Sktchy Arts Retreat: Paint Peak Autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Join global artistic adventurer Charlotte Hamilton for 5 days of plein-air painting, trail hiking, and peak fall foliage in Black Mountain, NC.

Dates: Monday, October 19, 2026 - Friday, October 23, 2026
Location: Black Mountain, North Carolina (just outside of Asheville)
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Group Size: ~15 attendees
Activity Level: Active & Mobile. Designed for artists who enjoy pairing creativity with time on the trail! We will take short, moderate hikes (1–2 miles) on mountain paths and forest trails with uneven ground to reach beautiful plein-air painting spots. You should also be comfortable walking from the Inn to and around downtown Black Mountain (about 0.5 to 1 mile depending on your route). A comfortable, steady walking pace and good mobility are essential. The Inn is historic and has stairs.
Price: $3,450 USD per person including a non-refundable $500 USD deposit to reserve your spot.

Prefer to pay over the phone? Call (305) 776-0372.

About This Retreat

Experience an Autumn Artistic Sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Venture to Black Mountain, North Carolina—regularly named the South’s "most charming small town"—for an intimate, immersive retreat led by artist Charlotte Hamilton during peak fall foliage. Over five days, you’ll trade the digital world for the tactile joy of sketching, hiking, and dining amid brilliant mountain colors in one of America’s most scenic landscapes.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS, ART, AND MEMORIES

Join a community of like-minded creators at our historic mountain inn. Under Charlotte’s hands-on, one-on-one guidance, you’ll slow down to observe the vibrant autumn world around you, filling your sketchbook with the spirit of the Highlands. You’ll arrive as a solo traveler and leave as part of a tight-knit creative family.

CULTURE & NATURE, CURATED FOR YOU

From the grounds of a gorgeous lakeside lodge—steeped in rich avant-garde art history—to sweeping autumn vistas throughout the region, we’ll handle all group transportation for our scheduled outings. We’ll visit inspiring local spots and mountain trails, giving you ample time to sketch the "hidden gems" of the Appalachians without ever feeling rushed.

EXQUISITE PRIVATE DINING & SCENIC MEALS

Savor the authentic autumn flavors of the mountains with chef-curated lunches and exclusive private dinners. Whether we’re enjoying a cozy catered picnic on a scenic trail hike or gathering for an intimate multi-course meal at a celebrated local culinary landmark, every meal is designed to be as visually inspiring as it is delicious.

Meet Your Host

An England-born, Canada-based artist, Charlotte Hamilton has taught thousands of students online and in person, including at artist retreats in Mexico, Italy, and France.

A true artistic adventurer, Charlotte studied art in the UK and Spain before crossing the Atlantic to make Toronto her creative home. Her art is a celebration of color, pattern, and, most of all, people, making her the perfect guide for this artsy mountain retreat.

The Itinerary

Exact event order and locations subject to change

Day 1

• Check-in at The Red Rocker Inn

  • Charlotte and the Sktchy crew will be waiting to welcome you to our historic home base.

• Welcome Portrait Party

  • Break the ice with a spirited speed-drawing session and a portrait workshop led by Charlotte. We’ll kick off our stay by creating an evolving exhibition of our work on the Inn’s gallery wall.

• Meal: Artisanal Pizza Party

  • Enjoy a spread of Florentine-style pizzas, fresh salads, and desserts—the perfect fuel for the creative journey ahead. (Included; full details TBA)

• Bonfire

  • Raise a glass and roast a marshmallow as we gather around the fire to get to know our fellow retreaters.

Day 2

• Meal: Breakfast at The Red Rocker Inn (Included)

• Excursion: Explore Appalachian Craft at the Folk Art Center

  • We’ll travel via private transport to the Blue Ridge Parkway to explore the oldest craft shop in America. Enjoy a guided tour of international craft and furniture, and observe local artisans during live demonstrations. Note: On all excursions, we travel as a group via private van with front-door drop-off. No long treks required.

