
• 2 days art instruction and supplies
• Friday night taco dinner and fireside s’mores
• Saturday and Sunday continental breakfast
• Splendid-styled family portraits
• Kimmel Kids tote filled with goodies

*Basic package rate includes 3 people.
Tax and resort fee not included. Upgrades available.

Reserve by Sept. 24 for special rate.
Call the Ace Hotel: 760.325.9900
PROMO CODE: KIMMEL KIDS CRAFTING