Artist Retreats
Make Time for Your Artwork
“Find yourself in Maggie Valley, NC
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Worth it
Spring 2027 · Blue Ridge Mountains
Come Paint in the Mountains.
Come Paint in the Mountains.
Leave Seeing Differently.
A four-night painting & wellness retreat for women who want to slow down, learn to paint in oils, and come home with three finished paintings — and a fuller heart.
Reserve Your Easel Now
More Than Painting
This is a Weekend of Connection, Seeing, and Being Seen.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua — four nights away from the noise, in a house full of easels, good food, and women who came for the same quiet reason you did.
Learn to See. Learn to Paint.
Make Space for Yourself.
- ✓ Learn foundational oil painting techniques
- ✓ Spend four unhurried days in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- ✓ Slow down — no schedule to keep but your own
- ✓ Experiment creatively without fear of "getting it wrong"
- ✓ Meet other women who want to make art
- ✓ Experience gentle wellness activities alongside painting
- ✓ Leave with paintings you're genuinely proud of
The Experience
Four Nights. Five Days. One Very Unique Way to Spend Your Long Weekend.
This isn't a timetable — it's an experience that unfolds, day by day.
WednesdayArrive
Arrive & Settle In
Welcome, explore the house, meet everyone, dinner together, and a relaxed orientation to the days ahead.
ThursdayLearn
Learn & Explore
Painting instruction with Jo, guided observation exercises, creative warm-ups, and time outdoors taking in the mountains.
FridayGo Deeper
Go Deeper
Continued painting with individual attention, a wellness activity, and more creative exploration as your second painting takes shape.
SaturdayCreate
Make It Yours
Finish your paintings, take part in our gallery walk, then celebrate together over a final evening dinner.
SundayDepart
Depart With Your Masterpieces
Artists group breakfast, final reflections, and heading home with your paintings in hand.
What You'll Create
You'll Take Your Own Paintings Home.
Each participant creates three finished paintings during the retreat — inspired by the mountains right outside the door.
Painting One
A Mountain Vista
A sweeping Blue Ridge sunset, built from the values and color relationships you'll learn on day one.
Painting Two
A Wildflower Meadow
A closer, more intimate study — practicing texture, edges, and the loose mark-making Jo is known for.
Painting Three
Cascading Water
Your most personal piece — painted with everything you've practiced, and the confidence you've built by day four.
Your Instructor
Learn Alongside an Artist Who Knows How to Make the Process Approachable
Jo Ridge Kelley is a plein air and studio oil painter who lives and works in Waynesville, North Carolina — the same Blue Ridge foothills you'll be painting in. She earned a degree in fine arts and art education from UNC Charlotte, taught drawing and painting at the high school level, and has spent years teaching oil painting workshops en plein air.
"I'm not interested in describing every detail. I want the viewer to feel like they're walking right into the scene." Jo brings that same generous, unintimidating spirit to teaching — she'll meet you exactly where you are, whether that's your first-ever brushstroke or your five-hundredth.
— Jo Ridge Kelley
Meet Jo Ridge Kelley →D
"While Jo leads the painting experience. I'm there to help you navigate the process, encourage experimentation, solve problems when a painting gets stubborn. I also help you build community with your new favorite people."
— Darren Farris, Retreat Co-Host & Art Educator
Your Guide
And You Won't Be Doing It Alone
Alongside Jo, I'll be with you throughout the retreat — an art educator with a background in teaching creativity to students of every skill level. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit: my role is to make sure no one feels stuck, no one feels behind, and every painting gets finished.
Think of Jo as your teacher, and me as the person walking the room — refilling your water, troubleshooting a muddy passage of paint, and helping you discover the beauty in what you think is "ugly" stage of a painting. I help you remember, it's all just a stage.
Before the Easel
Before We Paint, We Learn to See Like an Artist.
Every great painting starts long before the brush touches canvas. We'll spend time simply looking, together.
- Walk through the landscape surrounding the house
- Look for unexpected compositions hiding in plain sight
- Study texture, light, and color as they shift through the day
- Collect visual references — photos, sketches, and notes
- Sketch loosely, without pressure or perfectionism
- Photograph small details most people walk right past
- Bring all of it back into the studio to inform your painting
Wellness & Creative Exploration
Make Space for Something
Make Space for Something
Other Than the To-Do List.
