Join award-winning artist Melanie Barash Levitt of Jackson Art and Ginger Rober, owner of Restorative Health and Fitness for a creative, relaxing, and rejuvenating 3-day Spring Restorative Painting & Wellness Retreat. As the earth begins to stir and the first blooms of the season emerge, we invite you to step away from the noise of daily life and into a weekend of intentional restoration and creativity.

Our Spring Retreat is a soul-nurturing 3-day experience designed to awaken your creativity,  soothe your body, and reconnect you with  nature. Nestled in a historic country inn, this intimate gathering is limited to just twelve  attendees, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and meaningful connection. Whether you are a seasoned painter or haven’t picked up a brush since childhood, this retreat is about the process of creation and the joy of a fresh start. You’ll immerse yourself in untouched natural beauty including Lake Chocorua nearby and the beautiful grounds at the Preserve. In addition to painting sessions, we will share meals, practice yoga/stretching, relax with a personalized treatment, enjoy walks, and create in one of the most charming locations in New England.

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 April 17-19, 2026.

We will paint outside and set up en plein air” (if weather allows) and also have an indoor location  in the Hayford Barn, a stunning 4,000 sq. ft. timber-peg barn with a vaulted ceiling. This spacious and beautifully space  is perfect for yoga/stretching, painting sessions, and social hour. The adjacent Pavilion—a covered open-air space with an outdoor hearth stone fireplace—offers an additional sheltered location.

Painting Instruction:

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

• Color mixing

• Mark-making and expressive brushwork

• Building a strong composition

• Creating atmosphere and light

• Understanding values

• Working from observation outside on location.

Participants will explore The Preserve’s natural beauty and nearby locations as painting subjects—newly budded trees, paths, skies, water 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 and paint beside you. Participants are required to bring their own art supplies. Six half box French easels are available to rent for the weekend first come first serve. See supply list below.

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.

SPRING PAINTING & WELLNESS RETREAT INCLUDES:

• Two nights and three full days at The Preserve at Chocorua (retreat begins Friday  at 10 AM and ends Sunday  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

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

• Special class on Day 1 for beginners only

• Color mixing demo (Spring Palette)

• Plein Air Painting Slide Show

• Group Yoga/Stretching classes each morning

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

• Optional daily walks around Preserve.

• Group critique and celebration of paintings on the last day

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

DATES & COST: 

Friday, April  17 (starts at 10am) to Sunday, April 19 (ends at 4pm)

Three-day all inclusive rate:

$1295 (shared bathroom)

$1395 (private bathroom)

*optional tipping is additional if you choose

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 when registering. *There is also the Maple Cottage available with its own kitchen. Fits two people. 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 special 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 to cover food.

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

 

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