Sacred Circles:
Watercolor, Acrylic Inks & Soul Renewal Retreat
September 23-27, 2026
with guest artist Krista Brock
NEW! 2 Single Occupancy Spots have been added for this retreat
AT BEAUTIFUL LAKE SANTEETLAH
A creative retreat held on the wild, unspoiled waters of Lake Santeetlah where forest, shoreline, and stillness invite us to slow down and see more clearly.
What happens when we soften our gaze and pay attention to the small things?
The shimmer of light on water. The shape of a feather. The story held within a weathered leaf. The unexpected mark that appears on a page.
Over four days, we’ll gather in one of North Carolina’s most beautiful and serene settings to explore creativity as a practice of noticing. Through watercolor, intuitive art journaling, reflective walks, and playful creative exploration, you’ll be invited to step away from pressure and productivity and return to curiosity, wonder, and presence.
This retreat is not about creating perfect art. It is about creating space… for rest, reflection, connection, and the quiet voice of your own imagination.
Together we’ll make, wander, notice, gather inspiration from the natural world, and discover how narrowing our focus can often expand the way we experience ourselves and the world around us.
YOUR RETREAT ARTIST
meet
Artist, teacher, and guide, Krista Brock creates spaces where creativity becomes a path to presence, wonder, and personal renewal.
After a life-changing stroke in 2020 left her unable to create, she found her way back through simple daily practices of noticing… walking in nature, observing light and shadow, journaling, and painting with watercolor. What began as a personal journey of healing became a deeper understanding of creativity as something far more than artistic skill: a way of paying attention to life.
Today, Krista leads retreats and workshops that blend intuitive watercolor, acrylic ink, art journaling, mindfulness, and nature-inspired exploration. Her approach invites participants to release perfectionism, trust their curiosity, and reconnect with their own creative voice.
She believes that wonder is always available to us, that creativity belongs to everyone, and that it is never too late to begin again.
YOUR LAKEFRONT SETTING:
What we’ll explore together
“Our creative journey begins small. Through simple watercolor studies, playful mark-making, and intuitive exercises, we’ll gently quiet the inner critic and move beyond the fear of the blank page. These small explorations become a meditation of sorts—a chance to slow down, notice more deeply, and enjoy the creative process without worrying about outcomes. One of my most-loved practices is eyes-closed painting. Guided by music, visualization, and sensory awareness, we’ll paint from feeling rather than observation. When we return to our pages, we often discover unexpected images, symbols, stories, and possibilities waiting to be revealed. It’s a practice that invites trust, curiosity, and wonder.Throughout the retreat, intuitive art journaling will serve as both a creative companion and reflective practice. Through writing, layering, collecting, concealing, and responding, we’ll create pages that capture moments of insight, memory, and personal meaning.” ~ Krista
“During our time together, we’ll gather for slow, mindful walks in nature—what I call wonder walks. These unhurried, meditative wanderings invite us to notice the shapes of clouds, the texture of bark, shifting shadows, and the shimmer of light on water. We’ll pause often—sometimes in silence, sometimes with a guided reflection or visualization—entering the art of noticing and remembering that beauty and insight live in ordinary moments. These gentle grounding practices quiet the mind and open the creative channel.
These walks are also where inspiration is gathered. You may collect a fallen leaf, feather, or flower, or pause to sketch, write, or paint what’s calling to you—the pattern of a tree, the color of the water, the way morning light moves across the ground.”~ Krista
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
• Gentle daily grounding practices to settle into creativity and presence
• Wonder walks along the shores of Lake Santeetlah and surrounding natural spaces
• Intuitive watercolor explorations and meditative small studies
• Eyes-closed painting and sensory-based creative practices
• Reflective art journaling inspired by observation, memory, and imagination
• Gathering inspiration from nature through sketching, collecting, and noticing
• Portal paintings and symbolic mixed-media explorations
• Spacious studio time balanced with rest, reflection, and connection
• Supportive creative community and meaningful conversation
• Opportunities for swimming, lake time, and enjoying the beauty of late September in the North Carolina mountains
What’s Included
Four nights accommodation at a 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 three lakefront homes on the same lake cove (all within walking distance to each other).
