Join award-winning artist Melanie Barash Levitt of Jackson Art and Ginger Rober, owner ofRestorative Health and Fitness for a creative, relaxing, and rejuvenating 3-day Winter Painting & Wellness Retreat. This will takes place at The Preserve at Chocorua, a picturesque 26-acre estate tucked away in the historic town of Tamworth, New Hampshire, in the White Mountains on January 17-January 19 ( MLK weekend).

During this winter getaway, you’ll immerse yourself in untouched natural beauty—a true seasonal wonderland. In addition to daily painting sessions, we will share meals, unwind by the fire, practice yoga/stretching, relax with a personalized treatment, enjoy peaceful winter walks (snowshoes provided), and create in one of the most charming locations in New England.

We will paint at the Preserve in the Hayford Barn, a stunning 4,000 sq. ft. timber-peg barn with a vaulted ceiling. This spacious and beautifully heated barn is perfect for yoga/stretching, painting sessions, tea time, and social hour.

Participants may choose to paint indoors or set up outdoors for plein air painting when weather allows. The adjacentIce Pavilion—a covered open-air space with an outdoor hearth stone fireplace—offers an additional sheltered location to enjoy the scenery. Two outdoor fire pits with comfy seating are also available for warming up with a hot drink.

Painting Instruction

Each day, Melanie will lead a winter landscape painting demo/lesson using both brush and palette knife. She will cover:

•Mixing a winter palette

•Mark-making and expressive brushwork

•Building strong compositions

•Creating atmosphere and light

•Understanding values

•Working from observation, memory, and sketches

Participants will explore The Preserve’s natural beauty as their subject—snow-laden trees, paths, winter skies, and rustic structures. Melanie will be painting in oils, but participants may also use water-based oils, acrylics, open acrylics, or watercolor (demos will be in oil).

All levels are welcome, including total beginners. Melanie will work with each student at their level. Participants are required to bring their own art supplies and a yoga matte. See supply list.

Relaxing and Wellness

We will start each morning with yoga and stretching taught by certified instructor, Ginger Rober.Each participant will also enjoy a choice of massage, facilitated stretch, or energy work included in the package. This will be scheduled over the course of the three days.

Mount Chocorua and the surrounding basin have inspired artists, poets, and writers for centuries, including E.E. Cummings, Wallace Stevens, and Grover Cleveland. The Preserve continues this tradition—offering creative refuge, quiet beauty, and space for reflection.

WINTER PAINTING & WELLNESS RETREAT INCLUDES:

• Two nights and three full days at The Preserve at Chocorua (retreat begins Saturday at 10 AM and ends Monday at 4 PM)

• Home-cooked meals include two breakfasts, three lunches, two dinners, and six snacks,(allergies and intolerances accommodated) BYOB

• Early morning coffee/tea + daily afternoon tea time

• Three days of painting: demos, instruction, and individual guidance

• Special class on Day 1 for beginners only

• Evening color-mixing demo (Winter Palette)

• Winter Painting Slide Show

• Group yoga/stretching classes each morning

• One private massage, facilitated stretch, or energy-work session per person

• Optional daily walks/snowshoeing

• Group critique and celebration of paintings on the last day

This retreat offers the perfect blend of art, wellness, community, and rest that allows you to relax, rejuvenate and be creative!

Saturday, January 17 (starts at 10am) to Monday, January 19 (ends at 4pm, Martin Luther King Day)

Three-day all inclusive rate of $1095 (shared bathroom) OR $1195 (private bathroom) Use toggle when registering to pick your option. There are 7 rooms with private bathrooms and 6 rooms with shared bathrooms. First come, first serve. *There is also the Maple Cottage available with its own kitchen. Inquire if interested. Participants are required to bring their own art supplies and yoga matte.

NOTE: If you’d like to arrive a day early or stay an extra night, The Preserve is offering a reduced rate for class participants. Contact Mary at the Preserve at 603-323-8333 to add on a night or two. Spouses who wish to share your room and join meals may be added—just reach out for arrangements.

THE PRESERVE AT CHOCORUA is located at 88 PHILBRICK NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD, TAMWORTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03886. For more info visit https://www.reservethepreserve.com