COLLAGE YOUR TRAVELS

A SUMMER ART RETREAT FOR WOMEN with CAT RAINS

JUNE 6-10, 2027

JUNE 11-15, 2027

IN BEAUTIFUL ASHEVILLE, NC

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

We invite you to join us this summer for a joyful gathering of curious creatives in Asheville, North Carolina—a vibrant art town nestled in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

This year, we’re offering two back-to-back retreats, giving you two date options to choose from for your creative adventure. Come make art, connect, play, explore, and soak up the magic of Asheville with a wonderful community of creative souls.

If you’re inspired by the idea of sinking into a spacious stretch of days surrounded by color, creativity, and community, while learning the art of collage-making with mixed media artist Cat Rains, we hope you’ll join us. Cat has a beautiful gift for sharing her creative process and inviting others into the joyful, playful world of collage—and we can’t wait to make some magic together!

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE MAILING LIST FOR THIS RETREAT HERE

Registration will open on November 11, 2026

Join us for an inspiring creative getaway in the heart of vibrant Asheville, where you'll explore the art of collage, chronicle your travels, and create two one-of-a-kind sketchbooks filled with the colors, textures, and memories of your time in this beautiful mountain town.

Together, we will embark on a transformative experience of self-expression, discovery, and camaraderie. Whether you're capturing the beauty of Asheville or charting your own artistic course, Collage Your Travels promises to be an experience you'll treasure for a lifetime.

~ What you can look forward to ~

A Thoughtfully Curated Experience

With a spacious stretch of days together and the details thoughtfully taken care of, you can settle into the experience and let Asheville become part of your creative journey. Each day will offer a balance of guided art-making, time to explore, and opportunities to pause and connect. Nourishing breakfasts and lunches, a warm welcome, and thoughtful touches throughout will allow you to immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy the pleasure of creating in good company.

Discovering Asheville Through Collage

Under Cat’s generous guidance, you’ll explore playful ways to combine collage-making and smartphone photography to tell the story of a place through your own creative lens. Inspired by Asheville’s character, colorful streets, and creative spirit, you’ll experiment with making distinctive collage papers, collecting visual impressions, and transforming everyday discoveries into unexpected works of art.

Following Your Creative Curiosity

This is an invitation to experiment, try new approaches, and discover where your own creative instincts lead. As Cat shares her process and offers guidance along the way, you’ll build a personal collection of materials, images, and impressions, bringing them together in two dynamic collage sketchbooks that capture your unique experience of this historic mountain town.

RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS

Immersive collage-making with Cat Rains: Daily art-making sessions with personalized guidance, creative support, and opportunities to explore Cat’s playful approach to mixed media collage.
A thoughtfully hosted retreat experience: All creative sessions with Cat, along with shared daily breakfasts and lunches, giving you time to recharge, connect, and enjoy being part of the group.
Creative exploration in Asheville: Dedicated time to wander through vibrant downtown Asheville, gather visual inspiration, and collect the colors, textures, images, and unexpected discoveries that will find their way into your collage work.
Two handmade concertina sketchbooks: Create two one-of-a-kind sketchbooks filled with collages that capture your Asheville experience, weaving together your photographs, collected impressions, and newly created collage papers.
Connection and community: Daily opportunities to gather, share discoveries, exchange ideas, and enjoy the company of fellow creatives in a welcoming, encouraging environment. The Foundry offers multiple cozy nooks for gathering circles after 5 pm on art-making days.
Optional River Arts District experience: Stay a little longer and join us for a guided tour of Asheville’s River Arts District after the retreat, with an opportunity to explore this distinctive creative neighborhood, its hundreds of working artist studios and its’ resilience.

“I’m so happy that your path has led you here! As a mixed media artist with 30+ years of experience, my intention is to help you (re)connect, (re)awaken and create collages that channel YOUR inner voice.

My own art journey began at age 33 when it felt like I was drowning from an overwhelming day job. Seeking stress relief, I impulsively created my first collage with absolutely no art experience.

Something magical happened that day. I realized that for the first time in ages, I was genuinely having FUN.

That one joy-filled collage became the turning point, setting my life on a course I previously could have never imagined. From navigating career changes, an art business, a cancer diagnosis, an unexpected divorce, and even hauling 50-pound suitcases of art supplies and creating late at night after working my day job on the road, my commitment to creating art from the depths of my soul never wavered.

Fast forward to today and I’m living my dream as a full-time artist and educator, empowering fellow creatives (yes, that means you!) to make collages that awaken, inspire and speak truth into the world.

The methods I share in Collage Your Travels aren’t just about art, they’re about transformation. They’ve reshaped my life and the lives of countless students, and I’m honored to invite you to join me on this incredible journey. Together, we’ll explore Downtown Asheville as we create collages that capture the essence of your travel story, and your life.”‍ ‍

~ Cat

Your Home for the Retreat

We'll gather at The Foundry Hotel in downtown Asheville, placing you in the heart of a vibrant arts destination with independent shops, galleries, studios, and mountain-town charm to explore. You'll have the opportunity to experience Asheville not simply as a visitor, but through the eyes of a creative—paying attention to the details, colors, textures, and moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

Daily Collage Workshops with Cat

Immerse yourself in Cat’s playful, intuitive approach to mixed media collage through daily art-making sessions designed to spark curiosity and open new creative possibilities. With Cat’s thoughtfully developed lessons, demonstrations, and personalized guidance, you’ll have space to experiment with materials, discover new techniques, and develop your own creative voice.

Whether you’re just beginning your creative journey or looking to deepen an existing practice, you’ll be welcomed into an encouraging, beginner-friendly environment where all experience levels are celebrated and there’s room to explore at your own pace.

Creative Inspiration Rooted in Asheville

Let Asheville become part of your creative process. With dedicated time to explore downtown, you’ll discover the colors, textures, images, distinctive papers, and unexpected details that give this vibrant mountain town its character. Gather visual impressions, capture moments with your smartphone, and collect inspiration to weave into your collage sketchbooks.

Surrounded by Asheville’s community of artists, makers, and independent creative businesses—and held by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains—you’ll have an opportunity to experience this special place through a creative lens, noticing the beauty and possibility in the details of everyday life.

Community & Meaningful Connection

Creativity has a way of bringing people together. Throughout the retreat, you’ll be welcomed into a warm, supportive circle of women who share a curiosity about art, a desire to explore, and an appreciation for making space for creativity in their lives.

Shared meals, conversations around the art-making table, and opportunities to exchange ideas and discoveries create natural openings for connection and friendship. Our gathering spaces at The Foundry Hotel also offer inviting places to unwind and enjoy optional, unstructured time together at the end of the day, should you wish to linger in the company of fellow creatives.

Daily Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy thoughtfully prepared daily breakfasts and catered lunches, giving you time to nourish yourself, take a pause from creating, and gather around the table with your fellow retreat participants. These shared meals are part of the experience—moments to recharge, exchange stories, and enjoy the pleasure of being together.

A Special Welcome Reception

We’ll begin our time together with a relaxed welcome reception featuring a special happy hour and generous hors d’oeuvres. It’s an opportunity to settle in, meet your fellow creatives, and ease into the days ahead with conversation, anticipation, and a warm welcome by ArtPlay & Cat.

What’s Included

What’s not Included

Travel to Asheville
Transportation to and from retreat activities
Accommodations: Lodging is arranged separately and is not included in the retreat price. We warmly encourage you to stay at The Foundry Hotel, where all of our retreat activities will take place., and have secured a special group rate for Cat's retreats, making it easy to keep the creative experience close at hand throughout your stay. Staying on-site allows you to settle into the experience with ease, with art-making sessions, shared meals, and community gatherings all under one roof.
Dinner: ‍You’ll be free to explore Asheville's wonderful food scene at your own pace. We'll provide a curated list of nearby restaurants within walking distance, with options for a variety of tastes & settings.
Personal art supplies: Cat asks guests to bring recommended art supplies for the retreat. She will provide a comprehensive supply list in advance so you can prepare with confidence. Note: you may arrange to have one box of art materials shipped to Asheville ahead of your arrival if you choose.

Welcome! I'm Kristen Edge, founder of ArtPlay Creativity Studio + Gallery and your host for our retreats.

In 2025, ArtPlay began a beautiful new chapter with the introduction of our women's art retreats, expanding the ways we gather in creative community. It has been such a joy to welcome women from across the country—and beyond—who feel drawn to nurturing their creative spirit, exploring new possibilities, and connecting with other like-hearted souls.

At the heart of these gatherings is something I deeply believe in: that making art within a circle of creative community creates a rich and meaningful space for personal discovery, connection, and a renewed sense of possibility. My hope is that each retreat offers you the freedom to step away from the everyday, slow down, follow your curiosity, and experience the joy of creating alongside a welcoming community.

This summer, I'm thrilled to welcome Cat Rains to lead this creative adventure in my hometown of Asheville, North Carolina!

I hope you'll join us for this special gathering in the heart of Asheville!

Questions about the retreat? Please reach out to me here

KIND WORDS FROM PREVIOUS RETREAT PARTICIPANTS~

feedback from Cat Rains Retreats & ArtPlay Retreats:

“You are truly a kind, sharing and gifted teacher and a special human being.” CAT RAINS RETREAT
Suffice to say I have been on more art courses than I can remember, many I wish to forget!! But this one was the absolute pinnacle of all that I regard as excellent and exceptional in a live, in person retreat. You have learned your subject - mixed media collage over many years. Your most special gift is being anxious to share your passion with your students and all your little tips - so hard earned. You are never precious but truly a kind, sharing and gifted teacher and a special human being. ~ Anne W.
“A treasured memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” CAT RAINS RETREAT
Cat’s mixed media collage retreat in Montelparo, Italy was truly the best decision of my artistic journey. Throughout the retreat, I felt a profound sense of connectedness—not just with the stunning surroundings but also with the incredible group of artists who shared the experience. Catherine’s expert guidance helped me grow and refine my own art in ways I hadn’t imagined, pushing me to experiment and improve. By the end of the retreat, I think we all left feeling deeply inspired, with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of new ideas to carry forward in our artistic practice. The week is a treasured memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life. ~ Jana N.
“The freedom to experiment and feel good about the process is where I feel joyful.” CAT RAINS RETREAT
To start with I could see live, in person, the techniques I first saw on you tube and the Collage Joy 2025 course. Asking questions in real time and seeing how you work up close and personal was really helpful in imprinting in my mind how to improve what I already knew and learn new skills. Secondly, You. You make learning fun (thank you Fleetwood Mac, hahah). I appreciate the timing of the lessons, how you kept us on track and most of all how you emphasize how it’s our creativity that’s makes it work. The freedom to experiment and feel good about the process is where I feel joyful. Your preparation for the week is what makes me feel safe. I like freedom within the guidelines and I really appreciate that! The synergy of a group works best with a talented leader. You are that person. Thank you. ~ Laura P.
“Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys exploring their creativity at any level in their journey.” ARTPLAY RETREAT
“I recently attended ArtPlay's retreat called Playful Blooms. It was an amazing experience. The location was so beautiful and accommodations were very upscale. The group attending were like minded individuals who loved art, music, and inspiring conversation. We were pampered by an amazing host- Kristen -who with her team of assistants fed us wonderful food. We were taught by a very talented teaching artist and the classes were so much fun. Music was played during our sessions as we sang along. I highly recommend ArtPlay's retreats to anyone who enjoys exploring their creativity at any level in their journey.” ~ Kathy C.
“I will carry the joy with me for a long time.” ARTPLAY RETREAT
“The ArtPlay (Playful Blooms) retreat was a feast of laughter, color, flowers, and community. The artist’s warm and generous teaching style made me feel comfortable and capable, even as an artist without a lot of experience. Studio time was focused and organized, while allowing space for fun and laughter. This retreat fed the creative soul in ways that satisfy beyond one weekend. I will carry the joy with me for a long time.” ~ Sandy C.
