Inspired by the Sea: A Soulful Art Journaling Retreat

An Artful Escape by the Sea

Imagine a few gentle days carved out just for you, feeling the quiet pull of your own creative spirit. Along the  shores of coastal Connecticut, join a circle of like-hearted women in a sanctuary by the sea.

We’ll dive into the joyful, soulful process of creating an art journal—pages layered with collage, paints, found papers, personal marks, and of course some beach sand! Each page will become a reflection of your inner landscape, however you wish to express it. No prior experience needed—just the desire to explore.

Together, we’ll savor slow and creative mornings and afternoons, and evenings of connection. Whether you’re rekindling your creative spark or lighting it for the first time, this retreat invites you to rest, to create, and to rediscover parts of yourself long set aside.

Nestled on 33 peaceful acres along the sparkling shores of Long Island Sound, Mercy by the Sea is a place where land, water, and spirit meet. Here you’ll find a tapestry of wetlands, woodlands, gardens, and shoreline alive with birdsong and gentle breezes—a sanctuary of both stillness and wonder.

Seascape is a contemporary retreat house, with an airy design and sweeping views of Long Island Sound, and will be our beautiful home during this retreat.

Within its walls are eight welcoming bedrooms, most with en suite bathrooms, and with accessible rooms so that all can join in the creative spirit. The luminous Great Room, framed by wide windows that open to the sea, becomes more than a gathering space—it is a studio for exploration.

Meals are shared across the lawn in the McAuley Dining Room, lovingly prepared to nourish both body and spirit.

Our studio time is relaxed and supportive, giving you space to explore who you are through your art journal.

You’ll create a handmade book to hold your memories, thoughts, sketches, and collages. No bookbinding experience is needed—Kat will guide you step by step, and you can move at your own pace.

We’ll be blending playful making with personal expression. We will build our art journals from scratch using the papers and bookbinding tools Kat provides. As the days go on, your journal will grow into a personal storybook that reflects your experiences and inspirations during the retreat.

Creating together adds its own kind of magic. As you work with your hands and follow your imagination, you’ll feel the easy, shared energy of making art alongside others.

During our retreat, you’ll have the option to walk the labyrinth, either on your own or with a group guided by Kat.

A labyrinth isn’t a maze—it has one clear path that gently leads you to the center and back out again. People have walked labyrinths for centuries as a way to slow down, reflect, and find a sense of calm.

We’ll offer both guided walks and quiet solo time, so you can move at your own pace. Take a breath, follow the path, and enjoy a moment of stillness and clarity.

Once you arrive at Mercy by the Sea,  you are invited you to slow down and soften. You may feel travel-worn, your edges frayed—this is your moment to unwind. Settle into your cozy, welcoming room, where crisp linens and quiet serenity await.

Perhaps a soothing shower, a restful nap, or simply the luxury of stillness will help you shed the challenges of your journey, and step into retreat mode.

Then to our studio: a spacious, light-filled "makeshift"studio, transformed from a dining room, living room, and various nooks and crannies, into an artist’s sanctuary. Tables will be laden with art supplies, brushes, images, colors, textures—a world of possibility laid out before you, ready to awaken your creativity and welcome you home to yourself. 

The creative journey begins here.

I’d like to get to know you before we meet at Mercy by the Sea! Once you register, please click this link and

complete your profile for this retreat.  Thank you!

https://forms.gle/wmcN6Ne5GrJhc3qf6

What’s included:

• Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in the dining room

• Your single or shared room with en suite bath

• Coffee, tea, snacks throughout the day

• Gentle and confidence-building Instruction from Kat

• Some supplies and materials 

What’s not included:

• Your transportation to and from the retreat center

• Some supplies and materials (a list will be sent to you before we gather)

• Gratuities and tips

• Items you wish to purchase

• Other non-included items would be: any other activities, healing sessions, and tours not included in our package.

Your Retreat Leader, Kat Kirby

Prescott, AZ

I grew up in New Jersey, surrounded by a family that believed in the power of art and music. From an early age, I learned that creativity and self-expression aren’t just hobbies—they're essential ingredients for a joyful, meaningful life.

I work from a bright, welcoming studio that looks out over peaceful high desert views. It’s here that I host workshops in collage, art journaling, altered books, mixed media, and more—playful, soulful gatherings where creativity flows freely. I also lead inspiring creativity retreats in some of the most beautiful corners of the world—Portugal, France, the Caribbean, and Taos, just to name a few.

As a retired Board Certified, Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I spent over 40 years helping others find healing and meaning through the arts. I’ve taught and mentored in Prescott College’s MA in Counseling Psychology program, and I continue to offer creative workshops through Yavapai College’s Community Education program. I'm also a SoulCollage® Facilitator, and I love sharing this intuitive collage process that taps into deep personal insight and transformation.

Creativity is a path, a practice, and a portal—and I’m here to walk it with you.

When I teach, whether it be virtual or in person,my two rules are:

1) You can’t be wrong, and

2) Have fun!

https://katkirby.com/

kat4clay@gmail.com

619-977-2345