Painting is only part of it. Your retreat will make space for you to connect with yourself without the stresses of regualr life. We help you find time to get what you need.
- Gentle morning movement or yoga
- A guided nature or forest experience
- Creative journaling
- Quiet observation time
- Time outside, unplugged
- Meaningful conversation with new friends
- Communal, gourmet meals
The Gallery Walk
See Your Work
See Your Work
Through Someone Else's Eyes.
Each artist displays their paintings and receives group observations.
Every artist's perspective is unique — we learn from each other through curious observation.
"What is the first thing you notice?"
"Where does your eye travel next?"
"What detail made you pause?"
"What mood does this painting evoke?"
"What would you title this masterpiece?"
Where You'll Stay
Your Studio is in the Mountains.
A private mountain home within about 10 miles of Waynesville, North Carolina — deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Private bedroom for every participant
- Shared house with communal gathering spaces
- Outdoor studio, preped for you
- Approximately 10 miles from Waynesville, NC
- Blue Ridge Mountain setting, wraparound views
- Comfortable places to relax between painting sessions
Who This Is For
All Skill Levels Welcome.
All Skill Levels Welcome.
We All Learn From Each Other.
You don't have to be an experienced painter.
This retreat is designed for women who
- Have always wanted to learn to paint
- Have painted before but want more confidence
- Want structured instruction without feeling like they're back in school
- Enjoy creativity and the outdoors
- Want to meet other women on a similar path
- Need some time away, just for themselves
You don't need to be "good at art."
What's Included
Everything You Need for the Experience
01
4 Nights Accommodation
Private room in the retreat house.
02
Gourmet Meals
All meals provided by our in-house chef.
03
Painting Instruction
Lessons with Jo Ridge Kelley.
04
Three Paintings
Complete three paintings during the retreat.
05
Creative Experiences
Nature walks, observation exercises, and our gallery walk.
06
Wellness Activities
To be announced as the retreat program develops.
07
Community
Meals, conversation, and time with the group.
Spring 2027 • $1,200
Reserve Your Spot
Four Nights in the Mountains. Three Paintings. Five Days to Yourself.
$1,200
per person · private room included
I'm Interested in the Spring 2027 Retreat
Our Story
Why We Created This Retreat
Jo Ridge Kelley
Jo has hosted painting retreats before — and has spent years teaching plein air oil painting from her home base in Waynesville, North Carolina.
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Darren Farris
Darren came into the picture because she saw an opportunity to make the experience even richer — bringing an art educator's eye for process, structure, and encouragement.
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together
Jo brings the artistry, instruction, and a lifetime spent observing in these mountains. Darren brings the facilitation and experience design that turns a workshop into a retreat. Together, we're creating something broader than a painting class — a few days that stay with you long after you've packed up your easel.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous painting experience?
Not at all. This retreat is designed for every skill level, from complete beginners to painters looking to build confidence.
What if I've never painted in oils?
That's completely normal, and exactly what Jo's instruction is built for. You'll be guided step by step from your very first mark.
What supplies do I need?
A full supply list will be sent after you register. If you already have favorite brushes or materials, you're welcome to bring them.
Are meals included?
Yes — all meals from Wednesday dinner through Sunday breakfast are included, prepared by our in-house chef.
Do I have my own bedroom?
Yes. Every participant has a private bedroom in the shared retreat house; painting and gathering spaces are communal.
How many people will attend?
[Group size to be confirmed] — we intentionally keep the group small so everyone gets real time with Jo.
Where exactly is the retreat?
A private home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly 10 miles from Waynesville, North Carolina. The exact address is shared after registration.
How much is the deposit?
[Deposit amount to be confirmed] secures your spot, with the balance due before the retreat.
What happens if I need to cancel?
[Cancellation policy to be confirmed]. Reach out and we'll work with you.
Can I come by myself?
Absolutely — many participants come solo and leave with new friends. You won't be the only one.
Can I arrive early or stay afterward?
Possibly, depending on house availability. Ask us when you register and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
What should I bring?
Comfortable layers, walking shoes, a journal, and an open mind. A full packing and supply list is provided ahead of time.
What happens if it rains?
Our studio space is indoors, so the painting continues rain or shine — we simply adjust the outdoor portions of the schedule.
Last Step
Give Yourself Five Days and See What's Possible.
Spring 2027 • Western North Carolina • $1,200
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