Daily creative practices with Krista
We will begin each day with a gentle grounding practice - led by Krista- a soft invitation to settle into your body, quiet your mind, and open your creative voice.
Daily mixed media art-making with Krista
During each full retreat day, we’ll explore intuitive watercolor and acrylic inks, journaling, and daily creations like affirmation cards, discovering how your own intentions and reflections can emerge through color and mark-making. We’ll also explore intuitive portraits, playful experiments on paper or wood, and other guided exercises that allow your creativity to decide where, what, and how to paint.
By the end of four days, you’ll leave with a rich collection of meaningful, intuitive artwork, including your portal and nest paintings, affirmation cards, intuitive portraits, journals, and other creations guided by your process, along with prompts, practices, and rituals to sustain creative and personal renewal. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other women, share stories, and perhaps form lasting friendships along the way.
A wide array of beautiful, varied art supplies at your disposal throughout the retreat.
Krista will be bringing much of what you will need for all of your creativity! In advance of the retreat, Krista will also provide you with a minimal list of basic (economical) supplies to bring along.
Daily gathering circles
Each day, we will gather in creative community by forming a circle to hold our intention of honoring one another’s creative spirit and creating a safe container within which everyone feels free to share and be seen wherever we are on our creative journey.
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 nature walks or 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. Pontoon cruises to enjoy the lake’s beauty will be offered on Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
Delicious & Nourishing Food
All of your meals, beverages and nourishing snacks are included with this retreat! On the first night, there will be a special chef-prepared spread of heavy h’ors d’oeuvres and a happy hour to welcome you! On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, you’ll enjoy fresh continental breakfasts in addition to fully catered lunches and chef-prepared dinners. On Sunday a catered breakfast will be provided for the last morning of the retreat.
LAKE SANTEETLAH IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKES IN THE U.S. ACCORDING TO TRAVEL & LEISURE & OUTSIDE MAGAZINE
How do I know if this retreat is a good fit for me?
You see art-making as a tool for self-nourishment, creative expression and joy.
You long for connection with other like-hearted souls, in a collaborative, non-judgmental atmosphere.
You find the idea of creating art, while immersed in a beautiful natural setting, inspiring.
You don’t mind- or you even relish- the idea of putting down the to-do list and dropping into a stretch of days filled will wonder, presence, creativity and connection.
You may have gone through a period of time where you felt disconnected from your creativity. Possibly due to perfectionist tendencies, or the constant pull to “do it all.” After a major life shift, simplifying my creative practice with watercolor and acrylic inks became a path back to myself — noticing the small wonders, slowing down, and honoring curiosity. This retreat offers that same gift: space to return to your own creative heart, to explore, play, reflect, and reconnect with your inner voice.
You value the creative process itself, and would enjoy being invited and inspired to tap into your own creative voice.
You’d love to learn from -and with- Krista - through her creative mediums and practices that she will share.
You look forward to a balance of time for art-making, time for connection, and down time to enjoy the beauty of the lake and the serenity of its surroundings.
FOLLOW/ LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RETREAT ARTIST KRISTA BROCK HERE
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 in 2026!
I am so excited to host Krista Brock as a retreat artist this year and for her to share her creative magic with you!
FAQ’s
Do I need artistic background or experience to attend this retreat? This is a common question we receive, and the answer isNO, you do not need to be an artist or be experienced with art-making to attend this retreat. Our retreats are designed to be beginner-friendly and supportive of wherever you may be on your creative journey.
What if I am an experienced artist, will I still benefit? Yes, absolutely! Our retreats are designed to be accessible to beginners however, each retreat will have materials, perspectives, creative processes and techniques that are unique to the teaching artist. These will be beneficial as new tools and “artistic lenses” that will support you wherever you are in your creative journey.
