a creative way
loire valley, france
august 2026
Week 1 - August 11-17, 2026
Week 2 - August 20-26, 2026
Join Sarah THEMINTGARDENER at A CREATIVE WAY Retreat for an unforgettable journey into the world of watercolor.
Delve into the foundations of this beautiful art form with dedicated time for drawing and painting practice, questions, and creation. These beauty-filled days of creativity are perfect for anyone with a passion for creating; all that is required of you is the curiosity and desire to create! This is not just about learning techniques; it is a chance to connect with a vibrant community of fellow artists in a beautiful space designed to spark inspiration. Excellent art supplies and delicious food will be provided, ensuring everything needed to focus on creative flow. We cannot wait to create with you!
ALL ARE WELCOME HERE
Ignite your artistic journey! Explore a unique approach to confidently express yourself through drawing and painting, and find joy in the learning experience while savoring the process of developing your skills
Are you a beginner?
Are you MORE EXPERIENCED?
Elevate your expertise! Come explore new creative avenues and innovative ways to unleash your artistic voice, and find a fresh approach to creativity, expressing your distinct style while expanding and delving deeper into what you can create
Are you yearning to reconnect with your artistic self? Rekindle your curiosity, and discover a vibrant way to cultivate your creative stride by refining your skills and establishing a new dedicated rhythm, all while rediscovering the joy of watching paint move and shine in a community of like-minded artists
HAVE YOU STRAYED AWAY FROM ART?
Foundationally Focused
A Creative Way Art Retreat is your chance to dive into the vibrant world of watercolor, nourishing and building your artistic practice.
This retreat provides a beautiful setting to escape, find your creative rhythm, and connect with a supportive community. You'll experience the unique peace that comes from dedicated creative time and deep artistic engagement. These light-filled days truly invite a special settling that only dedicated creating time can. Learn Sarah's proven and expert watercolor techniques, explore guided projects, and develop a lasting creative practice. Sarah will guide you with expertise, sharing her own artistic evolution and methods, including brush techniques, color mixing, composition, still life, and sketching. This experience is crafted to help you discover your personal style and unique artistic voice, relate with fellow creatives forging meaningful connections, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating in a beautiful place, surrounded by good food, engaging conversation, and inspiration.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Six nights at a stunning chateau in the french countryside
Five days of art instruction with Sarah
All meals & drinks during the retreat
Over $1,000 high-end art supplies curated for this retreat
A place to cultivate community
An unforgettable artistic experience!
france
take me to
$7,500-$8,500
range depends on room type. room type available on a first come first served basis.
A $1,000 non-refundable deposit secures your seat at the 2026 ACW Retreat in France and will be applied to your total retreat cost. Remaining balance will be billed in 3 installment payments in December/January/February 2026.Please see the detailed cancellation policy below.
save my spot:
join us!
WE HOPE TO CREATE ART, BEAUTY, COMMUNITY AND LASTING MEMORIES WITH YOU.
The Creative Team
Sarah (The Mint Gardener), Brooke and Kristi (StudioLife) are The Creative Team behind A Creative Way Watercolor Retreats. We have been collaborating on classes, workshops and retreats since 2018 and love all the aspects of planning and creating beautiful settings for creatives to gather. All details are thoughtfully curated for an immersive experience where attendees can give way to the creative experience.
We can’t wait to create with you!
Additional details
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Secure a spot to the retreat and choose room type with a non-refundable deposit of $1,000. Payment links for remaining your remaining balance will be sent to you by Brooke & Kristi at StudioLife. The remaining balance can be made in 3 equal installments by December 1, January 1 and Febrary 1.
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Day 1 - Arrival day, settling in and welcome dinner
Day 2 - 6 All full days of painting, including a few creative excursions and all meals/drinks provided (more detailed schedule provided upon registration)
Day 7 - Departure day
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Transportation to France is not included in the ticket price for the retreat. Your flights and transportation to the local train station will be the responsibility of the attendee. ACW Retreats will provide transportation from the local train station and for the duration of the retreat.
Once registered, you will receive more information. -
Due to the highly creative and collaborative coordination that events like this require ahead of time, the Hosts cannot offer refunds.
The deposit and retreat payments are non-refundable. Should the participant be unable to make the event, the participant can gift their ticket to a friend! The participant can make arrangements and notify Brooke and Kristi of StudioLife.
The participant may also choose to defer the non-refundable deposit to another A Creative Way retreat within one calendar year.
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Please contact the creative team from StudioLife (Kristi & Brooke) with any retreat detail related questions at hello@studiolifeseattle.com
A Creative Way Testimonials
The opportunity to join Studio Life and The Mint Gardener at a Creative Way Art Retreat is not to be missed! The week is filled with so many moments of creative inspiration—from classroom instruction to outdoor experiences—you’ll come away ready to tackle whatever is next for you. I hope to do it again someday!
- Kim
The opportunity to join Studio Life and The Mint Gardener at a Creative Way Art Retreat is not to be missed! The week is filled with so many moments of creative inspiration—from classroom instruction to outdoor experiences—you’ll come away ready to tackle whatever is next for you. I hope to do it again someday!
- sandra
It was truly one of my best life experiences. The energy, creativity, passion and kindness filled my soul. Thank you to you and all the hard work that was put in to curate such an event. Every detail and hard work to implement your vision was noticed and appreciated every day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-heather
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