These Popular Smiley Retreats Are BACK!
2026 Registration for These Popular Smiley Manse Retreats is Now Open!
The 2025 season just came to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun is over. We're thrilled to announce that two of our most popular artist-led retreats will return to The Smiley next summer! We wanted to share all the juicy details with you here first:
Dates: June 17-21, 2026
It doesn’t matter if you are at the very beginning of your art journey or a seasoned artist—we are going to make beautiful things together!
We will be using watercolours, gouache and acryla gouache and focusing on variety of techniques. We’ll paint from nature and from within and learn how to see what’s there and what could be there. If you love colour, nature and a bit of whim—you are going to have a wonderful time.
Helen's wonderfully whimsical work!
Helen in the Smiley barn studio with our lovely 2025 retreat attendees.
Dates: July 6-12, 2026
Lori Siebert can never resist a good junk shop or flea market find—and the quirkier, the better! What she loves most is giving these well-loved treasures a brand-new life. This time, she’s bringing her playful spirit to junk flowers and junk bouquets—because who says a bouquet has to be made of petals and stems?
In this fun workshop, Lori will show you how to turn buttons, bobbles, springs, spools, and all kinds of unexpected bits into fabulous flowers and funky bouquets. No green thumb required—just a sense of curiosity and a love of making!
All levels are welcome, and you’re encouraged to bring along some of your own “junk gems” to mix in with Lori’s stash. By the end, you’ll walk away with a whimsical bouquet that will never wilt—and lots of new ideas for seeing everyday objects in a whole new way.
Lori's fantastic floral assemblage would brighten up any space (no water required!).
Lori and her 2025 Junk Assemblage cohort, all smiles on the Smiley lawn.
You can learn more about these incredible artists, the retreat schedules, our gorgeous Smiley grounds, available lodging, and more HERE. We'd be honored to have you learn, make, and gather with us for an unforgettable art retreat experience in scenic New England that you won't soon forget!