Yay! The day is finally here!

Playful Blooms

May 1-4, 2025 at Lake Santeetlah

with artist, Cathy Nichols

We are super excited to announce that registration for our very first Women’s Creative Retreat is NOW OPEN!

Reserve your spot below!

Nurture your creative soul in a beautiful lakefront setting, in the company of other curious creatives, during this special retreat experience.

We invite you to join us for a serene and joyful escape into the art of mixed media florals, inspired by the May wildflowers of Western North Carolina & the beauty of Lake Santeetlah. From Thursday afternoon to Sunday mid-day, immerse yourself in the joy of colors, creativity & community, while dropping into the sanctuary of this gorgeous lakefront setting with us!

Meet Your Guest Artist, Cathy Nichols

We are so excited to host Cathy Nichols as our first retreat artist! Cathy is a wonderful teacher, artist and author who is widely known for leading inspiring and beautiful art retreats in the U.S. and in Europe.

Learn more about Cathy here.

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 and to have Cathy as our guest artist! Please feel free to reach out to me here with questions. I look forward to hosting you for this special creative retreat!

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.

Whether you are seeking to deepen your artistic skills, connect with like-minded creatives, or simply enjoy a peaceful getaway, Playful Blooms offers a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and relaxation.

Join Cathy and Kristen for an unforgettable weekend that celebrates the joy of art, the beauty of nature, and the power of community.

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

Book your spot today and get ready to bloom creatively at the Playful Blooms Art Retreat!

3 Nights at a Private and Spacious Lakefront Home on beautiful Lake Santeetlah, in the mountains of western North Carolina. 2 hours drive from vibrant downtown Asheville.
Cathy’s Expert Guidance: Renowned for her warm and engaging teaching approach, Cathy will show you how to create stunning floral artworks in her signature layered, mixed media style. Throughout our time together, you’ll nurture your creative muse and gain confidence as an artist while learning ways to find beauty in imperfection.
Daily Painting Projects: Cathy will lead you through the process of creating several full paintings as well as mini lessons in mixed media layering, color-mixing and enticing your creativity to come out to play.
Inspiration from Nature: Drawing inspiration from the lush beauty of Lake Santeelah and local wildflowers, the natural surroundings will be our muse, influencing our color and subject choices.
Community and Connection: Connect with fellow artists in a nurturing environment at group dinners, artist circles and a special evening of shared artist stories.
Relaxing at 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. Outings on the pontoon, to enjoy the lake’s beautiful shoreline and setting will be offered at sunset, for those interested.
Delicious 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.
NOTE: food sensitivity accommodations in our menu planning will depend on the number of people in our group that have specific sensitivities.
A Beautiful Selection of Art Supplies to have at your disposal throughout the retreat, such as beautiful reference books, a wide assortment of stencils, beautiful collage papers, foam brushes, gelli plates and brayers.

What’s included

NOTE: Transportation is not included.

NOTE: We ask that you bring some essential art supplies with you.

Once you register, we will send you a list of the art supplies that you will need to bring with you such as: mixed media artboards, a variety of paintbrushes, acrylic paints (Cathy’s suggested colors + your own special colors), heavy matte medium, pencils, a palette knife, small sketchbook, a water cup, palette paper, scissors, high-quality glue stick, transfer paper as well as (optional) stencils and collage papers that you love.

NOTE: Re: Cancellations.

Due to the amount of preparation that goes into these retreats we are NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE ANY REFUNDS. In the event that you cannot make it, and you wish to transfer your spot to someone you know, we will allow this IF YOU NOTIFY US IN ADVANCE. However, it will be your responsibility to find your replacement, and to handle any payment to you for your retreat ticket on your own.

Arrival window: 3:00-5:00pm Thursday May 1st. Check-out: 12:30 pm Sunday May 4th.

The full itinerary will be available and emailed to you in April.

You will stay at one of two beautiful Lakefront Homes on Lake Santeetlah. All retreat activities and art-making with Cathy will take place at the “Cove Lakehouse”. There are 11 spots in total available for this retreat, with 5 single occupancy and 6 double occupancy options. You can find images of the Lake and the Cove Lakehouse here.