September 13-17, 2026

 Cloudspotting

Watercolor, Acrylic Paints & Soul Renewal Retreat

with guest artist Moni Hill

AT BEAUTIFUL LAKE SANTEETLAH

Step into a serene mountain lake setting and immerse yourself in a creative, meditative, and restorative experience. Over 4 days at Lake Santeetlah, you’ll explore intuitive watercolor and acrylic inks, discovering how color, texture, and layering can become a mirror for your inner world. Central to our practice will be the creation of portal and nest pieces… circular, layered works that embody protection, growth, and transformation. These signature explorations invite you to slow down, follow the flow of color, and leave your own unique marks using natural tools like sticks, feathers, and found objects.

THIS RETREAT IS DESIGNED TO MEET YOU WHEREVER YOU ARE WITH YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY . . . NO ART EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED!

Join us for an unforgettable experience, nurturing your creative soul & making new connections, while enjoying a gorgeous mountain lake at your doorstep.

Both art-making & lake time are included with this retreat! .

A collage of watercolor paintings and landscape photographs featuring lakes, mountains, trees, and abstract floral designs.
Close-up of a smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing turquoise earrings and a green shirt, in an indoor setting with artwork and chairs in the background.

Welcome! I’m Kristen Edge, owner of ArtPlay Creativity Studio + Gallery and your host for each retreat.

In May of 2025, we began a beautiful new chapter of hosting women’s art retreats at Lake Santeetlah, quietly nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. It has been a joyful experience to welcome and host women from across the country - and beyond- who feel drawn to nurturing their creative spirit while connecting with other like-hearted souls. A few times per year, we gather in a gorgeous lakefront setting, surrounded by miles of preserved national forest shoreline to remember our inborn creativity and learn from artists who are passionate about sharing their gifts..

We hosted three retreats in 2025: Playful Blooms with Cathy Nichols, Watercolor + Wonder with Katie White and ColorFlow with Kimberly Deene. Each retreat has held its own special magic that gets created anew with the unique constellation of women who gather here. I hope you’ll join us on the journey!

I hope to welcome you in 2026!

Retreat summary

YOUR LAKEFRONT SETTING:

YOUR LAKEFRONT SETTING
Black White Modern Handwritten Square Studio Logo.png
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A lakeside house surrounded by green trees with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds, reflected in the calm water of the lake.

A lakeside house surrounded by green trees with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds, reflected in the calm water of the lake.

Women participating in a watercolor painting workshop around a table with art supplies and flowers, with a large abstract painting hanging on the wall in the background.

Women participating in a watercolor painting workshop around a table with art supplies and flowers, with a large abstract painting hanging on the wall in the background.

A group of people sitting around a U-shaped arrangement of tables in a well-lit room, participating in an arts and crafts workshop. The tables are covered with art supplies like paints, brushes, and paper. Large windows with a view of greenery are on

A group of people sitting around a U-shaped arrangement of tables in a well-lit room, participating in an arts and crafts workshop. The tables are covered with art supplies like paints, brushes, and paper. Large windows with a view of greenery are on the back wall. A woman is standing at the front, leading the session.

Art supplies including watercolors, paintbrushes, and jars of water on a table, with people working on art projects in a brightly lit room in the background.

Art supplies including watercolors, paintbrushes, and jars of water on a table, with people working on art projects in a brightly lit room in the background.

Three women sitting at a table engaged in watercolor painting, with art supplies on the table, including paint bottles, brushes, and watercolor paper, and a vase with flowers in the foreground.

Three women sitting at a table engaged in watercolor painting, with art supplies on the table, including paint bottles, brushes, and watercolor paper, and a vase with flowers in the foreground.

Watercolor painting supplies on a table, including a pink flower painting, brushes, watercolor bottles, and jars of water, with a blurred woman standing in the background near large windows.

Watercolor painting supplies on a table, including a pink flower painting, brushes, watercolor bottles, and jars of water, with a blurred woman standing in the background near large windows.

