The Art Retreat you didn’t know you need is happening in Palisade this fall.
Good Friday morning everybody,
Friday already??? Time flies. I have adopted the “no time to waste” as my life’s credo and I am making good on it. What is your life’s credo? I would love for you to share it with me.
Do you need a few days away? A few days spent with women who love to do what you do? A few days to stretch your artist’s soul and create? All of this and more is waiting for you in Palisade Colorado this fall.
My artist friend Jennifer Evans and I are holding our fourth annual Paint with Periwinkle Art Retreat in Palisade Colorado in September. If you are unfamiliar with the Western Slope of Colorado, think Mesas, Big Views, the Colorado National Monument, Wineries, Orchards, World Class Dining and, a quirky little artist’s town with coffee houses, shops and an occasional tractor rolling down main street. It is calling to you, isn’t it? Who could blame you. It is the stuff of inspiration, relaxation and delight.
This art retreat isn’t just a getaway—it’s a chance to reconnect with your art, explore new techniques, and gain fresh perspectives in a supportive, energizing environment. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning your journey, attending an art retreat can be a transformative experience that nurtures both your artistic skills and your soul. And if that art retreat is in Colorado… well…
Here are my top 3 reasons why everyone should attend an Art Retreat:
1: Inspiration, Dedicated Time, and Support (that is technically three right there)
Art retreats offer you a “support group” and just the kind you have always needed. One that inspires you by sharing their ideas, perspectives, and inspiration. When you at attend an art retreat your time is dedicated to improving or discovering your practice. When was the last time you spent 3 days, or even 3 hours, just creating and connecting? Be honest. I thought so. Spend 3 days with us, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Grand Mesa creating and growing. Jennifer Evans and I, along with our other attendants, will support you and encourage you. We will introduce you to a variety of art mediums that may just be the love of your life. We are in this fully in this with you.
2: Spending time with other “Cool Kids”
Spending time with Creatives is, well, cool. We talk about art. We appreciate art and all that it offers to the world. Growing up and, for many years, I would be drawing or painting and I would want to tell people. I would want to have an exchange of ideas and crazy thoughts about what I wanted to create and do. Or I would see art show advertisement and want to attend. It was often times difficult to find people who understood, were as excited as I was or, was interested in spending an evening surrounded by paintings. THEN I FOUND MY PEOPLE. Now, I am in the company of artists (and they ARE the cool kids) all the time. Let’s discover or make bigger your community of artists and friends in Palisade. These are bonds that will last a lifetime and are essential to our happiness and growth. And, there is no substitute for being with people. Actually, WITH them, not on YouTube or Zoom. You remember that, right?
3. Allowing yourself time to be and become who you want and deserve to be. That was a mouthful, let me tell you my story of finding me.
Eleven years ago, I jumped off a cliff. I pulled up the stakes I had in for 50 years and went West! “Go West, young man!, I heard in my head. (Well, it was more like, “Go West, middle aged lady! It is time to find JULIE!!”
I was feeling squeezed. I was feeling tired. I was in search of Julie. I needed to know what it was like to just be JULIE the ARTIST. Could I make it just being me, could we make it just being us? It wasn’t easy. But here I am, here we are, 11 years later. I paint what I want to paint, how I want to paint it. I teach people, lots of people that they can do it! They can paint and paint well. I live in arguably the most magical and inspiring place in the world. I wake up every day, look in the mirror, and say, “I am an artist”, and embrace this identity and share it with everyone I meet. All while inviting them to come along on the ride. I believe, to achieve this transformation, I needed space. I needed no background noise and time to work. Take this time for yourself and kick off this time of finding YOU with US.
We are inviting You, to come along on this ride and discover what you can do. Come and create with us in Palisade this fall. Whether you are a Novice or a Professional this is the Art Retreat for YOU. You deserve it.
There’s still time to book an art retreat for the last half of 2025. We welcome you to discover Palisade, Colorado during our fourth annual “Paint With Periwinkle” Art Retreat, September 24 through 28, 2025. Palisade is an eclectic mountain community with an art gallery, 30 wineries, and wonderful views. Registration includes overnight lodging at the upscale Wine Country Inn, a boutique hotel on an operating vineyard with tasting room, and panoramic views of Mt. Garfield. Art sessions are mixed media projects that allow you to sample watercolor, acrylic, collage and fabric dying (with stencils, of course!). All meals are locally prepared, farm-to-table culinary delights and our agenda includes visits to wineries for lunchtime wine tastings. One price; no hassles: once you arrive at the retreat, everything is taken care of! With two instructors, we are dedicated to a highly-specialized, creative experience for everyone. Click HERE for a full agenda and to register.
See you in the mountains,
Julie
xoxo
