ColorFlow 

A WOMEN’S RETREAT

FOR ACRYLIC PAINTING, CONNECTION & CREATIVE RENEWAL

NOVEMBER 11- 14, 2026

IN BEAUTIFUL ASHEVILLE, NC 

Join us for a vibrant journey into the world of color. Nestled in Asheville’s River Arts District during the peak of autumn's brilliant display, this retreat invites you to step away from daily demands and into a spacious, creative rhythm.

Together, we'll explore the expressive possibilities of color through 4 days of guided painting experiences, playful experimentation and meaningful connection.

If you long for a few days dedicated to creativity, beauty, and personal expression, we would love to welcome you!

Join us for an unforgettable art retreat in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant River Arts District, where you’ll spend four inspiring days immersed in a joyful exploration of color, self-expression, and meaningful connection with other art-loving women.

Color has the power to transform a painting—and the way we see the world!

Guided by beloved artist and instructor Tania Dirks, this immersive retreat is designed to deepen your understanding of color while expanding your confidence as a painter. Set against the beauty of Asheville and the spaciousness of several days devoted entirely to creativity, you'll explore the language of color through hands-on lessons, playful experimentation, and personal expression.

Each morning, Tania will lead an approachable exploration of one primary color, uncovering its unique qualities, moods, and possibilities. In the afternoons, we'll dive into that color's complementary partner, discovering how opposites work together to create contrast, harmony, depth, and visual energy. Along the way, you'll gain practical insights into color temperature, value, mixing techniques, and the emotional impact color can bring to your artwork.

Throughout the retreat, you'll create a personalized color reference binder filled with notes, exercises, color mixes, and discoveries—a valuable resource you can return to long after our time together. More importantly, you'll develop a deeper understanding of how to use color intentionally, allowing you to make painting decisions with greater ease and confidence.

Designed to make color theory feel inspiring and accessible rather than intimidating, this retreat balances guided learning with plenty of time for personal exploration. After each lesson, you'll have dedicated studio time to apply what you've learned in your own acrylic paintings, while being supported by Tania. Bring favorite photographs, beloved subject matter, or simply a willingness to experiment and follow your curiosity.

Whether you're new to painting or looking to refresh your relationship with color, Tania will be there every step of the way, offering encouragement, guidance, and insight as you develop your own vibrant visual language. You'll leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, meaningful friendships, and a deeper trust in your creative voice.

RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS

• Daily art-making lessons with demonstrations, lessons, personalized guidance and creative support from Tania

• Daily lunch and dinner at the Radical Hotel in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District — our home base for all creative sessions and meals

• Daily opportunities to gather together and connect with one another

Optional: ~ for those who wish to soak up a bit more of the creative scene in our beautiful River Arts District, the weekend of November 14 and 15 will also be RAD Fest, where more than 400 artists throughout the district will have their studios open to welcome visitors and share their art with you! ArtPlay founder, Kristen Edge will offer a tour through the district from 1:30 pm -4:00pm ~ a combination of walking and riding via Tuk Tuk

What’s Included

Daily acrylic painting workshops with Tania

Guided by Cat’s beautifully curated lessons and skillful support, these daily sessions invite creative exploration in an intimate, supportive environment. You’ll have space to develop or deepen your creative practice, play freely, learn new skills, and discover inspiring new possibilities in collage-making.

The retreat is thoughtfully designed to be beginner-friendly, with art-making sessions that warmly support all skill levels.

A wide array of art supplies for your daily lessons & creating

Creative inspiration drawn from Asheville’s vibrant arts culture


Be immersed in the artsy, creative spirit of downtown Asheville—home to a rich community of artists, makers, and creative business owners—while also being held by the natural beauty, soulful energy, and quiet magic of the surrounding Western North Carolina mountains. Draw inspiration from this uniquely Asheville setting for your travel journal: via textures, colors, reflections, distinctive papers, playful marks, and thoughtful compositions.

Community & meaningful connection


Throughout the retreat, you’ll be welcomed into a warm circle of women—sharing stories, creative process, and moments of reflection, with space for connections and friendships to naturally unfold. Spaces that are supportive of gathering and connecting will be present within the art-making experiences, shared meals, and the cozy gathering spaces throughout the hotel, for optional shared down time at the end of each day for those would like that option.

Daily catered breakfast & dinner

Thoughtfully prepared breakfasts and catered dinners will be served each day to nourish and sustain you throughout the retreat.

  • Weds 11/11
    3:00–5:00 pm Arrival, unpack, relax
    5:00 pm‍  ‍Happy Hour + Heavy Hors d’oeuvres at the Radical Hotel
    6:30 pm Welcome Circle: Setting intentions for our time together

  • Thurs 11/12:
    8:30 am Catered Breakfast together at the Radical
    9:30 am Morning Art Workshop with Tania
    12:30 pm Lunch on your own (A curated list of suggestions for lunch places will be provided by ArtPlay)
    2:30 pm Afternoon Workshop with Tania
    5:00 pm Complimentary Wine & Cheese + coffee/ tea

  • 6:00 Dinner together at the Radical

  • Friday 11/13 :
    8:30 am Catered Breakfast with a view on site
    9:30 am Morning Art Workshop with Cat: • Create collage papers that embody the energy of Asheville
    12:30 pmCatered Lunch on site
    1:30 pm Afternoon Workshops with Cat
    • Create a mini concertina journal incorporating original intentions
    • Create warm-up collages within the concertina
    5:00 pm Complimentary Wine & Cheese + coffee/ tea
    Evening Dinner on your own
    (A curated list of restaurant recommendations will be provided by ArtPlay)

  • Saturday 11/14
    8:30 am Catered Breakfast with a view
    9:30 am Morning Art Workshop with Cat:
    • Prepare photos for black-and-white printing
    • Create a second, larger concertina journal
    • Finish collage paper making
    12:30 pmCatered Lunch on site
    1:30 pm Afternoon Art Workshop with Cat: • Create collages using photos in the concertina journal
    5:00 pm Complimentary Wine & Cheese + coffee/ tea
    Evening Dinner on your own
    (A curated list of restaurant recommendations will be provided by ArtPlay)

  • Sunday 11/15
    8:30 am Catered “mountain top” Breakfast with view on site
    9:30am  Morning Art Workshop with Cat • Complete travel collage concertina
    12:00 pm Closing Circle • Sharing of work & experiences
    1:00 pm Farewell & departure

  • Optional Add-Ons - at the close of the retreat
    For those who wish to linger a little longer in Asheville and soak up more creative inspiration:

    • Thursday 6/04, 3:00 pm — Guided afternoon tour of Asheville’s River Arts District : RAD Rising: From Flood to Flourish
    • Thursday 6/04 evening — Optional extra night at the Restoration Hotel
    • Friday 6/05 10:00 am — Guided morning tour of the River Arts District: RAD Rising: From Flood to Flourish

SAMPLE ITINERARY

GATHER AND STAY AT THE RADICAL HOTEL

This retreat will be based in Asheville’s vibrant River Arts District, with retreat activities taking place at the Radical Hotel ArtPlay Studio and throughout the neighborhood.

Guests are invited to stay at the stylish and creative The Radical, our recommended lodging partner for the retreat.

Please note that accommodations are not included in the retreat registration fee. Each guest will be responsible for booking her own room directly with the hotel. This allows participants to select the room type and length of stay that best fit their preferences and budget.

Located just minutes from our retreat venue, The Radical offers a unique Asheville experience with thoughtfully designed rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to the galleries, studios, restaurants, and creative energy of the River Arts District.

We encourage guests to reserve accommodations early, as Asheville is especially popular during the fall season and hotel availability can be limited.