Coming June 26th - July 1st, 2023!

Our May 2022 Creative Retreat has come and gone but we are ready for next year!  

Are you?

Be the first to receive details about future overnight retreats.

Click here to be put on the waiting list and check out what we did last year by scrolling down.

All-Inclusive Experience

 

Let us take care of everything for you so that you can walk away from reality with no responsibilities to think about during your time here.  Food and refreshments will be provided and all art materials will be supplied. 

 

Once you disembark the ferry, I promise you, it feels like you have stepped into a different dimension.  All time stands still and you are able to feel completely disconnected from tech, work, and the busyness of the mainland so you can focus on renewing your energy. 

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEED RIGHT NOW!

Learn New Things

 

With our guidance and expertise and your creative spirit, you will be able to explore art mediums and techniques to make and create alongside one another in a no-pressure zone.  We strive to make everyone feel comfortable and successful with each and every project.

 

In addition to art, you will have time to journal, practice yoga, paddleboard and kayak, and go crabbing.

Explore Together

 

There is no shortage of places to see or things to explore on the island.  Take a hike through the maritime forest trails, walk the beach or stroll through Harbor Village.  We can't forget about the rich history of the island and seeing what kind of work they do at the conservancy.

 

Greet the ferry from the pier, find the best beach access to catch the sunset (P.S. I know which one it is), search for shells at Cape Fear, and bird watching in the marsh.  It's magical here, no matter the time of year but we deliberately chose May for the comfortable temperatures and quieter times.

DISCONNECT WITH US

Drawing

Drawing Pencils

Colored Pencils

Soft Pastels

Oil Pastel

Painting

Watercolor

Ink

Gouache

Special Topics

Shibori

Printmaking

Collage

Mixed Media

Perhaps you will find that you enjoy creating artworks composed from a combination of different media or materials.

We will explore different parts of the island and then create art using a variety of media inspired by what we see.  Make sure you have your camera with you (a phone camera will do) to document the beauty we see on each of our excursions.  Some of our art will be done en plein air in order to capture the light and color and changes of the scenery before our very eyes.

We know, thinking about creating art and actually doing it are two very different things.  This will be the perfect environment to jump right in.  If you don't feel like you are very artistic, this is the perfect retreat for you!  It is open to anyone with any level of artistic ability where we all embrace our progress and are open to trying new things.  

Join us for discussions and demonstrations about a variety of art media allowing you to try many things and find what you are most comfortable using.  As the week progresses you will end up with finished work ready for display with the freedom of continuing with the materials that you find to be your favorites.

All materials will be provided throughout the week.  We will walk you through how to use each medium and you will also receive printable resource sheets and buying guides on what is covered.

Enjoy your week...

 

...by retreating to an island.

 

Sunday - Friday, May 15-20, 2022

I'm so disappointed that I can't make it this this week but WOW! This sounds amazing!

Personal Expression

As you think about what it is that you might want to create, take a look around.  What style of artwork do you have hanging in your house?  What colors and textures are you drawn to?  What do you wish you could create but haven't tried yet?  We will explore all of this to end up with a work of art that fits your personal style to a T.

Find Your Creative Voice

There are so many art materials to choose from.  How do you know what will be the best medium for you?  You will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of media throughout the week.  We'll be creating traditional art such as drawing, painting, and using soft pastels, but we'll also try our hand at more abstract art such as printmaking and even fiber art.

Guided Instruction

We will explore different parts of the island and then create using a variety of media.  Using nature to inspire shapes and colors we'll turn what you viewed into a visual display of inspired artwork. 

At first, each exercise will be more specific with all of us using the same material, but as we progress through the week, you will start to find what you prefer and have the freedom to create in your own way.

 We will guide you in the execution of the topic by choosing a medium that is right for your vision.  Our extensive experience and your willingness to trust yourself will surely result in very personalized works of art in the end.

