In my Art and Spirit workshops I combine my talent as an intuitive with my extensive background in painting to help you to work through creative blocks and learn or refine technique. Come and join a like minded circle as we explore what wants to emerge.  My large light filled studio and acres of forest and meadow is the ideal location to support you as you relax and explore your creative process. The workshop is for those with no experience as well as those who would like to improve existing skills. . A supply list will be provided upon registration.  Workshops include lunches. Weather permitting we often gather at Melissa’s fire circle in the evenings for some song, laughter and treats.

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 only the 2^nd 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 and hope to emulate it when I start teaching children again in the spring.    Marguerite  – MA

“I just returned from an amazing weekend surrounded by art, nature, love, talent and friendship. The retreat was everything I wanted and more. Time seemed not to exist while working on the process of getting in touch with ourselves. Through meditation and introspection we explored  the creative process. Melissa guided us gently, and enabled us to push past our own limitations.  The group of us worked blissfully. Enjoying the breezes and music, surrounded by Melissa’s inspiring artwork. If that wasn’t enough, we were served a beautiful healthy lunch every day. with fresh mint tea and amazing brownies for dessert.  The experience was enlightening and inspiring. I can’t wait to do it again!”  Alison  Greenwod Lake, NY

“I am still gratefully  basking in the glow of the weekend!  I always feel brand new every time I come and I am always nourished and enlivened by the creative hatchery that you fill with love, laughter, music and guidance. I was able to go deep and allow the energy to percolate through me in different and fun ways this time.  Thank you for sensing my need to listen and feel from the inside out and savor what comes through where you can help me see different options to pull it all together in harmonious ways that both honor the original impulse and basic design elements. You are so so good at tuning in and watching the creative babies being born and training the midwives in delivery.”  Vickie Dash PA

“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 workshops are unique in providing loving energy that invites the imagination to come out and play.  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

Take Covid precautions as you like.- mask optional .  Your registration acknowledges that Melissa is not responsible for any illness 

There are many accommodation options. I have my own airbnb here on my property which gets reserved quickly so inquire right away if you are interested.  There are many hotels and airbnb’s nearby.   Ask Melissa about accommodations. Stay or come early and explore the infamous and cute town of Woodstock. Click here for a full description of the Retreat.

Save the fees and pay by check –  $440   Make it out to Melissa Harris and send to PO Box 56 West Hurley, NY 12491. If paying by check, contact Melissa to reserve a spot.

Art & Spirit in Ireland   – a Watercolor Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Magical Ireland –  September 18 – 29  

This is a very small group-  (maximum 10 ) providing for an optimal small group experience

“I’m in heaven!  If you ever have a chance to go to a workshop with Melissa, do it. Her inspiration, guidance and teachings have changed me. The retreat was one of the best things I have done!”      Katie Crommet – MA

“I am still LIVING ON FAIRY DUST!    IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE !”  Connie Judson   Montauk, NY

“I have no words… . The time in Ireland was life changing for me. I was opened in a way I still do not completely understand… I feel a ‘power’ flowing through me that I no longer question… I feel more connected to those around me because of a ‘knowing’ and I feel a strength that I have never felt before. My “welcome sister” as a part of the stone circle  was both life changing and life affirming… a gift from the goddess and all the women that came before.  The retreat was a reminder of the importance of being open to the universe, of ritual, and of gathering and sharing space with those we were meant to know.  You are an amazing human and I am grateful and blessed for the experience of spending time with you. ”  Sharon G  Benzonia, MI

Don’t allow your fears of “I’m not an artist” or “I haven’t painted in years” to prevent you from missing this opportunity of a lifetime.  My gifts as an intuitive help me to create nurturing environments for the part of your spirit that wants to emerge to blossom.

We will convene in circles and at sacred sites to encourage our creative visions to emerge.  Meditation at these places will help us to connect with the spirit of the land.

With each year I’ve taken this journey I’ve added more details and sacred sites to make in an especially magical and potent experience.

To reserve your space please pay the non-refundable deposit of $500 and sign and return the Travel Agreement.

Sculpture by Patsy Preston

This will be a very small group.   If you are interested register early!

paint overlooking the ocean!

Ireland is a very “thin place”.  What is a thin place?  It’s a place where the veils between this world and others are thin, a gateway to the other world, if you will.  Thin places are subjective.  For example, I may not feel particularly sensitive to strong energies in the same spot that you might.  I have selected places for us on this tour that affected me profoundly; I’m enthusiastic about sharing them with you.

My nomadic nature has taken me to locations that have tugged at the edges of my soul, including numerous thin places. The oldest Goddess temples in Malta, the many sacred sites in Cornwall England, Findhorn, and other thin places in Scotland have beckoned and received my curious spirit.  I’ve spent hours meditating at these spots, allowing the mystery and energies of the places to soak in while painting on site.  I’m forever changed each time I do this.

Now I am excited to bring the richness of this experience to you!

As with any of my events activities are planned but I follow the flow and energies of those attending so these plans are always subject to change.  The basic structure of the retreat will stay in place.  I chose our locations based on geography, beauty, and comfort.  Singles are available until our last location.  If a single becomes available in our last location it will be by first claim, first receive.  I will do my best to accommodate you.

During our days together I will be sensitive to your need to stay quiet at times or rest.  You will not be required to do more than you are comfortable with and I am including some time to be still and integrate.  You are welcome to opt out on any given activity if your body/mind says “stop, I need a break!”

What our time together will look like:

Arrival night in a cozy hotel near Shannon airport in order to rest and recover from jet lag

Killarney 

• 4 nights in a luxury hotel.  Here we will be able to relax and be pampered with delicious meals
• Beautiful lakefront grounds,
• Touring Sacred sites (circles, burial cairns etc.)
• Painting visits to places of beauty and interest
• Authentic Irish music

Next, we are off to Dingle Peninsula .  There are surprise visits along the way!

