You’re Invited to a 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 Western North Carolina’s “most charming small town.”

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: Perfect for artists who enjoy spending time in nature! Our days will include short, moderate hikes (1–2 miles) over forest trails to discover quiet sketching spots, as well as easy walks around town and to local eateries (0.5 to 1 mile). Steady mobility, comfort on uneven terrain, and ease navigating stairs at our historic inn will ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip.

Art Supplies: Charlotte will send a light, travel-friendly supply list (focused on sketchbooks, portable watercolors/drawing tools) closer to the retreat date so you can pack easily.

Price: $3,450 USD per person including a $500 USD deposit to reserve your spot. (See refund policy below.)

Want to learn more or pay over the phone? Book a call.

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

Charlotte Hamilton is an England-born, Canada-based artist.

She’s taught thousands of students online and in person, including at artist retreats in Mexico, Italy, France, and our first Black Mountain retreat (July ‘26).

A true artistic adventurer, Charlotte studied art in the UK and Spain before crossing the Atlantic to make Toronto her creative home.

Charlotte’s joyous celebration of color and pattern makes her the ideal guide as the mountains burst into peak autumn glory.

The Itinerary

Exact event order and locations subject to change

Day 1

• Check into The Red Rocker Inn

  • Charlotte and the Sktchy crew will 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.

Day 1 (CONTINUED)

• Meal: Private Welcome Dinner at Trillium Table (Included)

  • Toast to the start of our journey with an intimate, private, multi-course dinner. Enjoy refined farm-to-table dishes highlighting peak autumn flavors from local mountain farms, paired with warm Southern hospitality.

• Bonfire

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

Day 2

• Excursion: Java & Draw at Dripolator Coffeehouse (Optional for Early Risers)

  • Take a short walk to a beloved local café with Charlotte before breakfast. Warm your bones with fresh coffee, warm up your creative muscles sketching fellow early birds, and gain confidence drawing in public.

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

Day 2 (CONTINUED)

• Excursion: Private Guided Garden Tour at the North Carolina Arboretum

  • Stroll through formal gardens, serene stream pathways, and native plant heritage exhibits with Charlotte and an expert guide at the world-class North Carolina Arboretum. Note: On all excursions, we travel to our destination as a group via private transportation.

  • Keep your sketchbook open as you walk, capturing intricate floral quilts, Appalachian sculptures, and sweeping seasonal views along the way.

Day 2 (CONTINUED)

• Meal: Lunch at The Arbor Eatery

  • Take a midday pause at the Arboretum’s artisanal, on-site eatery with fresh, chef-crafted fare including handmade sandwiches, vibrant seasonal salads, and classic quiche.

  • Enjoy indoors or out on the scenic covered patio overlooking the grounds of the Arboretum’s expansive campus.

Day 2 (CONTINUED)

• Excursion (continued): Stroll & Sketch at the Arboretum

  • Walk off lunch amid peak fall foliage as Charlotte teaches her fun, loose "quick sketch" method on the go and helps you capture photos for future paintings.

Day 2 (CONTINUED)

• Excursion (continued): Plein-Air Painting along the Blue Ridge Parkway

  • We’ll take the ultimate scenic drive back along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping 5,500 feet up at Craggy Gardens for short trail walks and an elevated plein-air session surrounded by panoramic autumn views.

• Activity: Explore Downtown Black Mountain

  • Discover local galleries, shops, and cafés with Charlotte as your guide, or wander through town on your own.

• Meal: Dinner in Downtown Black Mountain

  • Keep the fun going over dinner with Charlotte and your fellow artists at one of Black Mountain’s standout downtown spots.

  • Savor great local flavor, talk art, and enjoy the town's rich restaurant scene after a full day of creative inspiration.

Day 3

• Excursion: Java & Draw at Dripolator Coffeehouse (Optional for Early Risers)

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

• Excursion: Morning Sketch Walk in Magical Montreat

  • Take a leisurely walk along Elizabeth’s Path, a scenic streamside trail tucked just outside Black Mountain in the neighboring Town of Montreat, ending at peaceful Lake Susan:

    • Quick Trail Sketches: Pause along a wooded creek for focused 10-minute exercises on light, shadow, and composition.

    • Better Reference Photos: Learn Charlotte’s approach to capturing high-quality photo references on the move.

    • Mindful Observation: Train your eye to notice subtle landscape details, preparing your canvas for painting at the lake.

Day 3 (CONTINUED)

• Excursion (continued): Plein-Air Painting Session at Lake Susan

  • Settle in by the water for an inspiring outdoor painting session tailored to your style:

    • Live Demonstration: Charlotte will show her favorite techniques for bold color-blocking and layering mixed media.

