Join award-winning painter Melanie Barash Levitt of Jackson Art and Ginger Rober of Restorative Health & Fitness for a unique 3-day retreat combining plein air painting, (beginner and intermediate painters welcome) yoga, massage, and touring Monhegan Island, ME. This retreat will take place from August 28-31, 2026 and be limited to  twelve people taking place in one of the most beautiful places in the world!

During this late summer getaway, you’ll immerse yourself in the untouched natural beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine. Monhegan is a small, rocky island ten miles from the nearest mainland and scarcely a square mile in area. It is accessible only by ferry. Artists have been drawn to the rugged beauty of Monhegan for over 150 years.  The peaceful nature of the island combined with the picturesque landscape make Monhegan an ideal location to immerse yourself in  art and relaxation.

In addition to daily painting sessions, we will share meals, do some light hiking, visit the Monhegan Museum and island galleries, practice yoga/stretching, relax with a personalized massage treatment, and create in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We will paint outdoors but also have an indoor space if needed.

A block of rooms at the Monhegan House (MOHO) is reserved for our retreat. Some of the rooms can accommodate two  people if you would like to come with a friend or family member. Upon registration, please visit the link to book your room. The reservation includes a hearty breakfast. (if you would like to stay somewhere else on the island, please contact us first and we will see if we can accommodate you)

Painting Instruction

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

•Color mixing

•Mark-making and expressive brushwork with brush & palette knife

•Building strong compositions

•Creating atmosphere and light

•Understanding values

•Working from observation and sketches

Participants will explore the island’s natural beauty as their subject “en plein air”—village scenes, island houses, laundry lines, boats,  rocky shores and more. Melanie will be painting in oils, but participants may also use water-based oils, acrylics, open acrylics, watercolor or medium of choice (demos will be in oil). There will be  lessons each day and  Melanie will paint along side students.

Participants are required to bring their own art supplies. There are a limited number of half box French plein air easels available for rent. Students can also bring any painting set up of their choice.

Relaxing and Wellness

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

Monhegan Island has inspired a renowned art colony for over 150 years, featuring iconic artists such as Rockwell Kent, Edward Hopper, George Bellows, Robert Henri, and Jamie Wyeth.  The MOHO  continues this tradition—offering creative refuge, quiet beauty, and space for reflection.

MONHEGAN ISLAND PAINTING & WELLNESS RETREAT INCLUDES:

• Wine/Cheese welcome upon arrival

• Tour of the Island

• Transportation of your bags from the ferry to the MOHO.

• Three days of painting, demos, lessons, guidance and critiques

• Handouts along with some photos  if needed for painting indoors in case of inclement weather

• Special instruction on day one for beginners.

•Color Mixing Class

• Two group yoga/stretching classes

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

• Entry to the Monhegan Museum

• Optional morning sunrise walk

• Group critique and celebration of paintings on the last day

NOT INCLUDED:

• Accommodations: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Monhegan House. Book a single room at MOHO for $165 per/night and UP  (hearty breakfast included). Book early to get your room of choice. Although we recommended staying at the Monhegan House,  accommodations can be booked elsewherre on the island including the Island Inn, Trailing Yew, Shining Sails or house rentals on VRBO.

• Ferry Ticket: Participants will need to purchase a ferry ticket.

• Meals are not included (except breakfast included at MOHO with your reservation)

• BYOB (you can bring your own beer/wine to all restaurants on Monhegan) There is also a liquor store and beer at Monhegan Brewing company.

• Optional tipping not included for massage and servers.

• Bring your own art supplies along with an optional plein air type easel or pochade box. We will be walking short distances to paint so bring a backpack or a pull cart and a folding stool if you want to sit. Pack light.

• Bring your own yoga matte

FERRY TO MONHEGAN ISLAND

Participants make their own ferry reservations. Passengers only and parking available. There are three options for ferries to and from Monhegan Island. I take the ferry from  Port Clyde (smoothest ride and one hour) There are also two other options. One from Boothbay Harbor and one from New Harbor, ME. More info upon registration.

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

Retreat Cost: $695 per/person ,  Friday, 9/15/23  - Sunday 9/17/23. Class starts Friday afternoon upon ferry arrival (wine & cheese welcome) and ends Monday afternoon at ferry departure. Or extend your stay to enjoy the island!
Book your room ASAP to get best choice.

A BLOCK OF ROOMS  HAVE BEEN RESERVED AT THE MONHEGAN HOUSE FOR THE RETREAT
https://resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/group/3690D040-6B12-41A0-BDB5-866B9A0AD7F4?GID=50616cf3-2d42-4ac0-b6f8-272696dbbdb2