A 50% deposit is required to reserve your space in a retreat. It is NON-REFUNDABLE but you can apply your fees toward a future retreat, if you cancel before 90 days prior to your retreat.

The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days prior the retreat’s start date – we will send you a reminder email ahead of that deadline.

In the event that a retreat does not meet the minimum number of participants, you will receive a minimum of 60 days notification that the retreat is canceled and a full refund will be sent.

In the extremely unlikely event that we have to cancel less than 60 days out for circumstances outside our control, a full refund will be sent.

Yes! Please read all our policies here BEFORE applying to a retreat as it discusses policies for COVID, transporation, and more.

Each retreat is limited to 6-20 artists.

Each retreat is designed by the leader so there will be differences in curriculum and timing. To give you a general sense, they will generally follow this flow.

We are located in Springfield, Vermont. Here’s how to get here depending on what method of travel you’re using:

By air + rental car:

• Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT (just under 2 hour drive)

• Logan International Airport in Boston, MA (just over 2 hour drive)

• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, NH (just under 2 hour drive)

• Burlington International Airport In Burlington, VT (just over 2 hour drive)

By train: Amtrak’s Vermonter line comes up the east coast from Washington, DC through New York City. There are two stations near The Smiley Manse: Claremont, NH and Bellows Falls, VT. An Uber is typically less than $50 from either Amtrak station.

By bus: The Dartmouth Coach leaves from Boston Logan Airport and Midtown, NYC. There are ZipCars, Avis, and Enterprise rental cars available at both stops.

If you are joining us in the summer, we recommend bringing a light jacket and sunscreen. In the fall, you will definitely want a sweater or jacket. We will also provide bug spray–however, if you have a special spray you would like to bring for sensitive skin, etc., please do. 

As for supplies, we will share any supplies you’ll need to purchase and bring with you in your welcome email.

Depending on which retreat you are attending, some supplies are included. However, you’re welcome to bring anything that you would like to have (or share).

We have a list of local accommodations to fit every budget and can provide discount codes for select options – email us once you’ve signed up for a retreat for that info.

We also recommend checking AirBnB for Springfield, VT if you prefer a home setting. 

We will not review portfolios at the retreat. If you are interested in that, you can book time with Jennifer here.

It depends on retreat instructor’s curriculum – please check the daily schedule of the retreat you’re interested in for more information. However, in most cases the retreats are focused on art making.

Our retreats are meant to be a time to come together with your leader, your host, and other artists. A time to enjoy/improve your skills, learn from others, and share yourself and your work. As such, they are not part of the process for finding or signing new artists.