Women’s Retreat Monhegan: Discovering Ourselves as Artists with Janie Snider – Session 1
September 14 - September 17
Join us for “Discovering Ourselves as Artists: An Artist’s Retreat on Monhegan Island”
Are you an artist intrigued by a sense of place? Join us for a four-day, three-night women’s artist retreat on beautiful Monhegan Island.
Unlock your creative potential and connect with your inner artist in this workshop, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monhegan Island. Through daily guided painting sessions, we will dive into the world of intuitive painting and creative process, allowing your emotions, thoughts, and imagination to create your compositions and brushstrokes.
Each day, you’ll engage in a painting session that encourages exploration and self-expression, free from judgment or expectation. This workshop offers a safe space to explore your unique creative voice. Throughout the sessions, you’ll create three original works of art, each reflecting your intuitive choices through this artistic endeavor.
Beyond the structured sessions, you’ll have time each day to either work on your own artwork, reflect in solitude, or discover the inspiring landscape of Monhegan Island—a place that has inspired artists for generations.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of your creative process, three personal pieces of art, and a renewed sense of artistic confidence. This is not just a painting workshop—it’s a journey of self-discovery through art.
Note–Session 2 is a repeat of Session 1.
View the Schedule
Day 1 – Arrival
10 am–Arrival in Port Clyde
10:30 am–Depart on Port Clyde Ferry to Monhegan
11:30–Arrive on Monhegan (you can have your luggage delivered to the cottage)
12:30–Group lunch (optional) followed by free time to explore
4 pm–Check-in at your cottage
6 pm–Family-style dinner at the Flying Bridge followed by informal art prep
Day 2
7:30-9 am: Continental breakfast at the Flying Bridge
9 am: Group Intuitive Painting l (materials supplied)
10:30 am-5 pm: Continue with your intuitive painting, your art, or your free time
5 pm: Appetizers and drinks at the Flying Bridge
6 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 3
7:30- 9 am: Continental breakfast at the Flying Bridge
9 -10:30 am: Group Intuitive Painting ll
10:30 am – 6 pm: Continue with your intuitive painting, your art, or your free time
6 pm: Pizza at the Flying Bridge followed by Group Intuitive Collage
Day 4 – Departure
7:30- 9:00 am: Continental breakfast at the Flying Bridge
10 am: Check out of your cottage and final island exploration
12:30 pm: Ferry to Port Clyde
1:30 pm: Arrive in Port Clyde
About Janie Snider
Milbridge artist Janie Snider leads the art experiences during this inspiring retreat. With nearly 30 years as an art educator, Janie was honored as the Maine Middle School Art Teacher of the Year in 2014. She has exhibited her work at the Blue Iris Gallery, Schooner Gallery, Milbridge Historical Society Gallery, Milbridge Theater, and Community Art Center Gallery, and is currently showcasing at the Foggy Bee Gallery. Beyond her painting, Janie illustrated the children’s book, “Mr. Marden’s Garden.” Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature and Maine’s landscapes, Monhegan holds a particularly magnetic appeal for Janie; this marks her fifth pilgrimage to the island. While she primarily works in watercolor and acrylics, she also enjoys experimenting with other media. Janie will provide individual guidance and share her insights and techniques. Janie is skilled at inspiring confidence in other artists. Her talents are matched only by her warmth and authenticity.
The Venue: Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island is a small, scenic island located about 12 miles off the coast of Maine, known for its rugged beauty, stunning landscapes, and rich history. It is famous for its cliffs, forests, and dramatic coastline, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and artists.
Monhegan is a walking-only island. Our headquarters and accommodations for this retreat are just over 1/2 mile from the pier at the top of Horn Hill.
Lodging
WHRL has secured two cottages for the retreat. Both are off the beaten path, non-smoking and have WiFi.
Flying Bridge
Our group activities will take place in this modern two-story cape on the top of Horns Hill. The wrap-around deck is ideal for viewing sunsets and incredible night skies. Non-smoking, WiFi provided. Three artist’s spots spaces are available here.
Sarah’s Cottage
Located just a 3-minute walk from the Flying Bridge, Sarah’s Cottage offers views toward the back side of the island, the harbor side, and the lighthouse. Take in the sunrise or the stars from the wraparound deck. Four artist’s spots spaces are available here. Because group activities occur at the Flying Bridge, Sarah’s Cottage may provide more tranquility and privacy.
Flying Bridge and Sarah’s Cottage Proximity
A view of the walk up the hill to the cottages
Flying Bridge
Flying Bridge–Living Space
Flying Bridge–Bedroom Example
Flying Bridge–Deck
Sarah’s Cottage
Sarah’s Cottage Living Space
Sarah’s Cottage Bedroom
Sarah’s Cottage Deck
Costs
What’s Included
A rich and rewarding experience on an island famous for inspiring artists and nature lovers worldwide! Plus:
- “Discover Ourselves as Artists” group workshops with Janie Snider
- Three nights’ lodging at either the Flying Bridge or Sarah’s Cottage
- Continental breakfast and dinner (lunch is on your own)
- Round-trip ferry transportation
Registration Fee
The registration fee varies based on your selected room. Following are the rates by cottage. Check the registration form below for available inventory.
Flying Bridge
- 2nd-floor Private Rooms with Shared Bath – $1350 [a total of three spots]
Sarah’s Cottage
- First-floor Suite with Private Bath and Sitting Room – $1500 [a total of 1 spot]
- Second-floor Room with Shared Bath – $1350 [a total of 1 spot]
- Second-floor Two Twin Beds (in Shared Room) with Shared Bath – $1250 [a total of 2 spots]
This option is perfect for friends or mother/daughter.
Register
Refunds
We understand that unexpected things happen. Reservations are refundable through Jul 15, 2025. After July 15, registrations are refundable if we are able to fill your spot.
