Step away from the noise of everyday life and into a space of quiet creativity, connection, and renewal.
Over four nourishing days, you’ll create your own handmade art journal and fill it with your imaginative wanderings.
Together, we’ll explore collage, paint, doodling, mark-making, stenciling, Gelli printing, writing, and the layering of meaningful bits and pieces from our “Ephemera Bar”, a carefully curated collection of vintage papers, letters, music, ribbons, and fabrics. These are yours to play with, experiment with, and express with.
There is no pressure to “be artistic” here. No rules to follow. Just a supportive, welcoming space where curiosity is enough.
Once you arrive at our home away from home, you are invited to slow down and take a deep breath.
You may feel travel-worn, your edges a bit frayed—this is your moment to unwind. Settle into your cozy, welcoming room, where 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.
This experience is designed especially for women in a season of reflection and growth who are seeking something deeper—rest, reflection, creative expression, and connection. Whether you are new to art or have been creating for years, you’ll be supported in slowing down, listening inward, and rediscovering your creative voice.
We will explore the grounds of the beautiful property we'll call home for the week, Mercy by the Sea, in Madison, CT, and add treasures that we find to truly remember the place. Once your journal is complete, it becomes a sacred container for exploration.
In addition to our journal, we will be crafting a small collaborative art project, so that we will each take home something from everyone in our retreat group!
Through gentle guidance and open-ended prompts, you’ll fill your pages without pressure or expectation. There is no right or wrong here—only the joy of expression.
In the mornings and afternoons, we’ll spend time in community, creating a handmade journal, using words and images that appeal to your senses.
Kat will guide you through this process of making a book with space for your writings, dreams, insights, poems, and collages.
This will become your unique Treasure Book, a memory book about the retreat, to reflect on and re-visit from time to time, remembering the synchronicities and surprises that you found. And a record of what our senses discovered during our retreat.
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.
Come as you are. Leave with a full heart, a meaningful journal, an expanded art sister tribe, and a renewed sense of self.
Directions here: https://www.mercybythesea.org/driving-directions/
What’s included:
Your single or shared room
4 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners in the dining room
Coffee, tea, snacks throughout the day
A goody bag carefully curated just for you
Instruction from a seasoned art retreat facilitator
Some supplies and materials
What’s not included:
Some supplies and materials (a list will be sent to you upon registration)
Your transportation to and from Mercy by the Sea
Gratuities and tips for the staff
Items you wish to purchase
***Your investment in your creative well being:
Private room, private bath: $1895.00
Private room, shared bath with 1 other room $1785.00
Shared room, shared bath: $1595.00 per person
Commuter: $1025.00
Your $500.00 non-refundable deposit will secure your place for this retreat. Your balance is due on or before August 11, 2027. We will send reminders to you.
What Makes This Retreat Special
A gentle, no-pressure approach to creativity
A gift bag filled with art supplies and small goodies to welcome you.
Spacious, unhurried days that allow you to truly relax
A focus on process over perfection
Meaningful moments of reflection balanced with playful exploration
A warm, inclusive circle of women—each on her own journey
The simple pleasure of sharing meals with like-hearted women
Your Retreat Leader, Kat Kirby
Newtonville, MA
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.
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 now offer workshops and retreats both in my new hometown of Newtonville, MA, and at beautiful places around the country.
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!
Cancellations and Refunds:
If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible by sending an email to Kat. There are no full refunds.
If you can find someone to fill your spot, we will transfer your spot to that person, and they will pay you directly.
If the retreat must be cancelled for reasons outside of our control, you will receive a refund, minus your deposit.
If we must cancel, which we have never done, you will receive a full refund.
We highly recommend getting trip insurance. Kat uses Allianz: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
We’d like to get to know you before we meet at our retreat! Once you register, please click this link and complete your profile for this retreat. Thank you!