Art & Spirit Workshops & Retreats
Gather, create, and awaken your creative spirit at Dragonfly Acres in the Catskill Mountains and special retreat destinations worldwide.
Upcoming Workshops & Events
Art and Spirit: Art-Making Workshop
Dragonfly Acres Woodstock, NY @ Melissa’s Woodstock NY Studio
Oct 2 @ 5:00 pm – Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm
Welcome to Dragonfly Acres
Since 1990, I’ve been bringing people together to explore, discover, and celebrate what wants to emerge through art-making. Located on 9 acres of peaceful forest and meadow near Woodstock, NY, my studio offers a sunlit, nurturing space to plant yourself for a retreat.
Groups are deliberately kept small (usually 5 to 9 people) so you get plenty of individual attention and room to stretch out. There is no rigid agenda for how your work should look—I am here to listen to what excites you and help you find your own unique visual language.
“Your studio workshops are unique in providing a beautiful working studio space filled with sunlight and loving energy… Your unique blend of psychic intuitive and compassionate teacher gives you the ability to tune in to each individual and honor the spirit of their exploration.”
— Ruth Cook, Gloucester, MA
What a Retreat Looks Like
Each gathering combines creative practice, personal guidance, and community in a sacred space:
- Morning Circle: Gentle sharing, guided meditation, and daily teachings led by Melissa.
- Studio Time: Dedicated painting and art-making with personalized, one-on-one coaching.
- Nourishing Lunches: Delicious, healthy lunches served daily in the cozy farmhouse or outdoors.
- Fire Circle Gatherings: Weather permitting, evening relaxation and reflection around the stone fire pit.
- Evenings: Group dinners at nearby local restaurants or time on your own to relax.
Essential Logistics
Materials
You are welcome to work in any medium you like (watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, drawing), with the exception of oil paints due to solvent sensitivities in shared studio air. Detailed supply lists are provided upon registration, or you can opt for a studio supply fee.
Schedule
Retreats typically begin Friday at 5:30 PM (light snacks provided) and wrap up Sunday or Monday afternoon.
Accommodations & Location
Dragonfly Acres is located just 8 minutes from Exit 19 off the NY State Thruway, near historic Kingston and Woodstock.
Numerous local Airbnbs, boutique inns, hotels in Kingston, NY – and local friend options are available.
Many guests like to arrive early or stay an extra day to explore charming Woodstock.
Cancellation Policy
As a small business operating intimate groups, cancellations cannot be accommodated once registered, though exceptions are made for emergency health circumstances.
What Participants Say
“Disciplined and Deep”
“I adore how you are flexible with sensing the group’s emotional needs, yet keep people on task when it comes to producing art. The circle and spiritual time only adds icing to an already well-built cake!”
“Enlightening and Inspiring”
“Time seemed not to exist while working on getting in touch with ourselves. Through meditation and introspection, Melissa guided us gently to push past our limitations, all surrounded by breezes, music, and mint tea.”
“A Creative Hatchery”
“I always feel brand new every time I come. Melissa is so good at tuning in, watching creative babies being born, and helping pull design elements together in harmonious ways.”