    • Open Sketchbook Time: Paint at your own pace, with Charlotte circulating to offer personalized support and tips.

    • Your Way of Working: Follow along with Charlotte’s method or practice your own go-to plein-air process—whatever feels most comfortable for you.

• Meal: Lunch in Downtown Black Mountain

  • Refuel after your morning art session with Charlotte and the group at a tasty downtown spot.

  • Compare notes on your Lake Susan sketches, dive into delicious local fare, and soak in the town's charming lunch scene.

• Activity: Explore Downtown Black Mountain

  • Enjoy a relaxed afternoon popping into craft boutiques, browsing local work, and gathering inspiration around town with Charlotte available to show you around or the freedom to explore on your own.

• Activity: Magic Hour Bonfire & Sketching

  • Head back to the Red Rocker Inn to refresh, unwind, and soak in golden hour by the fire. Bring your sketchbook for loose, casual guidance from Charlotte as you sketch, sip, and share stories with the group under the evening sky.

• Meal: Dinner in Downtown Black Mountain

Day 3 (CONTINUED)

• Activity: Live Music at an Iconic Venue

  • Cap off the day with an unforgettable evening of live jazz at White Horse Black Mountain, the town’s premiere music venue.

Day 4

• Excursion: Java & Draw at Dripolator Coffeehouse (Optional for Early Risers)

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

• Excursion: Experience Autumn Inspiration at the Birthplace of Modern Art

  • Led by Charlotte, we’ll head to historic Mountain Stream Lodge at Lake Eden, surrounded by the rich autumn colors of the Black Mountain valley.

  • Situated at the very heart of the legendary Black Mountain College campus—the mid-century epicenter of the American avant-garde—this lodge served as the gathering place for creative icons like Anni and Josef Albers, Willem de Kooning, Ruth Asawa, and Cy Twombly. Take in the crisp fall air as you draw inspiration from hallowed artistic ground.

Day 4 (continued)

By stepping into Mountain Stream Lodge, you’ll be wading into a historic, fearless current of artistic innovation and open-hearted community.

Day 4 (continued)

• Meal: Seasonal Harvest Table (Included)

  • A bountiful selection of handcrafted sandwiches, savory charcuterie, and regional cheeses served alongside a vibrant array of seasonal produce.

👆 Scenes from a life-drawing session at our July ‘26 Black Mountain arts retreat

Day 4 (continued)

• Excursion (continued): Life Drawing en Plein Air

  • Gather on the lodge’s tree-shaded back porch to sketch and paint professional model Emma Grace.

  • Working with a series of inspiring poses under a canopy of fall foliage, you’ll receive tailored, real-time guidance from Charlotte as you capture the light and form.

Day 4 (continued)

• Meal: Private Farewell Dinner at The Pure & Proper (Included)

  • A multi-course, chef-curated meal in the intimate wine cellar of a restored Black Mountain landmark, showcasing the region's celebrated cuisine.

Day 4 (continued)

• Farewell Evening in Town

  • Head into town with Charlotte for a final evening together to celebrate a week of creativity and connection.

Day 5

• Excursion: Java & Draw at Dripolator Coffeehouse (Optional for Early Risers)

• 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.

• Check out of The Red Rocker Inn

• Activity: Final Stroll & Shopping in Downtown Black Mountain (Optional for Later Travelers)

  • Leave your bags safely at the inn and join Charlotte for one last wander through town. Explore local galleries, pick up a few treasures, or simply savor the final quiet moments of the retreat together.

• Meal: Lunch in Downtown Black Mountain (Optional for Later Travelers)

  • If your travel schedule allows, join Charlotte and fellow guests for a relaxed farewell lunch in town. It’s a low-key opportunity to grab a bite, reflect on the week, and say your final goodbyes before heading home.

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 $500 USD deposit to secure your spot. (See refund policy below.)

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 refundable (minus transaction fees) within 72 hours.

• The Balance: Once you’ve paid in full, your balance payment of $2,950 USD is refundable (minus transaction fees) 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 designed for artists who love pairing creativity with time outdoors! Our scheduled outings include short, moderate hikes (1–2 miles) along mountain and forest trails to reach scenic painting spots, carrying light sketching supplies. We’ll also take leisurely strolls from the inn into downtown Black Mountain (about 0.5 to 1 mile), and our historic inn includes stairs. Steady mobility, comfort on uneven terrain, and a relaxed walking pace are essential to enjoying the week. If you have any mobility questions, please reach out to us before booking—we’re happy to help you figure out if this retreat is a great fit!

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.