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RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS:

Daily mixed media painting lessons

Individual attention and feedback from Cathy

An opportunity to ask your art business questions of both a professional artist and gallerist.

Free time for personal exploration and relaxation

Evening social gatherings to discuss art and share experiences

A special closing circle to share your experiences and show your creations. 

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Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and engaging experience for all participants.

What’s Included

Three Nights at a Spacious Lakefront Home on beautiful Lake Santeetlah

Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, and located right on the lake!.  An easy 2 hours drive from vibrant downtown Asheville.  Your accommodations will be at one of two beautiful lakefront homes (within walking distance to each other).

3 Days of Mixed Media Workshops with Krista Brock

As your guide for the weekend, artist and educator - will help you embrace watercolor as a tool for mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression. With her gentle, encouraging approach, she’ll support you in letting go of perfection, tuning into your intuition, and finding joy in the process of painting. Whether you're new to watercolor or looking to deepen your practice, Katie’s expertise will help you explore with confidence and curiosity.

Katie will lead you through the process of creating mindful watercolors as well as guiding you through exploratory exercises that encourage play, and a deeper connection to your creative flow. 

All Art Supplies You will Need for the retreat

All watercolor paints, brushes and papers you will need for art-making during the retreat will be provided, and will be at your disposal throughout. If you have a favorite watercolor paint brand or set, feel free to bring it along if you would like. Teaching artist, Katie White, will also provide you with a list of recommended materials in case you prefer to bring your own and/or purchase after the retreat.

Inspiration from Nature

80% of the lake’s shoreline is undeveloped, giving us plentiful, lush beauty + tranquility, vast horizons, deep hues of blue & green and big, open sky. In this setting, you will have no shortage of natural beauty to draw ideas and inspiration from for your color palettes, forms and subjects. We invite you to allow the unspoiled natural surroundings to fuel your choices & imagination throughout the retreat.

Community and Connection

Throughout the retreat, we will enjoy creative time together, via art-making, meals, lake outings on the boat, happy hour and downtime together on the screened porches. You will also have the opportunity for your own private time as you choose, when you need a little downtime.

Soaking in the Beauty of the Lake

You’ll have time for swimming, boating or just relaxing as you watch the sunlight dapple across the lake as you sip your morning coffee. Sunset cruises to enjoy the lake’s beauty will be offered on Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

Delicious & Nourishing Food

On the first night, there will be a special chef-prepared dinner celebration to welcome you, with a glass of wine or special mocktail. Friday and Saturday, you’ll enjoy fresh continental breakfasts in addition to fully catered lunches and dinners. On Sunday a catered brunch will be provided for the last morning of the retreat.

How do I know if this retreat is a good fit for me?

You view art-making as a tool for self-nourishment, creative expression and greater joy.

You long for connection with other like-hearted souls, in a collaborative, non-judgmental atmosphere.

You find the idea of creating together, surrounded by natural beauty inspiring.

You don’t mind- or you even relish- the idea of putting down the to-do list and dropping in to a stretch of days filled will wonder, presence, creativity and connection.

You value the creative process itself, and would enjoy being invited and inspired to tap into your own creative voice.

Close-up of a smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing turquoise earrings and a green shirt, in an indoor setting with artwork and chairs in the background.

Welcome! I’m Kristen Edge, owner of ArtPlay Creativity Studio + Gallery and your host for each retreat.

In May of 2025, we began a beautiful new chapter of hosting women’s art retreats at Lake Santeetlah, quietly nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. It has been a joyful experience to welcome and host women from across the country - and beyond- who feel drawn to nurturing their creative spirit while connecting with other like-hearted souls. A few times per year, we gather in a gorgeous lakefront setting, surrounded by miles of preserved national forest shoreline to remember our inborn creativity and learn from artists who are passionate about sharing their gifts..