• Workshop: Capture the Folk-us of the Parkway

  • Set along the scenic Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Charlotte will lead a plein-air session drawing inspiration from the Folk Art Center’s collection and the surrounding natural beauty.

• Meal: Catered Lunch Al Fresco

  • A seasonal lunch served on the Folk Art Center’s historic grounds before we head back to the Inn. (Included; full details TBA)

• Free Time

  • Explore downtown Black Mountain, visit a local gallery, or enjoy some R&R at the Inn.

Day 2 (CONTINUED)

• Meal: Private Dinner at a Black Mountain Landmark

  • A multi-course, chef-curated meal in the intimate wine cellar of a restored Black Mountain landmark, showcasing the region's celebrated cuisine. (Included; full details TBA)

Day 3

• Meal: Breakfast at The Red Rocker Inn (Included)

• Workshop: Decode the Architecture of the Human Form

  • Certified medical illustrator Tiffany S. DaVanzo joins us in-person to share invaluable techniques for drawing the human figure with anatomical accuracy. (Yes, you’ll even meet her skeleton Henry.)

• Session: Life Drawing with Tiffany S. DaVanzo

  • Put theory into practice by drawing a live model with Tiffany’s one-on-one, real-time guidance.

• Free Time

  • Enjoy lunch and exploration on your own in town. (Meal not included)

Day 3 (continued)

• Excursion: Loosen-Up Lakeside Paint Party

  • After a morning of anatomical accuracy, we’ll head to a picturesque lake for a serene celebration of color and natural beauty led by Charlotte.

• Night Out in Black Mountain

  • Charlotte will lead the group into town to grab dinner and enjoy the local live entertainment. (Meal not included)

Day 4

• Meal: Breakfast at The Red Rocker Inn (Included)

• Excursion: Find Artistic Flow at Mountain Stream Lodge

  • Led by Charlotte, we’ll retreat to historic Mountain Stream Lodge at Lake Eden, nestled in the breathtaking valley of Black Mountain, North Carolina.

  • Situated at the very heart of the legendary Black Mountain College campus, the mid-century epicenter of the American avant-garde art movement, this very lodge served as the creative and administrative nucleus where icons like Josef Albers, Willem de Kooning, Ruth Asawa, Cy Twombly, and Anni Albers gathered to reshape the modern art world.

By stepping into Mountain Stream Lodge, you’ll be wading into a historic, fearless current of artistic innovation and open-hearted community – true hallowed ground for the creative soul.

Day 4 (continued)

• Meal: Seasonal Harvest Table

  • A bountiful selection of handcrafted sandwiches, savory charcuterie, and regional cheeses served alongside a vibrant array of seasonal produce. (Included; full details TBA)

• Excursion (continued): Creative Bloom at the Lodge

  • Continue your work with Charlotte or find a serene spot to fill your sketchbook independently as "magic hour" approaches.

• Farewell Evening in Town

  • We’ll head into town for our final evening together to celebrate a week of creativity and connection. (Meal not included)

Day 5

• Meal: Breakfast at The Red Rocker Inn (Included)

• Farewell Portrait Party & Art Exchange

  • Charlotte leads a final workshop where we’ll create and exchange portraits of one another—a lasting memento of our time together—before bringing our group exhibition to a close.

Your Mountain Home

Newly renovated to preserve its classic beauty, the Red Rocker Inn is an award-winning, historic Victorian bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Black Mountain, North Carolina, just 15 minutes outside of Asheville.

Whether you’re enjoying stunning mountain scenery from a front porch rocker, creating art in the warmly lit sun room, or star-gazing around the fire pit, you’re going to create life-long memories with your fellow artistic travelers at the Red Rocker Inn.

During the retreat, you’ll stay in a beautifully appointed private room (no forced sharing!) and enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning.

You will also get to showcase the art you make throughout the retreat in a temporary exhibition in the inn’s historic common area.