Yoga Sessions

Each of the 8 yoga sessions offered will be fitting for the time of day and the upcoming activities to prepare us for the best day ever or to set us up for a restful night's sleep.

Vinyasa will get us flowing with the breath to be more energized in the morning and yin/restorative yoga will settle us into a soothing night routine.  

Participate in as many or as few of these sessions as you'd like.  Each session will be beginner-friendly and personalized as we go.

Excursions

Bald Head Island, a roughly 5 square mile southern North Carolina barrier island, boasts plenty of outdoor adventures to be experienced as well as an interesting history.  There will be daily opportunities to explore the island whether it is by foot, bicycle, golf cart, kayak, or paddleboard.

From one end of the island to the other, 14 miles of beaches to be exact, and the Cape Fear River, marsh, and the maritime forest, we'll take you to all of the exclusively reclusive corners of the island.

Open Studio

There will be the opportunity to explore different media and express ourselves in a more independent way during the evening hours.  It is a time that is intended to foster creativity and encourage experimentation among a more social time as we get to know each other better. 

You may choose to continue working on projects from earlier in the day or create smaller, fun pieces to share or take home with you.  Of course, we will still be available for guidance and support on anything you will be working on.

Rest

Whether you bring a good book to read on the beach or back porch, you take time to journal, or you just need to soak in the sounds of nature, you'll have plenty of downtime to reflect on why you needed to take a retreat in the first place.

I need a good rest.

Relax

There will be plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of the island, walk along the beach, and explore the maritime forest.  We'll use these relaxing activities as inspiration for much of the art created this week.

Enjoy relaxing evenings experimenting with the more low-key open studio activities or pamper yourself with a mani/pedi and mud mask before snuggling into the comfort of our beach house for the night.

I would love to relax.

Recharge

Experience community building time at open studio, in front of a good movie or playing games together.  Take advantage of one-on-one paddleboarding lessons in the serene marsh or climb to the top of the lighthouse to take in the breathtaking views.

Let's recharge!

INSTRUCTORS

AMY ROADMAN

VISUAL ARTS EDUCATOR

Amy has been teaching art for 20+ years to all age groups and abilities in schools and private settings, in-person and online. Drawing, painting, and pottery are what she primarily focuses on, but she enjoys creating in many mediums.  Creating restful creative retreats and workshops for women to learn new things is definitely the best part of the job!

BROOKE ROADMAN

CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR AND PERSONAL TRAINER

Brooke is our resident yoga and paddleboard instructor who specializes in making healthy choices for our overall well-being.  She is also an award-winning artist that focuses on drawing and ceramics.  Her background brings the perfect balance to mindful experiences that are special to retreats.

Join us in this Creative Retreat

I CAN'T WAIT TO BE THERE!

What others have said about past workshops and retreats:

- Melissa S.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by comfort (or hygge, as was the overarching theme of the weekend).  We settled in by the hearth and were introduced to each other and reviewed the itinerary with a few personalized surprises thrown in!  The whole experience was so comfortable and inspiring.  The hosts were so welcoming, encouraging, and knowledgeable without being overbearing and rigid.  Before bed, we were treated to a relaxing yoga session to help us get ready for restful sleep.  It truly felt like a retreat from reality.  The setting was perfect and every last detail was thought of.  I left feeling refreshed and ready to create.

- Donna M.

This holiday watercolor workshop was a wonderful experience. I was pleased beyond my expectations with my final product. I have always been a little hesitant to work with watercolors. I thought it would be too difficult to control where the color went and to manage the white spaces that need to be reserved. I learned a lot about watercolors, a lot about white space, in a fun festive atmosphere.

- Marcia

The Nature Printing workshop was a very enjoyable experience.  The setting was nature at its finest. The sound of the stream was relaxing as we sat near the water before getting started. Then we took a walk through the woods to gather interesting leaves, ferns, branches, and seed pods for the nature prints. Taking our finds back to the workshop area, we learned different techniques on how to create our own unique prints and mat them. A nice variety of snacks were also provided.  I recommend attending and look forward to their next workshop!