We hosted three retreats in 2025: Playful Blooms with Cathy Nichols, Watercolor + Wonder with Katie White and ColorFlow with Kimberly Deene. Each retreat has held its own special magic that gets created anew with the unique constellation of women who gather here. I hope you’ll join us on the journey!

I hope to welcome you in 2026!

FAQ’s

Do I need artistic background or experience to attend this retreat?

If I am an experienced artist, will I benefit?

Will there be down time? Yes! Each day will have built-in Flex Time for you to enjoy the lake, relaxing on the decks or screened porch, connecting with others or

What is the cancellation policy? Due to the amount of preparation & expense that goes into creating each retreat we are not able to provide refunds. In the event that you are not able to attend, you may transfer your spot to someone who is interested - given advance notice- however please note that it would be your responsibility to find your replacement. As a courtesy, if we have people on a wait list we are happy to announce your available spot for you.

For those interested, we offer the ability to pay in 2 installments. (50% due at time of booking, remaining 50% due by August 1st)

Are food sensitivities included in menu planning? Accommodations in our menu planning depends on the number of people in the group that have specific sensitivities or limitations. If you have questions in advance, please reach out here!

How do I get to the retreat location? While transportation is not included, your host- Kristen Edge-  is happy to work with you if you need to arrange for shuttle transport from the Asheville Airport to Lake Santeetlah.  Please reach out to your host, Kristen Edge,  here, if you have questions about arrival logistics.

Type in area code: 28771 to estimate your drive time. Lake Santeetlah is a two hour drive from Asheville NC

Flying: Driving:

SAMPLE ITINERARY

  • Wednesday:

    3-5 pm Arrival

    Happy Hour+ Heavy Hor’s d’oeuvres + Welcome Circle

  • Thursday:
    8:30am: breakfast
    9am-10am: yoga
    10:45am-12:45pm: morning workshop
    1pm: lunch & free time at the lake
    2:30pm: afternoon workshop
    6:00pm: dinner
    7:00pm: oracle cards & stories

  • Friday :
    8:30am: breakfast
    9am: yoga
    10:45am-12:45pm: creativity workshops
    1pm:
    3pm:
    7:00pm: 

  • Saturday :
    8am breakfast
    9am yoga
    10:45am-12:45pm creativity workshops
    1pm Italian al fresco lunch. 
    5:00pm Pasta Making Workshop
    7:00pm Aperitivo & Sardinian Dinner

  • Sunday: departure day
    8am: breakfast
    9am-10am: yoga
    10:30am: board the boat
    1:00pm: lunch on the boat
    4:30pm: back to the villa
    6:30pm: aperitivo
    7:00pm dinner

BOOK NOW FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING! $300 savings

Each all-inclusive retreat ticket includes all art-instruction, your art materials/ supplies, all meals, beverages, pontoon lake cruises … plus one single occupancy ticket (private room) -OR- one double occupancy ticket(room shared with one other person). All rooms are at one of two lakefront homes.


EARLY BIRD PRICING through March 15, 2026 (book now to lock in the lowest prices)

Room types and availability for this retreat:

SINGLE OCCUPANCY MASTER SUITE/ LAKEVIEW

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY MASTER SUITE/ LAKEVIEW

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY LAKEVIEW

SINGLE OCCUPANCY LAKEFRONT HOME

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY. SPACE IS LIMITED & EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS MARCH 15, 2026. 

Cloudspotting

Basic Service
$500.00
Intermediate Service
$800.00
Advanced Service
$1,500.00

  • “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 felt very special and cared for. Thank you!

    “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. Katie’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.

  • “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.

  • “Im ready to reserve my spot for next Fall!”

    I truly felt like I was transported in another world that was so serene and relaxing.  I have already recommended it to others. my stepmom (she is an artist) and one of her friends are very interested in attending   It truly was such a wonderful experience, I cannot thank you enough.  I’m ready to reserve my spot for next Fall! ~ Beth J.