Women’s Art Retreats at Lake Santeetlah

Coming in May 2026

Colorscapes

AT THE LAKE

A Women’s Retreat for Creative Joy + Connection

with Colorscape Artist, Tania Dirks

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, we will host 5 women’s art retreats. Four at Lake Santeetlah, and one in Asheville, NC.

Please reach out here to be added to our retreat mailing lost so that you’ll be among the first to know as our 2026 retreat details become available!

I hope to welcome you next year!

KIND WORDS

  • “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.