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, swimming or taking nature walks.
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.
What are my payment/ reservation options? You may pay in full - and save an additional $100 at checkout- or reserve your spot via 3 (non-refundable) installments. Both of those options are available to you in each reservation listing.
Are food sensitivities accounted for in menu planning? Yes. Accommodations in our menu planning depend on the number of people in the group that have specific sensitivities or limitations. The most common menu accommodations thus far have been: gluten-free and vegetarian options. Happy to hear from you If you have questions in advance of- of after- registering. 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. For general navigation and location you can use area code: 28771 to estimate your drive time. Lake Santeetlah is a two hour drive from Asheville NC. Please reach out to your host,Kristen Edge hereif you have questions about arrival logistics.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Your host, Kristen, is happy to reply to you personally or set up a time for a phone call.
Wednesday:
3-5 pm Arrival/ unpack, relax
5:30 pm Happy Hour+ Heavy Hor’s d’oeuvres
6:30 pm Welcome Circle - setting the intention for our time together
Thursday:
8:30 am continental breakfast + fresh croissants
9am gentle movement such as qi gong or nature walk - to open our creative channels
9:45am morning art workshop with Krista
12:30 pm: catered lunch, followed by free time: relaxing on the lake, optional pontoon boat outing, group walk or personal down time
2:30pm: afternoon art workshop with Krista
6:00pm: chef-prepared dinner
7:00pm: gathering in circle/ oracle card drawing / group sharing of the dayFriday :
8:30 am continental breakfast + fresh baked french bread & cheeses
9am gentle movement such as qi gong or nature walk - to open our creative channels
9:45am morning art workshop with Krista
12:30 pm: catered lunch, followed by free time: relaxing on the lake, optional pontoon boat outing, group walk or personal down time
2:30pm: afternoon art workshop with Krista
6:00pm: chef-prepared dinner
7:00pm: gathering in circle/ oracle card drawing / group sharing of the daySaturday :
8:30 am continental breakfast + frittata
9am gentle movement such as qi gong or nature walk - to open our creative channels
9:45am morning art-making with Krista
12:30 pm: catered lunch, followed by free time: relaxing on the lake, optional pontoon boat outing, group walk or personal down time
2:30pm: afternoon art-,making with Krista
6:00pm: chef-prepared dinner
7:00pm: gathering in circle/ oracle card drawing / group sharing of the daySunday :
8:30 am chef-prepared breakfast
9:30am closing circle, sharing of creations
11:00 am: farewell, exchange of contacts (always optional) & departure
SAMPLE ITINERARY
SACRED CIRCLES 4 DAY RETREAT ~ SEPT. 23-27, 202
Only a few spots remaining for this retreat
2 NEW SINGLE OCCUPANCY SPOTS HAVE BEEN ADDED!
$2350 - $2950
Room types and availability for this retreat:
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
SINGLE OCCUPANCY MASTER SUITE AT COVE HOUSE/ LAKEFRONT- 1 NEW SPOT JUST ADDED!(private room/ private bath & deck)
SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOM SUITE AT MORNING MIST COTTAGE/ LAKEFRONT- 1 NEW SPOT JUST ADDED!(private room/ shared bath)
The Cove House master suite can be booked as a single participant OR as a shared room between 2 participants with an additional participant fee. See listings for details.
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOM AT COVE HOUSE/ LAKEVIEW WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM & PRIVATE DECK - 2 SPOTS REMAINING
These 2 spots are situated within the same large bedroom with a lake view at the main house (Cove House). One king bed. One Twin bed. Perfect for mom/daughter pairs, sisters, friends OR anyone who does not mind sharing a large bedroom with one other retreat participant.
Participants have booked these double occupancy spots independently in the past AND these rooms have been booked by pairs attending the retreat together. Both arrangements have worked well in the past.
KIND WORDS FROM PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS :
