SEPTEMBER 25-28, 2025. SOLD OUT.

Watercolor + Wonder

A Women’s Retreat for Creative Renewal & Connection

A collage of watercolor paintings and landscape photographs featuring lakes, mountains, trees, and abstract floral designs.

AT BEAUTIFUL LAKE SANTEETLAH

What would it be like to nurture your creative soul in a beautiful lakefront setting -nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina- for a spacious stretch of days? This retreat will give you permission to do just that, while connecting with other curious creatives, learning the art of watercolor painting & benefitting from this painting process as a calming & centering practice.

We invite you to discover how watercolor is more than a medium, it’s a practice in presence, flow, and gentle exploration. Through guided exercises, we’ll slow down, tune into our creative voice, and embrace the natural flow of making art. This retreat is an opportunity to calm the nervous system, develop a sustainable self-care practice, and find joy in the process of painting!

LAKE SANTEETLAH IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKES IN THE U.S. ACCORDING TO TRAVEL & LEISURE & OUTSIDE MAGAZINE

NOTE: LATE SEPTEMBER AT SANTEETLAH IS PRIME LAKE TIME ~ WARM TEMPS. & WARM WATER!

The lake location is exactly a 2 hour drive from Asheville, NC. (Use the zip 28771 to estimate the drive time from your location)

A woman smiling and leaning on a white railing, with a watercolor painting of green butterflies held up in front of her, and a potted plant in the foreground.

Meet your guest artist, Katie White

We are super excited to host Tampa-based, watercolor artist Katie White to lead us in this beautiful weekend of creative discovery, helping us let go of expectations and explore with curiosity and ease. Whether you're new to watercolor or an experienced artist, WATERCOLOR + WONDER offers a restorative weekend of inspiration, connection, and artistic growth with Katie and Kristen. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Hi there, I’m your host, Kristen Edge, owner of ArtPlay Gallery & Studio. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the retreat or the location. Please reach out here with any questions you may have and I will be happy to get back with you!

We look forward to welcoming you and hosting you!

HERE’S A SNEAK PEEK AT YOUR LAKEFRONT SETTING:

  • Scenic view of a river bordered by forested hills, with mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A serene lake surrounded by green mountains under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.
  • A scenic view of a lake with trees on both sides under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Living room with large window and lake view, high vaulted ceiling with wooden beams, ceiling fan, fireplace, and furniture including a leather sofa, armchairs, and decorative items.
  • A collage of three images: a jar with paintbrushes, a group of women painting together at a table inside, and a scenic view of a lake with mountains in the background. Text overlay says 'Watercolor + Wonder' and 'A Retreat for Women'.
  • A peaceful lake surrounded by dense forest under a sky with scattered clouds during sunset.
  • 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 peaceful lakeside scene with calm water reflecting green trees, houses, and boats, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
  • A large house on a hillside overlooking a body of water, surrounded by lush green trees and plants, with red and green foliage and a rocky shoreline.
  • Living room with large windows, a stone fireplace, a white sofa with a blue throw, a brown armchair, a TV, and various decorative items.
  • Living room with large windows overlooking a lake, featuring a dining table with six black chairs, a white and black sofa, a stone fireplace, and various seating and decorative items.
  • Open kitchen with wooden cabinets, black dishwasher, and large windows with a view of greenery outside.
  • Outdoor balcony with a black round table, four chairs, a beige umbrella, and green chairs at the end. Trees and a boat on the water are visible in the background.
  • View of a lake with a forested shoreline, on a wooden deck with two green Adirondack chairs and a small side table.
  • Sunlit screened porch with four wooden chairs with blue cushions, a round wooden coffee table, striped pillows, a small side table, and a rug, overlooking trees and neighboring houses.
  • A peaceful lake scene with a dock and boats, surrounded by green trees and a partly cloudy sky.
  • People sunbathing and relaxing on a wooden dock with kayaks and a canoe, surrounded by a calm body of water with sunlight reflecting off the surface.
  • Three women on a boat at sunset, with mountains and a lake in the background. One woman is taking a photo, another is sitting and talking, and the third is smiling and holding a drink.

  • “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.