OCTOBER 23-26, 2025

ColorFlow

A Women’s Art Retreat for Creative Renewal : SOLD OUT

This retreat has already taken place.

Traces of our weekend will be shared here soon!

Collage of nature, flowers, and interior scenes. Includes lakes, mountains, colorful flower paintings, and a modern living room.

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF ALCOHOL INKS WITH KIMBERLY DEENE!

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF ALCOHOL INKS WITH KIMBERLY DEENE !
Colorful floral artwork with a large white and yellow flower on the right and multicolored leaves in the background, featuring shades of red, pink, orange, green, and black.
Close-up of a pink and peach rose flower with a green stem and leaves, set against a soft yellow background.
Close-up of a large, multi-colored flower with soft pink, white, and yellow petals, and a dark center with tiny white and red reproductive structures.
Watercolor painting of a large orange flower with purple and white center, signature reads Kimberly Deend
Abstract painting featuring a white flower with pink and red details and colorful black and orange leaves on a dark background.
  • A serene lake surrounded by green mountains during sunset, with a partially cloudy sky and the sun setting behind the mountains.
  • A scenic view of a lake with a trail of ripples created by a boat, surrounded by green forested hills and trees, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
  • Living room with large windows and a view of a lake, ceiling fan, stone fireplace, and various furniture including chairs, a sofa, and a ottoman.
  • Scenic view of a river bordered by forested hills, with mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A peaceful lake surrounded by dense forest under a sky with scattered clouds during sunset.
  • Two individuals swimming in a green river near a rocky, forested shoreline with a person climbing rocks in the background.
  • Scenic view of a lake with rippling water reflecting sunlight, surrounded by forested hills and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
  • View from a paddleboard on a calm lake, with a yellow paddle lying across the board. The lake is surrounded by green forested hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
  • A kayak on a calm lake surrounded by forested hills and mountains with a bright sun and blue sky with some clouds.
  • A dog standing on the edge of a boat, looking out over a lake with mountains in the background and the sun shining in the sky.
  • A calm lake reflecting trees and houses on the shoreline, with a blue sky and scattered clouds overhead.
  • A large house overlooking a body of water, with multiple decks and large windows, surrounded by green trees and a colorful red and green shrub.
  • Bright living room with large windows, a stone fireplace, a white couch with blue throw, brown leather and gray chairs, a TV, and decorative plates on the wall.
  • Living room with large windows overlooking a lake, wooden dining table with six black chairs, and a sitting area with a white sofa, armchair, fireplace, and decorative plates on the wall.
  • Open-concept kitchen with wooden cabinets, black dishwasher, granite countertop, and large windows overlooking greenery.
  • An outdoor balcony with a round black table, surrounded by four gray chairs, and shaded by a large beige umbrella. The balcony is next to a gray house with large windows, overlooking a green landscape with trees and a body of water where boats are docked.
  • Scene of a lake view from a wooden deck with green Adirondack chairs and a pillow, overlooking trees and water under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A screened porch with four wooden chairs with blue cushions and pillows, a round wooden coffee table, and a patterned rug, overlooking trees with snow and a partly clear sky.
  • A lake surrounded by green trees on a cloudy day, with a dock extending into the water and three paddleboarders and one boat on the lake.
  • People sunbathing and relaxing on a wooden dock with kayaks on a calm lake.

Kind Words:

  • “I would go again in a heartbeat!”

    “The time spent together with all the amazing women and Cathy at the ArtPlay Retreat was absolutely magical! I learned so many new painting techniques for making collages, using colors, and creating compositions, just to name a few. Cathy is an amazing nurturing teacher! I had such a great time creating, enjoying the laughter, singing along to music, and sharing the heart-felt sense of joy and happiness with everyone. It was a great way to refresh, rejuvenate, and relieve stress and tension. I’m so glad I went, it was totally worth it. I would go again in a heartbeat! I’m so grateful for our time together.” ~ Dina P.

  • “Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys exploring their creativity at any level in their journey.”

    “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 teacher Cathy Nichols and classes were so much fun. Music was played during our sessions as we sang along. I highly recommend ArtPlay's retreats at beautiful Lake Santeetlah 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.”

    “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 loved it all. I loved every single day!”

    “I had the great pleasure of attending ArtPlay’s retreat, Playful Blooms at Lake Santeetlah with the fabulous Cathy Nichols. I was absolutely blown away with the entire weekend! Kristen of ArtPlay saw to every detail. The location, food and drinks, creative space, the “energy” – we were absolutely spoiled! Cathy’s method of teaching and supporting new and experienced artists was amazing. She was attentive and patient and INSPIRING! She broke down every step in bite sized pieces and explained not just what she was doing but why and the process to get there. I love it all! I loved every single day. The collection of women gathered and the space to create beautiful art – it was all perfection!” ~ Carrie D.

  • Kimberly’s Students:

    “Not enough stars!”

    “This was a fantastic class, Kimberly makes you feel so relaxed and confident. I started out with trepidation and finished with elation! Would give this six stars if I could! Thank you!”

    Sandra F.

    “Cinq étoiles!!!…

    Très bien expliqué. Techniques intelligentes et surprenantes! J'aime votre style Kim et je sais que je découvrirai le mien à force de pratique. Soyez bénie! “

    de Nicole T.

  • Kimberly’s Student:

    “I absolutely love the stunning blooms you can create with alcohol inks and Kimberly teaches this skill in a very clear, simple way. It definitely takes practice to achieve great results a high percentage of the time, but you will gain the knowledge you need from Kimberly’s instruction. The number of different skills taught is a bonus. Kimberly covers the beautiful dimensional centers and other flower types both on yupo and black paper. Thank you so much Kimberly.”

    Laura T.

  • Kimberly’s students:

    “Kimberly’s artistic talents inspire us to try something new. She helps us build a foundation to express ourselves with easy to understand videos and real-time support. You can’t help but create beautiful artwork and feel good about the process along the way with Kimberly!”

    AnnaMarie L.

    “Wonderful, insightful …

    I have seen flower centers done before, some no doubt trying to mimic what they have seen in her paintings, but her tips are what will take an artist to a new level. Her teaching really resonated with me. It always is the fine details that take good art to excellent art and her class will give you that. Highly recommend!”

    Lisa P.

Three women sitting on a boat at sunset, with a lake and mountains in the background. One woman is taking a photo while another is holding a drink.

Welcome!

I’m Kristen Edge, owner of ArtPlay Gallery & Studio in Asheville, NC. I am so excited to be sharing this retreat opportunity with you & to be able to host Kimberly Deene as our teaching artist for a beautiful long weekend of creative renewal & connection!

Please feel free to reach out to me here with any questions you may have about this retreat. I can’t wait to host you!