Itinerary

We will enjoy our time exploring the island and take advantage of our natural surroundings to create art inspired by our experiences.

Don't worry, although there are plenty of activities planned each day, nothing will feel overscheduled.  We'll be on island time!

*Studio projects and art media, open studio, and optional yoga session details are provided above.

Sunday

  • Arrival
  • Dinner 
  • Golf Cart Tour of the Island
  • Journal Prompt & Open Studio
  • Yin/Restorative Yoga

Monday

  • Breakfast 
  • Vinyasa Yoga
  • Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum of History
  • Guided Instruction
  • Lunch
  • Guided Instruction
  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding
  • Guided Instruction
  • Dinner at Delphina
  • Sunset Beach Walk
  • Open Studio
  • Yin/Restorative Yoga

Tuesday

  • Breakfast at the Sandpiper
  • Trail Walk in the Nature Preserve
  • Optional BHI Guided Historic Tour
  • Guided Instruction
  • Lunch
  • Guided Instruction
  • BHI Conservancy
  • Shell Walk on East Beach
  • The Common at Cape Fear Station Park Exploration
  • Guided Instruction
  • Dinner and Optional Trivia Night at The Wisp
  • Open Studio
  • Yin/Restorative Yoga

Wednesday

  • Breakfast
  • Vinyasa Yoga
  • Guided Instruction
  • Lunch at Maritime Market
  • Browse the Shops
  • South Beach
  • Optional Crabbing in the Marsh
  • Optional Music Bingo at The Wisp
  • Dinner
  • Guided Instruction
  • Open Studio
  • Yin/Restorative Yoga

Thursday

  • Breakfast at Jailhouse Provisions
  • Island Walk
  • Guided Instruction
  • Lunch
  • Guided Instruction
  • Beach/Free Time
  • Dinner at Jules' Salty Grub and Island Pub
  • Guided Instruction
  • Open Studio
  • Yin/Restorative Yoga

Friday

  • Breakfast
  • Vinyasa Yoga
  • Closing Journal Prompt & Gallery Review
  • Checkout & Departure

Specific rooms will be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You will have the choice of rooms in the quaint Harbor Village house that we will be staying in.  Prices vary on the size and privacy each room provides.

  • 3rd Floor King/Twin Master Suite with Private Bath (Sleeps 2-3)
  • Second Floor King Master Suite with Private Bath and Balcony (Sleeps 2)
  • Second Floor Queen Bedroom with Shared Bath (Sleeps 1-2)
  • Second Floor Bunk Room with Shared Bath (Sleeps 2)

 

Double or Triple Occupancy

 

SOLD OUT

Double Occupancy

 

SOLD OUT

Single or Double Occupancy

 

SOLD OUT

Double Occupancy

 

SOLD OUT

Frequently Asked Questions and More Specific Details

3rd Floor King Suite - Double Occupancy

$2600 each

King/Twin Master Suite with Private Bath

SOLD OUT

3rd Floor King Suite - Triple Occupancy

$2400 each

King/Twin Master Suite with Private Bath

SOLD OUT

2nd Floor King Suite - Double Occupancy

$2400 each

Second Floor King Master Suite with Private Bath and Balcony

SOLD OUT

Queen Bedroom with Shared Bath - Single Occupancy

$2550

Second Floor Queen Bedroom with Shared Bath

SOLD OUT

Queen Bedroom with Shared Bath - Double Occupancy

$2200 each

Second Floor Queen Bedroom with Shared Bath

SOLD OUT

Bunk Room with Shared Bath - Double Occupancy

$2200 each

Second Floor Bunk Room with Shared Bath

SOLD OUT

Can't make it to the beach or maybe you prefer the mountains?

We are already scoping out new locations for late 2022 and 2023 as well as offering short workshops.  Join us!

Want to dream about future retreats?

Get on the waiting list for future dates and learn about upcoming events.