The following are some questions that were asked of me during a radio interview on the healing effects of art-making:

Art & Spirit in Ireland   – a Watercolor Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Magical Ireland –  September 13 – 23  

This is a very small group- only 9 persons, 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 loved the Irish music, it was authentic and in a really intimate setting – wonderful.  Seeing the sheep grazing – I never realized that the sheep could make such an impact on me.   And of course the ocean and Dingle – the breath taking views, breathing the salt air and walking the beach. AND the food!!!”   Linda S.  Woodstock, NY

This is an invitation to those of you who would like to explore your creativity with like-minded, adventurous women in magical Ireland.  Come with us and experience the beauty of Ireland in its’ best season, when the bursting flowers add more color to the emerald green landscape and the dazzling coastline welcomes us.  We will delight in the charm of old Ireland, including some authentic Irish music while learning or fine- tuning the art of watercolor.  This is a spiritual retreat where we make art (both process painting as well as plein air).   No previous experience in art or with this medium is required.  A supply list will be emailed to you upon registration.

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.

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.  The rates are based on doubles.  There are limited singles.  If you need a single the earlier you let me know the better and 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:

THE MAGICAL MIDLANDS OF IRELAND –

• 4 nights in a luxury Bed and Breakfast in Ireland’s Lake district.  Here we will be able to relax and be pampered with food prepared and often raised by our gracious host.
• Beautiful home, grounds, and food locally sourced and prepared by our gourmet host.  Meals here are prepared by a former London gourmet chef and will include all breakfasts, 1 or 2 lunches, and 2 specially prepared dinners with wine.
• Relaxing here with sheep and peacocks and-freedom to roam the grounds enjoying views at the top of the hill or down at the pond.
• Touring Sacred sites (circles, burial cairns etc.)
• Painting visits to castles, gardens and tea rooms.
• Authentic Irish music in our own parlor

Next, we are off to Dingle Peninsula by private bus.  There are surprise visits along the way which I will share upon your registration!

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 $2650 in full  shared accommodations or 4 payments of $662.50   SINGLE in both locations:  SUPPLEMENT $500 – limited singles available – reserve quickly –  one payment of $3150 or 4 payments of $787.50   Partial single (single in second location only ~ One payment of $2,900 or 4 payments of $725   Small single off of a shared room– one payment of $2,500 or 4 payments of $625
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.

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

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 of sisters 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 what your heart and soul hold to be true. The workshop is for those with no experience as well as those who would like to improve existing skills. .  Melissa will supply information on materials upon  your registration.  I have some very basic fill in supplies here at the studio if you don’t want to fully invest at this point but you will need to bring your own. 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 nabbed quickly.  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 –  ($350 )  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.