Courses, workshops, and travel programs designed for ages 18 and up.
Our schedule is updated often. Please check back to see what’s new!
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Sip ‘n Sketch
with Matt Dorado
Thursday, August 20; 6:30–8:30pm
The Bower, 248 Cabot Street
Fee: $32 (everything is included: supplies and adult beverages)
Give your week a creative reset! Join our community for a casual, relaxing evening of sketching set to a warm, jazz and coffeehouse soundtrack. Hosted in our beautiful studio space—conveniently located right downtown—this event blends the cozy atmosphere of a local cafe with high-quality, friendly art instruction.
You’ll explore the fundamentals of drawing, working with graphite, charcoal, and paper. Our professional instructor, Matt Dorado, will be on hand to guide you offering tips on shading, perspective, and finding your line. Whether you haven’t drawn since grade school or sketch every day, this evening is all about enjoying the process, not worrying about perfection.
Registration Includes:
- 2 hours of studio time and guided sketching instruction
- All drawing supplies (sketchpads, charcoal, pencils, and erasers)
- Complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soda, and water)
Come for the art, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a sketchpad full of your own unique creations!
Note: Participants must be 21+ to consume alcoholic beverages. Space is limited, so early registration is highly recommended!
Appalachian Cultural Immersion Retreat
- Dates: October 1–5, 2026
- Basecamp: Blowing Rock, NC
- Cost: $1999
- Contact: Erin Healey at [email protected]
Join us for an exclusive, curated journey through the High Country and historic mountain valleys. Designed for art lovers, writers, and cultural and natural explorers, this small-group retreat connects you directly with iconic craft institutions, living music sanctuaries, world-class theater, and elevated regional cuisine.
Highlights
Featured Destinations & Experiences
- International Storytelling Festival: Immerse yourself in the magic of world-renowned oral historians and storytellers in historic Jonesborough, TN.
- Barter Theatre: Attend a professional stage production of Kings Mountain—a story commissioned for America’s 250th celebration—at Virginia’s historic state theater.
- Penland School of Craft: Explore the contemporary galleries and studio spaces of this world-famous mountain craft institution tucked into the Toe River Valley.
- The Carter Family Fold: Experience an authentic, old-time acoustic performance at the legendary music sanctuary preserved by Johnny Cash and the Carter family.
- Culinary & Scenic High Country: Enjoy modern Appalachian fine dining at spots like The Gamekeeper, The Speckled Trout and Over Yonder, combined with breathtaking mountain views and time to explore Blowing Rock.
Field Journaling & Creative Reflection
To complement our site visits, the program includes light, informal Field Journaling & Creative Reflection sessions.
Through optional daily prompts, participants will explore travel writing, capture sensory observations of the landscape, and reflect on the oral traditions and music history encountered along the way. (Designed for all levels—no prior writing experience needed!)
Flexible Travel Style & Program Notes
- Turnkey Small Group: Includes shared ground transportation, lodging at the Meadowbrook Inn, and curated programming.
- Balanced Pace:
- Built-in downtime allows you to explore local shops, stroll scenic carriage trails, or relax at your own pace.
- Full Itinerary Access: A complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary and trip packet will be sent to participants upon confirmation of registration.
Note on Itinerary: To protect the exclusive nature of our programming and ensure group privacy, a comprehensive, day-by-day itinerary—including precise schedule times, site addresses, and pre-departure preparation materials—will be provided directly to registered participants upon confirmation of deposit/payment.