Your New Favorite Town

Named North Carolina’s “most charming small town” by AFAR magazine, Black Mountain is the ideal location for an inspiring arts retreat.

Dating back to the highly influential Black Mountain College, it combines a rich, avant-garde arts history with walkable, small-town charm, contemporary culture and cuisine, and easy access to stunning nature activities.

Retreat Pricing: $3,450 per person

The price of $3,450 USD includes a non-refundable $500 USD deposit to secure your spot.

Once you’ve paid the $500 deposit, you have until September 4, 2026, to pay the balance of $2,950 USD.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We know that plans can change. To keep things fair for our small group and our local partners, we’ve outlined a clear roadmap for cancellations:

• The Deposit: Your $500 USD deposit to secure your spot is non-refundable.

• The Balance: Once you’ve paid in full, your balance payment ($2,950 USD) is 100% refundable if cancelled on or before September 4, 2026.

• After September 4: All payments made are non-refundable. At this stage, we have committed funds to our venue, instructors, and caterers.

• Transfers: If you cannot attend after the refund deadline, you may transfer your registration to an alternate attendee at no extra cost (must be finalized by September 18, 2026).

• Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance with "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage. We are not responsible for attendee travel expenses (such as airfare) in the event of a cancellation.

• Cancellation by Organizer: We reserve the right to cancel the retreat if the minimum number of participants is not met by September 4, 2026. In this event, 100% of your payments (including the deposit) will be refunded. We are not responsible for any participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip, including non-refundable airline tickets or travel insurance premiums.

FAQ

I’m traveling alone—will I fit in?

Absolutely. Most of our guests arrive solo! This retreat is specifically designed to foster a warm, inclusive community from the moment you arrive. Between our communal meals and shared creative sessions, you’ll find it easy to make new friends and feel right at home.

How much walking/physical activity is involved?

This retreat is active and mobile! We will take short, moderate hikes (1–2 miles) on mountain paths, forest trails, and uneven ground while carrying lightweight art supplies. You should also be comfortable walking from the Inn to and around downtown Black Mountain (about 0.5 to 1 mile depending on your route), and navigating stairs at our historic inn. If you have specific mobility concerns, please reach out to us before booking so we can determine if this retreat is a good fit for you.

Are art supplies included?

You are responsible for bringing your own art supplies. We will send out a "Charlotte-approved" recommended supply list well in advance so you have everything you need to create with confidence.

Is my flight included in the trip cost?

No, you are responsible for your own travel to and from the retreat. We recommend booking your flight(s) early to secure the best rates and arriving by 2:00 PM on Monday, October 19, to join us for our welcome orientation.

Can I pay over the phone instead of online?

Yes. If you prefer to pay over the phone, call (305) 776-0372.

What is the nearest airport?

We recommend flying into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is just a 25-minute drive from our home base in Black Mountain.

Do I get my own room, or do I have to share?

Every guest enjoys the comfort and privacy of their own individual room. At this retreat, there is no "forced sharing"—your space is entirely your own.

The Red Rocker Inn is a historic property, which means every room has its own unique character and layout. All rooms feature a queen or king bed, a private en-suite bathroom, newly refinished hardwood floors, AC, free Wi-Fi, and locally crafted luxury bath amenities.

Some rooms also include fireplaces, soaking tubs, and/or extra-large showers. These premium features are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to book early to claim your preferred room.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

In most cases, yes! We work closely with our catering partners to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests, as well as those with common allergies (like nuts or shellfish).

Because we dine at historic inns and local boutique restaurants, we cannot always guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment, but we do our absolute best to ensure every meal is both safe and satisfying.

Have a specific concern or a severe allergy? We want you to feel completely comfortable. Please reach out to us at support@sktchy.com before booking so we can chat about your specific needs and ensure we can look after you properly.

Further questions?

Email support@sktchy.com or call (305) 776-0372.