ART IS Love
2025 RETREAT
Your creative dreams are calling you!
Join us in Oregon in April 2025.
What is the Art is love retreat?
This 6-day and 5-night retreat is designed to transform your relationship with Creativity to one that gives you joy and confidence while making connections with other open-hearted women.
Tuesday April 22 – Sunday, April 27, 2025
It is packed with activities to nurture your creative heart—art making, soul connections with others, private and shared reflection, open studio time, relaxation, art and business mentoring, and much more!
You’ll learn from not just one, but three professional artists, making it like three art retreats for the cost of one!
TRANSFORM YOUR ART PRACTICE
Give yourself time, guidance, and community to grow!
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ON RETREAT:
Time For Your Creativity
Designed to give you plenty of instruction and time to paint, receive the special attention you deserve, and benefit a supportive community.
Learn From Three Artists
Learn techniques and insights from three professional artists with a combined total of over 65 years of art experience.
3 Art Projects + A Bonus Open Studio Day
An inspiring theme each day will inspire you to live a creative life. Art projects are for all levels of experience.
Soulful Activities
Nourishing activities such as optional yoga, sound baths, joyful song circles, campfires, quiet group meditations, and free time in breathtaking nature.
Individualized Attention
The opportunity to share your art, writing, reflections, and stories. Also, get all your art technique and biz questions answered.
All Meals Catered
A Uplifting Community
Professional Photoshoot
Enjoy a special “Goddess Photoshoot” together with a professional photographer. You’ll also get a swag bag to commemorate your retreat!
“The Art is Love Retreat is transformational! This heart-centered retreat is filled with wonder, art, and sisterhood.
The instructors bring years of experience to this creativity-centered space. It is not a class—it is a way of living. Thank you so much, Carrie, Priscilla, Jesica, and Lori. Love you all!”
— Mitzie Styles
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
JESSICA SWIFT
As a child, Jessica Swift sported a nearly-permanent Crayola marker stain on her left arm, from pinky to elbow. She grew up and, naturally, became an artist. Jessica creates colorful, uplifting artwork and manufactures her own products in her studio in Portland, Oregon.
She also collaborates with inspiring companies and publishers to create branded products such as fabric, stationery, puzzles, books, and more. She’s the author of 3 books and teaches online classes on topics including pattern design, color, and intuitive art-making. Two rambunctious, creative young children call her mama.
LORI SIEBERT
When asked to define her artistic style, Lori Siebert says that she likes to be a bit of a chameleon. Constantly experimenting with different styles and mediums feeds her insatiable curiosity. She has a very whimsical design sense and loves to play with color.
Lori’s art licensing client list includes Demdaco, Creative Co-op, Studio M, and many more. She is also the co-founder of ArtBizJam, which provides helpful business tips and networking opportunities for women artists.
She hosts and teaches at several creative retreats each year in and out of the USA. Lori is also a long-time ambassador for Gudrun Sjoden, her favorite fashion and home textile designer.
CARRIE SCHMITT
Carrie began painting in 2009 while bedridden after being diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to heat. Today she is a full-time artist, author, and instructor/guide. She teaches others not only how to paint, but more importantly have a loving relationship with your art because it has the power to heal, empower, and transform us when we offer it our tenderness instead of our criticism.
Carrie licenses her art for products, including stationary, home décor, clothing, and more. She has written several books, including The Story of Every Flower, a 10 year celebration of her journey as an artist. Her picture book A Flower in Her Heart: The True Story of an Artist Who Bloomed, won the Mom’s Choice Award in 2022.
PRISCILLA JAEGER
Priscilla Jaeger is a Holistic Entrepreneur, Sound Healer, and Yoga Instructor dedicated to creating safe and beautiful spaces for individuals to ceremoniously connect with their inner wisdom and divine nature.
With a lifelong passion for music and art, Priscilla overcame her physical, emotional, and mental challenges through the healing powers of sound and yoga. Now, she is passionate about sharing this wisdom to foster a more peaceful and self-empowered world.
During this retreat, Priscilla will offer morning Energy Medicine Yoga, Voice Activation, and Sound Healing experiences, enabling participants to connect with their inner wisdom and rejuvenate their creative spirit.
“I am still without words to express the impact a week with these women had on me…
I will forever remember the time I spent with these incredible women and the lasting impact they had on my soul. I truly believe there is magic in our lives. We just have to find the people, the safety, and the love in ourselves to see it.”
— Danica Factor
Sample Schedule
Day 1 TUESDAY
APRIL 22
3pm Arrive
5pm Dinner
6pm Opening Circle
7pm Social Hour
8pm Free time
Day 2 WEDNESDAY
APRIL 23
THEME: ART AS SELF-HEALING
Until 8:30am Optional yoga and meditation
8:30am Breakfast
9am Opening Circle: Art Talk by Jessica Swift followed by discussion
10am Art lesson led by Jessica Swift
Noon Lunch
1pm Art-making with Jess continues
3:30pm Free time
5:30pm Dinner
6:30pm Circle Share
7:00pm Optional Sound Bath or Studio Time
Day 3 THURSDAY
April 24
THEME: FINDING YOUR WINGS
Until 8am Optional yoga and meditation
8:30am Breakfast
9am Opening Circle: Art Talk by Lori Siebert followed by discussion
10am Art lesson led by Lori Siebert
Noon Lunch
1pm Art-making with Lori continues
3:30pm Free time
5:30pm Dinner
6:30pm Circle Share
7pm Make Your Own Essential Oil Blend with Priscilla Jaeger
Day 4 FRIDAY
April 25
THEME: LOVING YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT
Until 8:30am Morning Ritual: Optional yoga and meditation
8:30am Breakfast
9am Opening Circle: Art Talk by Carrie Schmitt followed by discussion
10am Art Lesson led by Carrie Schmitt
Noon Lunch
1pm Art-making with Carrie continues
3:30pm Free time
5:30pm Dinner
6:30pm Circle Share
7:30pm Optional Song Circle or Studio Time
Day 5 Saturday
April 26
THEME: TAKING TIME TO ABSORB + INTEGRATE
Until 8:30am Optional Yoga, Meditation, Cold Plunge
8:30am Breakfast
9am Opening Circle
10am Open Studio with Option for Instruction and Feedback
Noon Lunch
1pm Open Studio
5pm Professional Goddess Photo Shoot
6pm Dinner
7pm Closing Celebration and Campfire
Day 6 SUNDAY
April 27
8am Breakfast
9am Closing Circle
10am Pack
Noon Checkout
“Growth, art, friendship, beautiful all in an art retreat! More than I thought it would be.
