Smiley Art Retreats: A Day in the Life

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend an artist-led retreat in scenic New England at The Smiley Manse?

Let's pretend for a moment that you've awoken in gorgeous Springfield, Vermont ready for a day filled to the brim with art making, learning, fun, delicious food, and creative community.

You pull up the hill to The Smiley Manse barn studio and find a seat in our cozy, light-filled space. You've decided to make the most of the day and take advantage of early studio access to dive deeper into yesterday's projects.

You're in the creative flow and have totally lost track of time—you're surprised when your fellow retreat attendees start trickling in for breakfast. Satisfied, you step back from your morning's work and greet your new friends over scrumptious muffins, a bowl of fresh fruit, and some hot coffee. Now, you're awake!

Once everyone has settled, you spend the morning session learning from the artist leading your retreat, who is kind and generous with their knowledge. The hours for work, conversation, and sharing have flown by and you can hear the sweet sound of Jennifer ringing the lunch bell waft across the property.

Everyone is happy to stretch their legs and meander through the lush, green grass to The Smiley veranda where a delicious and nourishing meal has been lovingly prepared. You fill your plate and take a seat next to your fellow artists, acknowledging how nice it is to be fed without worry about meal logistics or preparation.

Following lunch, you return to the barn studio to dive back into the day's projects and explorations. It's so easy to feel energized and inspired here! This session is optional, so some participants choose to explore the scenery and shops in Springfield and the surrounding area. Once again time has eluded you and the dinner bell rings from The Smiley veranda. Feeling satisfied with your creative flow and time spent sharing ideas and thoughtful critique with your table mates, it's time to gather for the last meal of the day.

The group gathers for dinner where the conversation flows. What a wonderful feeling to be in community with so many other creatives who are passionate about art and creativity. The group chats well into the night. A dedicated few mosey back to the barn for a little more making while the rest head back to your charming lodging at the Butterly House for a good night's rest. You can't wait to do it all over again tomorrow!

If you'd like to experience an art retreat at The Smiley Manse in 2026, take a peek at our offerings. We'd LOVE to see you here!