It's time to retreat, relax, and recharge!
Art * Nature * Exploration * Trail Walks * Campfires * Good Food * Fast Friends
4pm Friday - 4pm Sunday
March 31-April 2, 2023
Can't make it all 3 days? Personalize your package!
All-Inclusive Experience
Maybe you are...
...always busy and need a chance to slow down.
...see all the fun things your kids are doing and it's about time you get to have the fun.
...have an empty nest and need to adjust to doing things for you, not just for your kids.
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 arrive at the lodge, you will be treated to fun times and enriching experiences. Unwind in style with the property’s amenities, where the beauty of nature meets the comfort of modern luxuries.
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, spend time in a place with a fantastic view, and go hiking.
Explore Together
There is no shortage of places to see or things to explore in our area. Take a hike through the wooded trails, relax next to the lake, or stroll through Jimberg Village.
We couldn't ask for a better setting than the Laurel Highlands for our outdoor adventures!
Rest & Recharge
You need a getaway and this place is perfect for that. A restful nature-inspired setting for you to relax in. Take in the sounds, walk around the lake, and explore the wooded trails. Recharge during community-building activities.
Prints & Collages
Floral Arranging
Miniature Paintings
Presentation is Everything
We will explore different parts of the 800-acre property 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 encounter on each of our excursions. Some of our art will be based on photos we take at different times of the day in order to capture the light and color and changes in 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 retreat 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. We will walk you through how to use each medium so no previous experience is necessary!
Be inspired by nature...
...by retreating to the lodge.
Friday-Sunday, March 31-April 2, 2023
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 retreat. We'll be creating traditional art but we'll also try our hand at more abstract pieces to see what style suits you.
Itinerary
We will enjoy our time exploring the property and take advantage of our natural surroundings in the Laurel Highlands to create art inspired by our experiences. (weather permitting)
Don't worry, although there are plenty of activities planned each day, nothing will feel overscheduled. We'll be kicking back and relaxing and reflecting during our time here too.
Friday, March 31st
- 4pm Arrival & Registration
- Nature Walk with a View
- Visual Intention Setting
- Dinner at the Cafe
- Guided Art Instruction - painting minis
- Open Studio
- Pool and Hot Tub
- Bonfire
Saturday, April 1st
- Breakfast at the Cafe
- 9am Day Retreat Begins
- Tour of Jimberg Village
- Optional Yoga Session or Trail Walk
- Guided Art Instruction - textural printmaking
- Lunch
- Guided Art Instruction - collage
- Open Studio/Personal Time
- 4pm Day Retreat Session Ends
- Dinner at the Cafe
- Open Studio
- Game or Movie Night
- Yin/Restorative Yoga
Sunday, April 2nd
- Breakfast at the Cafe
- 9am Day Retreat Begins
- Guided Art Instruction - watercolor - reverse coloring book
- Lunch
- Guided Art Instruction - pottery studio
- Outdoor Adventures (weather permitting)
- Closing Activities
Guided Instruction
We will explore different parts of the 800-acre property 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.
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 Session
The optional yoga session offered will be fitting to prepare us for the upcoming activities on Saturday.
It will be a gentle, mindful movement session that will get us flowing with the breath to be more energized for the day ahead of us.
This will be beginner-friendly and personalized as we go.
Excursions
The Laurel Highlands boasts plenty of outdoor adventures to be experienced as well as an interesting history. There will be daily opportunities to explore the 800-acre property and the surrounding areas.
From trail walks, sightseeing, and the view of the lake, we'll soak in the natural beauty of our surroundings.
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 in 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 while cozied up to the fireplace, 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 a getaway in the first place.
Relax
There will be plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful Laurel Highlands, walk around the lake, and explore the wooded trails. We'll use these relaxing activities as inspiration for much of the art created this week.
Enjoy the evenings experimenting with the more low-key open studio activities, soak in the pool or hot tub, or pamper yourself with a mani/pedi and mud mask before snuggling into the comfort of our king beds for the night.
Recharge
Experience community-building time at open studio, in front of an evening bonfire, or play games together. Take advantage of quiet time around the water or the cozy fireplace at the lodge.
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!
RITA HALDEMAN
FINE ARTIST
Rita is a teaching artist with the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art and the PA Council on the Arts, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association and the Pittsburgh Pastel Artist League. She has taught adult education classes and workshops and has lectured on her work.
TRACY TRYALL
CERTIFIED HATHA YOGA INSTRUCTOR, E-RYT
Originally from the Charlottesville, Virginia area, Tracy has been teaching yoga for almost 20 years. Having worked at a local studio and WCCC since moving to Western Pennsylvania, she has found her yoga heart teaching Gentle Mindful Movement at Oak Lodge.
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!
Three Choices for Registration
- Luxurious Overnights at the Main Lodge - Double Occupancy
- Stay on the premises where retreat activities will be taking place. Double occupancy in your choice of the five king suite rooms. (One king bed in each room).
- Private Overnights at Oak Lodge
- Participate in all daytime and evening activities but retreat to the privacy of your own suite in the main lodge.
- Day Retreat Sessions
- If you are local or can't get away for an overnighter, but can't wait to participate, join us from 9am-4pm on Saturday, Sunday, or both.
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Day Retreat Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions and More Specific Details
How do I get to Oak Lodge?
What amenities are available?
What kind of meals will be provided?
Are there any extra costs?
Do I need to be a skilled artist or have participated in any yoga classes prior to the retreat?
Can I attend just one night or one or two day retreat sessions?
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
$550/person
Retreat + Double Occupancy Stay in a King Suite
4pm Friday - 4pm Sunday
All art materials, breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and evening activities are included.
Stay on the premises where retreat activities will be taking place. Double occupancy in king suite rooms.
2 DAY RETREAT SESSIONS
$225
2 Days (Saturday & Sunday) 9AM-4PM Day Retreat Experience
REGISTER FOR 2 DAYSCan't make it for this weekend or maybe you prefer the beach?
Travel to Bald Head Island for the Creative Business Retreat being held from June 26th - July 1st, 2023! We are also scoping out new locations for 2023/24 weekend retreats as well as offering monthly 3-hour workshops.
Join us!
Want to dream about future retreats?
Get on the waiting list for future dates and to learn about upcoming events.
You don't have to be artistic to explore your creativity. It is much more about the process than the product, but we'll still strive to create an end result that you'll love.
Take in the beauty of the Laurel Highlands while exploring the landscape.
Enjoy a restful session of yoga to stretch your mind and body. If yoga isn't your thing, take a trail walk or bring a book and curl up next to the fireplace during that time.