In Dingle we are housed in a large retreat center near the town of Dingle complete with conservatories and a large lounge with spectacular views over Dingle Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy’s Reeks. The lodge has a huge private kitchen.  We will take turns making breakfasts and lunches (lunches when we are not on outings).  Dinners will be at a local Inn or out and about.

• Time at Inch Strand –  This stupendous beach has attracted film directors as well as surfers– it has appeared in the movies Ryan’s Daughter(1970), Excalibur (1981) and Far and Away (1992), among others.
• meditation in the beautiful sun room before we begin our creations, both inner and outer
• scenic drives to sacred sites
• retail therapy in the shops
• enjoying some traditional Irish music at pubs. Dingle is one of the most vibrant centers for this

I’ve managed to put this amazing retreat together at a very reasonable price.   I will do my best to accommodate your sleeping requests.  First come, first serve.

For payment by CHECK. (preferred and no credit card commission or admin fees).  Shared accommodations ~One- time payment of $3310 ~ or 4 payments of $827.50  SINGLE  –  one payment of $3775 or 4 payments of $943.75

Make checks out to Melissa Harris and send to PO Box 56 West Hurley, NY 12491. No need to fill out payment form online, just email me to reserve your spot and to let me know you are sending a check right out.  If you are choosing to make a deposit only, the balance of $327.50 will be due by March 15, 2023

For payment by credit card there is an additional $100 to cover cc fees

If you need to make different arrangements connect with Melissa info@melissaharris.com. Call 845 340 9632 with any questions

What is included: 

• all accommodations
• all breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners 
• 2-3 Sacred site tours
• transfer from each location to the next
• entry fees to sacred and cultural sites and gardens
• my watercolor instruction and circle leadership, meditation
• pub visits with authentic Irish music 

 What is not included:

• airfare
• short taxi ride from Shannon airport to hotel or transport by bus from Dublin airport if you prefer to Shannon hotel
• lunches or dinners out in Dingle. Restaurants in the area are reasonable
• transport to your departure airport (either Shannon or Dublin – Melissa can make transport by van arrangement 
• hotel in Shannon or Dublin in case you need it before your departure flight

Cancellation Policy – 

A refund will be offered for any medical issue and/or emergency, less a $500 administrative fee. Non-refundable payments have been issued in advance to my vendors making it necessary for me to retain partial payment to cover these costs. With months of planning to make this a most special retreat, I will do my best to honor emergencies. 

Your first payment authorizes that you understand this refund policy, commit to payment in full and take full responsibility for your personal choices and safety while you travel. Travel insurance is required. It is suggested that you purchase this upon booking.  Check to make sure what your insurance covers.

• If you need to cancel before June 15, 2022, your payments less a cancellation fee of $500 will be refunded.
• There are no refunds after June 15th, 2022.
• If it becomes necessary to cancel the retreat for any reason, all payments will be refunded in full

In the event of cancellation, you may find another person to take your place on the trip provided they agree to the terms of this agreement and after an interview between the person and Melissa whereupon it is decided that the trip is agreeable with both parties.

Melissa can make suggestions on travel.  .  For any travel questions consult Melissa    info@melissaharris.com

In my Art and Spirit workshops I combine my talent as an intuitive with my extensive background in painting to help you to work through creative blocks and learn or refine technique. Come and join a like minded circle as we explore what wants to emerge.  My large light filled studio and acres of forest and meadow is the ideal location to support you as you relax and explore your creative process. The workshop is for those with no experience as well as those who would like to improve existing skills. . A supply list will be provided upon registration.  Workshops include lunches. Weather permitting we often gather at Melissa’s fire circle in the evenings for some song, laughter and treats.

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 only the 2^nd 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 and hope to emulate it when I start teaching children again in the spring.    Marguerite  – MA

“I just returned from an amazing weekend surrounded by art, nature, love, talent and friendship. The retreat was everything I wanted and more. Time seemed not to exist while working on the process of getting in touch with ourselves. Through meditation and introspection we explored  the creative process. Melissa guided us gently, and enabled us to push past our own limitations.  The group of us worked blissfully. Enjoying the breezes and music, surrounded by Melissa’s inspiring artwork. If that wasn’t enough, we were served a beautiful healthy lunch every day. with fresh mint tea and amazing brownies for dessert.  The experience was enlightening and inspiring. I can’t wait to do it again!”  Alison  Greenwood Lake, NY

“I am still gratefully  basking in the glow of the weekend!  I always feel brand new every time I come and I am always nourished and enlivened by the creative hatchery that you fill with love, laughter, music and guidance. I was able to go deep and allow the energy to percolate through me in different and fun ways this time.  Thank you for sensing my need to listen and feel from the inside out and savor what comes through where you can help me see different options to pull it all together in harmonious ways that both honor the original impulse and basic design elements. You are so so good at tuning in and watching the creative babies being born and training the midwives in delivery.”  Vickie Dash PA

“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 workshops are unique in providing loving energy that invites the imagination to come out and play.  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

Take Covid precautions as you like.- mask optional .  Your registration acknowledges that Melissa is not responsible for any illness 

There are many accommodation options. I have my own airbnb here on my property which gets reserved quickly so inquire right away if you are interested.  There are many hotels and airbnb’s nearby.   Ask Melissa about accommodations. Stay or come early and explore the infamous and cute town of Woodstock. Click here for a full description of the Retreat.

Save the fees and pay by check –  ($355 or $440 for three days)  Make it out to Melissa Harris and send to PO Box 56 West Hurley, NY 12491. If paying by check, contact Melissa to reserve a spot.