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Creative Art Retreats

 

Schedule, Location & Maps

We are very excited to host all overnight retreats this year at Doe Bay Resort and Retreat on beautiful Orcas Island (nestled between Washington State and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada).
 
San Juan Islands Info: http://www.visitsanjuans.com
Doe Bay Resort Site: http://doebay.com
Schedule:  The June class agenda will be available soon.
 

Retreat Costs

We aim to keep our costs low...and a la carte...so you'll have an experience customized for you!

  • Learning Sessions: Our main retreat fee is a low $249 and provides all instructor fees, supplies, resort costs, welcome cocktail reception (if you're 21+), and a participant gift. A limited number of reduced-cost scholarships may be available and we offer drop-in rates for single sessions. Compare our retreat fee to other programs and you'll find that ours is very competitive and accessible.
  • Lodging: Nightly, seasonal rates through Doe Bay are available for the hostel, car camping, yurts, shared cabins, and private cabins with the 3rd night free for retreat participants. All lodging requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis through the Doe Bay website—we do not book your lodging for you. Make sure to mention you are with the Art Camp for Big Kids retreat for the 3rd night discount.
  • Food: We have found that most people prefer to bring their own food and prepare their own meals. You have the option of adding a $50PP food certificate to your retreat fee that provides breakfast and lunch Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Harbor House (six meals total). Dinner is always on your own. Many cabins at Doe Bay offer private kitchens or you are welcome to store and prepare food at the Harbor House retreat center. Doe Bay offers a full service restaurant for all meals at your own expense. We provide beverages and snacks throughout the day.
  • Travel: Retreat participants must arrange and pay for travel on their own. We will work with everyone to help answer any travel questions or concerns you may have.

Registration

Registration is open! Our registration process is managed through Brown Paper Tickets and you may pay in full or in two parts to secure your space in the retreat. See our cancellation policy below and let us know if we can work with you on a payment plan.
Option 1: Pay in full $249 (plus service fee) upon registration.
Option 2: Pay a deposit of $100 now (plus service fee) upon registration and then $149 (plus service fee) no later than 15 days prior to the retreat start date.
 
 

Travel Planning

Traveling to the San Juan Islands takes some planning and time, but the journey itself is part of your vacation! Sit back and marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Northwest via ferry and let the relaxation begin.
 
Washington State Ferry Website (for schedules and costs):  http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
 
You will want to allow at least six hours travel time from Seattle, especially during the busy summer.
  • Via car from Seattle to Anacortes, WA (where you will catch the ferry) takes 90 minutes to 2 hours.
  • The wait time at the Anacortes, WA ferry terminal may take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. We highly advise that you check sailing times and the ferry terminal webcam the MORNING you plan to leave for Anacortes. Earlier morning ferries MAY be less crowded.
  • The sailing from Anacortes, WA to Orcas Island takes approximately 60 minutes.
  • Finally, there is a 45 minute drive from the Orcas Island ferry landing to Doe Bay through rolling farmland and forests. 
No car? That's ok!
For details on how to get to the island by foot or air, visit Doe Bay's directions page at: http://www.doebay.com/about_directions.html. There are several air options and Seattle residents can take the Victoria Clipper foot ferry to Friday Harbor and then transfer to Orcas Island.
 
Carpooling
We strongly encourage it! Get to know other participants and cut down your travel footprint.
If you either NEED a ride or can OFFER a ride, click the contact us link above and send a note. A few weeks before the event, we’ll contact all carpoolers.

Like we said, this takes some planning...but it can be a smooth trip with a good attitude and open schedule on Thursday. Let us know if we can help you plan your travel times.
 

What to bring

  • Clothing for warm and cold weather. Food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (if you opt to make your own meals).
  • If you choose to camp in the warmer months, bring all camping gear. Cabins come with linens. Private cabins with kitchens have all equipment.
  • Scraps of paper, fabric, lace, and other ephemera
  • Specific crafting supplies or tools you may want to use. We’ll supply all of the basic tools, glue, scissors, rulers, irons, etc.
  • A bumbershoot! It’s the Pacific Northwest and we’ll be prepared for rain. Also, bring shoes suitable for outdoor hiking and rocky beach-combing.
  • Comfortable clothing for our sessions. Slippers and lounge attire encouraged! Get cozy and comfy!
  • Clothing to embellish (optional)
  • Supplies to donate to the “creative reuse” bins (optional)
  • An old, washed wool sweater (the funkier and more colorful, the better, but it will need to be washed in soapy water to shrink, rinsed, and dried in advance)
  • Your sense of adventure
  • Some parts of Doe Bay are pet-friendly…please check with them directly if you plan to bring Fluffy or Fido. However, our group sessions are pet-free.

Cancellation Policy

  • 61 days (or more) in advance: Full refund, less $15 processing fee
  • 31-60 days in advance: 50% refund, less deposit
  • 30 days or less in advance: 25% refund, less deposit
For Doe Bay lodging cancellations, please contact the resort directly. We are unable to cancel lodging reservations for you and the terms may be different from ours.