I felt like the rookie coming into this experience and quickly learned that being a rookie was perfectly fine. Great learning about process and the product and myself in the act of creation. What a gift this was!”
— Krista Mays
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- All meals (14 total) provided by a professional chef
- Instruction and advice from 3 professional teachers
- Q and A session for your art and biz questions
- Networking with fellow participants
- Opportunities to share your art, writing, and stories
- Professional Goddess Photo Shoot
- Sound Baths by a professional musician
- Guided Song Circle Celebration
- Swag Bag and gifts
- Optional yoga and meditation
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Art supplies (List will be sent after registration)
- Transportation to and from retreat center
- Travel expenses
- Housing (Available onsite)
Our dreamy Location
We will gather at a private artist residence on twenty pristine acres nestled in the lush Columbia River basin, an hour outside of Portland, Oregon.
Home to old-growth cedar groves, majestic blue herons, wide-open meadows, and a bubbling creek, this sacred land nourishes the body, mind, and soul in every way.
On-site lodging is available with a variety of options from $75-200 per night. We have private cabins, private rooms, shared rooms, and more.
Bring a friend and save by splitting the cost. We suggest booking early to have the best selection of availability.
Contact Carrie for more information, including pictures and details as well as housing options.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up?
Can I learn more about the location?
Yes, contact Carrie@carrieschmittdesign.com for pictures and details. We are so excited to share this truly enchanted place with you!
How do I reserve lodging?
On-site lodging is available with a variety of options from $75-200 per night. We have private cabins, private rooms, shared rooms, and more. Book early to reserve the space you want! Split the cost with a friend and save!
Contact carrie@carrieschmittdesign.com to learn more and book your stay.
Do I need a car during the retreat?
All retreat activities are held onsite. You do not need a car unless you want to explore outside the venue during free time.
What if I have food allergies/restrictions?
What’s the weather like? What should I wear?
The weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable in April. We suggest packing layers and checking the weather forecast prior to arriving. A complete list of what to bring will be sent to you after registration.
Can I share a room with a friend or friends?
Yes, you are encouraged to come with a friend and rent a room or cabin together. This is a great way to save money too! We suggest booking early to secure the best option for your housing needs. Contact carrie@carrieschmittdesign.com for housing information.
What is your refund policy?
Tuition is non-refundable unless someone takes your spot. When that happens, you will be charged $150 service transfer fee plus any processing fees. Tuition is not transferable within 2 weeks of the event.
Should I get travel insurance?
YES. If for any reason the retreat is canceled, any travel expenses will not be refunded. Please make sure you buy travel insurance on any flights or other methods of travel. Also, if you stay off-site in a hotel or AirBnb, make sure you are aware of their cancellation policies as these are not covered by retreat organizers.
What supplies do I need?
You will be sent a list of what supplies to bring after you register.
Can I ship my art supplies ahead of time?
Yes, please follow these instructions:
Address your box clearly to:
Your Name
c/o Carrie Schmitt Design
214 Cedar Street
Steilacoom, WA 98388
If you would like to have items shipped back to you after the retreat, all boxes must be packed and ready to go with a PAID return label. We recommend printing your return label prior to arrival.
Other questions? Please contact Carrie at carrie@carrieschmittdesign.com
“I had no idea that something like this could be so powerful, healing, and life-affirming…I didn’t know this could be possible, but it is!
This retreat came at the most synchronistic time of my life as I am recovering from massive burnout and health issues and trying to find my way of doing life radically different.
Honestly, it made me tear up often soaking it all in!
The biggest takeaway for me was how the week was infused with so much joy….joy of art, creativity, so much humor, playfulness, music, singing, friendship, sharing, and giving…
It made me realize how my life had become so serious, even as a full time artist. Something I really, really needed. It honestly hard to describe how wonderful it was…it was truly amazing!”
— Beth Kerschen
ART FROM PAST ART IS LOVE
IN-PERSON RETREAT
“I can’t even explain how life-changing Carrie Schmitt’s Art is Love retreat was for me.
I registered for Carrie’s Art is Love retreat not really knowing what to expect, never having attended an art retreat before. What I got from the retreat blew me away. The instruction and art-making were top-tier. Carrie has a gift for gathering creative kindreds and I felt at home. I came home with loads of new friends, discovered faith in my abilities, and beautiful art I didn’t know I could make. It was incredibly nurturing, mind, body, and spirit. I never want to miss another one. Being surrounded by creative, intuitive, loving, supportive women was so much more than I ever knew I needed.
— Charity Adams
Ready to fill your creative heart and overflow with LOVE?
YOUR INVESTMENT: $3200 (It’s like 3 retreats for the price of one!)
We give partial and full scholarships when possible. Your generosity has allowed many women to attend who would otherwise be unable. If you would like to contribute, we accept any amount.