Women’s Art Retreats
ART
is the way
back to you
AT THE HEART OF THE RETREAT IS A SIMPLE BELIEF.
You don’t have to be an artist.
You don’t have to be talented.
You simply have to be willing to begin.
Creativity lives quietly within us, waiting for space and permission to emerge.
“Art itself is what is healing and transformative.”
Create without expectation
Leave the thinking mind behind and create from the heart.
Through intuitive art-making, you are invited to let go of expectation, forget about getting it “right” and simply play, explore, experiment and see what unfolds.
There is no pressure to achieve anything.
Instead, imagine painting, drawing, making, wandering, daydreaming, noticing, laughing and being still.
“Give yourself permission to play and let yourself be.”
Everything begins with connection.
Connection to
Yourself
Connection to
One Another
Connection to
Creativity
Connection to
Nature
Connection to
Love
A retreat designed
around connection.
Each day unfolds around the women who are there, with space for creativity, reflection, nourishment, nature and connection. Creative practice may include clay, painting, drawing, journaling and other intuitive forms of making.
Connection to
Yourself
Arriving inward. Creating space to listen, explore and reconnect with yourself.
Connection to
One Another
Opening up through shared creativity, conversation and the simple joy of making together.
Connection to
Creativity
Following curiosity, experimenting freely and seeing what unfolds without needing to get it right.
Connection to
Nature
Slowing down, noticing more and allowing the landscape to become part of the creative experience.
Connection to
Love
Celebrating what has emerged, sharing the experience and carrying that feeling with you.
Guiding Women Through Creativity and Connection
Hello, I’m Alison, and it’s a dream come true to run these retreats.
I studied Graphic Design and Fine Art in South Africa and Transpersonal Art Therapy in Australia, and also trained in Kahuna, Lomi Lomi Massage and Reiki. I’m passionate about creativity, self-love and connection: connecting with ourselves, each other, nature and what truly matters.
As an artist and art therapist, I love creating a space where women can explore, express themselves and rediscover the joy of being creative. I believe creativity can heal, inspire and bring us closer to ourselves. Painting is my meditation and feeds my soul, and nothing makes me happier than seeing women embrace their creativity and come alive.
My deepest wish is that every woman leaves feeling more connected to herself, more free to express who she truly is, and with a little more love for the amazing woman she already is. Because I truly believe that love heals.
A few words from the journey.
“I had an amazing
5 days on this retreat.”
“The setting was beautiful and I loved all the activities. Alison creates an amazing safe space to open up. I was definitely challenged – in a good way. Through all the activities and the support of the group I was able to release some negative energy, and I arrived home feeling lighter. I would recommend every woman go on the Art and Soul retreat!”
Cait O · Retreat Guest
“My expectations of this retreat were quite high as it was recommended by a friend, and it managed to exceed all of them. Alison is an incredible artist who creates a true safe space to explore art and emotions. I came away feeling both inspired and emotionally more at peace. On top of that the food is amazing and the location is stunning. It’s an experience that I will continue to take something from in years to come.”
“The atmosphere was welcoming and I left feeling like I had known everyone for years.”
I came into this experience unsure of what to expect and it was more than I could’ve imagined. Alison is such an incredible host, we were so well taken care of. The art activities ranged from lighthearted to deeply meaningful and I was pleasantly surprised by my own growth in a few short days being guided by Alison on the journey. We all turned over our phones for the weekend (Alison’s idea but totally voluntary) and it allowed us all to be present and form meaningful connections quickly, and we all agreed it was one of the best parts of the weekend taking a technology break. We spent tons of time outside in the beautiful countryside and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Light yoga was the perfect intro to the day everyday, and the Kahuna massage was also a really lovely treat as well, so relaxing. This was a part of a longer trip for me and it will easily be one of my favorite parts. I sincerely hope to cross paths with everyone again and I can’t believe we only spent 5 days together! Thank you Alison!
And then, something shifts
When you become connected to your art.
You stop trying to make it right.
You stop wondering whether it is good enough.
You simply allow it to be yours.
And perhaps that is where the magic begins.
This is an invitation to rediscover the playful, curious part of yourself that can so easily become hidden beneath the busyness and demands of everyday life.
This is an invitation to rediscover the playful, curious part of yourself that can so easily become hidden beneath the busyness and demands of everyday life.
A gentle return to yourself
making art.
Come with an open heart.
Something unexpected.
Something entirely your own.
It is something you carry within you.
A gift that can be opened again and again, long after you leave.
Create · Connect · Be
open heart.