“I found my tribe in your workshop!” CAT RAINS RETREAT
I appreciate and value your leadership and talent. Thanks for sharing your gifts and extending an invitation to grow. Women who encourage and promote other women have become harder and harder to find. I value women who contribute to the development of other women without competitive or limiting energy. I found my tribe in your workshop! ~ Pam R.
“I felt very special and cared for. Thank you! ARTPLAY RETREAT
“I really loved the painting but the weekend felt like it was much more than that. For me it was an incredible experience to meet some wonderful women and spend time with my daughter. It was very relaxing and fulfilling. I still think of all the special women that attended.
Although I was among some very talented artists, I still felt I was successful at making some beautiful art that I could be proud of. The artist’s teaching technique and reassuring words gave me confidence that I could accomplish something beautiful. I’ve continued to practice and even shared what I learned with a friend and now we paint together! I am so grateful! I felt very special and cared for. Thank you so much!” ~ Mary H.
“Meeting other women and having time to have great conversations with them was wonderful.” ARTPLAY RETREAT
Location and accommodations were great. I felt so welcome and the ladies that came were wonderful. Thank you so much!I loved learning the artist’s technique in watercolor and having unlimited paper as I tend to work very fast! She was so generous.
Thank you for your working behind the scenes to make this a very special moment for so many of us and holding space and a safe environment for acceptance and connection - that really meant a lot!
~ Diane A.
“Absolutely a 10!” ARTPLAY RETREAT
“There was something special about this place and experience that Kristen carefully crafted for us. Sharing art and life experiences was a wonderful addition to our workshop giving us all a safe place to land.
Fabulous accommodations ---- I could've literally just moved in ... had my own spacious room with a deck and an extremely comfortable bed. The meals were very good, each and every one .... I'm not sure I've ever eaten so many delicious deserts.
Next time I would combine the retreat along with a road trip around your beautiful state. Hope that'll happen again.
Thank you for your kindness, respect, care and compassion.
~ Sue. G.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Space is limited. We encourage you to reserve your spot early!

Cat Rains 2027 Retreat in Asheville, NC

June 6-10

June 11-15

Please send details

Retreat Cancellation Policy

Our cancellation policy helps us thoughtfully prepare for each retreat, creating an experience that feels intentional, welcoming, and thoughtfully cared for from beginning to end. Each retreat involves many months of planning, from securing the studio space and coordinating with our teaching artists to sourcing materials, arranging meals and hospitality, and shaping the details that make our time together feel special. We make commitments to our artists, venues, caterers, and other collaborators well in advance, based on the number of guests registered.

Because these arrangements require advance planning, financial commitments, and considerable care behind the scenes, all retreat registrations are nonrefundable. Please review this policy carefully before reserving your spot.

Cancellations & Waitlist Transfers

Once payment is received, your registration is final. We are unable to offer refunds for cancellations, illness, changes in plans, travel interruptions, or other circumstances that prevent you from attending.

If you are unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible. When an active waitlist exists for your workshop, we will offer your spot to those waiting and do our best to find someone who can take your place.

If a replacement participant is available, we will coordinate the transfer with you. Please understand that a replacement cannot be guaranteed. If we are unable to fill your spot, your registration payment remains nonrefundable.

We recognize that plans sometimes change, and we will make reasonable efforts to assist with a transfer when circumstances allow. Thank you for understanding and for helping us sustain the creative experiences we bring you through ArtPlay.

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