A Place to Create
Find inspiration in the studio, gardens, forest, and meadow.
Creative Freedom
Explore, experiment, and let your own artistic vision emerge.
Gather & Connect
Share conversation, laughter, and memorable moments together.
A weekend of painting, reflection, connection, and creative renewal
My Art & Spirit workshops combine my extensive background in painting with meditation to help you work through creative blocks while learning or refining your technique. Join a like-minded circle as we explore what wants to emerge.
My large, light-filled studio, surrounded by acres of forest and meadow, offers an ideal setting to relax, reconnect, and explore your creative process. Whether you have never picked up a paintbrush or are looking to deepen your existing skills, you are welcome here.
A supply list will be provided upon registration, or you may pay a $25 supply fee to use my materials. Healthy lunches are included, and weather permitting, we often gather around the fire circle in the evenings.
Give yourself a weekend to step away from the everyday, make space for your creativity, and see what wants to emerge. Join us for Art & Spirit.
From Artists Who Have Gathered Here
Nobody gets me going creatively like you do
Your suggestions always move me miles down the road….Thank you so very much Melissa. Robin R. Bangor, ME
Your unique blend of intuitive and compassionate teacher
gives you the ability to tune in to each individual and honor the spirit of their exploration. Your encouragement of our longing to express is the magic that erases the fears and doubts. Ruth Cook, Gloucester, MA
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there!
I adore how you are flexible with sensing the groups’ emotional needs, yet rigid with the wisdom to know discipline and keeping people on task is important when it comes to producing art. Of all the art instructors I’ve had in my lifetime, you are the only one I’ve ever experienced that “gets” this and utilizes it effectively. The circle and spiritual time only adds icing to an already well built cake! I felt so comfortable and like I had been part of your group for lifetimes. I admire your style of teaching. Marguerite, MA
Art & Spirit Gathering
Dragonfly Acres, Woodstock, NY
Oct 2-5, 2026
Weekend Schedule
Friday | 5:00–8:30 PM
Welcome and introductions, followed by our first evening of painting together.
Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Morning meditation, painting instruction and discussion, watercolor demonstration, and plenty of time to create. While Melissa will demonstrate in watercolor, you are welcome to work in the medium of your choice.
Sunday | 9:00 AM–4:00/5:00 PM
Morning meditation, painting and discussion, art demonstration, creative exercises, and time for individual exploration.
Monday | 9:00 AM–4:00/5:00 PM
A final day of painting, exploration, and connection as we bring the weekend’s creative experience together.
Accommodations: Local Airbnbs and hotels are available. Ask Melissa for recommendations, and consider coming early to explore the charming town of Woodstock.
Pay by check and save on processing fees: $425 for two days or $495 for three days. Make checks payable to Melissa Harris and mail to PO Box 56, West Hurley, NY 12491. If paying by check, contact Melissa to reserve your spot. Venmo is also available—ask Melissa for details.