Monhegan Island Art Retreat ~ July 19-23, 2026
A 4 night, 5-day creative escape to Maine’s most iconic artist island
Two different dates are available:
- Almost SOLD OUT- July 10-14, 2026
- LIMITED ROOMS - July 19-23, 2026 (This is the page to book this date)
A supportive, joy-filled creative getaway—just for you.
Join artist and educator Kristin F. Simmons on magical Monhegan Island for a deeply personal and encouraging art experience. These workshops are designed to meet you where you are, helping you tap into your creative strengths and explore watercolor, sketching, and visual journaling in a way that feels joyful and inspiring.
Kristin offers kind, clear guidance and celebrates what you do well—helping you build confidence and deepen your creative voice. Each day includes engaging demos, hands-on practice, and plenty of time to soak in the island’s light, color, and peaceful rhythms.
Monhegan’s wild beauty, combined with Kristin’s warm and encouraging teaching style, creates the perfect setting to reconnect with your art and yourself. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned painter, you’ll leave feeling energized, uplifted, and more in love with the creative process.
The Retreat:
Step into the timeless beauty of Monhegan Island—where wild cliffs, sun-washed cottages, and sea breezes have inspired artists for generations. This intimate retreat offers you the chance to immerse yourself in art, nature, and island life in a way that restores your spirit and ignites your creativity.
Package Pricing:
- Private Queen Room ~ $2,190.00pp
- Private Single Room ~ 2,008.00pp
- Double or Triple Shared Room ~$1,358.00pp
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What’s Included in the Package Price:
- 4 nights at the historic Monhegan House, an island inn known for its charm, helpful staff, great food, and comfortable simplicity. Single, Double, or Queen Rooms Available. The Monhegan House features extremely clean, shared baths with multiple private stalls, well maintained showers, linens, and towels.
- Round-the-clock self-serve coffee, hot tea, lemon water, and iced tea.
- Daily 3-course gourmet breakfast to fuel your creativity with nourishing, delicious fare.
- A warm welcome, gourmet, family-style dinner at the Monhegan House to connect with fellow artists.
- Daily art demonstrations and hands-on lessons with expert guidance and support
- A supportive environment where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills at your own pace.
- An optional afternoon walk to the Monhegan Brewery (with tastings!)
- An exclusive plein-air painting session in a local artist’s private garden.
- A scenic afternoon boat tour around the island aboard the Balmy Days II—Capture the island from a whole new perspective
- Tickets to the Monhegan Museum of Art & History, home to works by Rockwell Kent, the Wyeths, and more.
- Access to one-on-one support from Kristin to help you hone your specific skills at an "open studio" afternoon walk-in session.
- Complimentary Dessert & Evening Tea Party at Nite Nite Fatty’s - The Island’s beloved nighttime cake + pie, from-scratch porch bakery.
- "Good Bye" Pizza Party featuring locally made, from scratch, sourdough pizzas and charcuterie appetizer platters.
- Free time each day to explore the island’s many delights—wander trails, swim in the cove, enjoy fresh local food, visit artist's studios and homes, or simply breathe in the quiet magic of island life.
What’s Not Included:
To help you plan and budget, please note that the following items are not included in the retreat package:
- Taxes, gratuities, and tips for hotel staff, and ferry porters.
- Alcoholic beverages – we suggest bringing your own ~ BYOB is welcome on the island!
- Three lunches and two dinners (ample time is provided to enjoy local island restaurants)
- Personal art supplies – a comprehensive supply list will be provided in advance.
- Round-trip ferry transportation aboard Monhegan Boat Line, Balmy Days II, or Hardy Boat Cruises, and parking at the ferry departure point. Kristin will help you determine which port of departure best suits your travel needs.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Payment in full is required to secure you spot.
- Spaces are extremely limited.
- Leave a note at check out if you prefer a private single room or shared double room. Queen rooms are sold out.
- Reach out to inquire about class-only pricing if you have your own accommodations on the island.
Make Art. Find Stillness. Be Inspired.
Limited spots available. This retreat is designed for artists of all levels who seek connection, growth, and the unique beauty of Monhegan Island.
Reserve your place today.
Art Trip Cancellation & Refund Policy
Kristin F. Simmons LLC
Administrative Fee A non-refundable $250 administrative fee applies to all bookings and will be retained in all circumstances, including cancellations and transfers.
Cancellations Made 60+ Days Before Departure Participants who cancel 60 or more days prior to the trip departure date will receive a full refund, minus the $250 administrative fee.
Cancellations Made 31–59 Days Before Departure Participants who cancel between 31 and 59 days prior to departure will receive a refund of their room fee only. Activity charges and the $250 administrative fee are non-refundable.
Cancellations Made 30 Days or Less Before Departure No refund will be issued for cancellations made within 30 days of the departure date. All fees, including room and activity charges, are forfeited.
Trip Transfers Participants who are unable to attend may transfer their spot to another person at no additional charge, provided written notice is given before the departure date. The $250 administrative fee is non-transferable and remains the responsibility of the original registrant. Please notify us as soon as possible so we can update the booking details.
How to Cancel or Transfer All cancellations and transfer requests must be submitted in writing to kristin@kristinsimmons.com. The cancellation date will be determined by the date the written notice is received.
Monhegan is a beautiful, historic, and rustic place to stay. There is NO A/C on the island and while there is WiFi, it is extremely limited. There are no paved roads, nor cars except for the trucks that help move luggage, lobster traps, and deliveries around the island. Bring good walking shoes and a spirit of adventure.
***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO STAY OFF SITE:
Please contact Kristin for pricing for the workshop and amenities, minus the lodging. Some of our guests like to stay in private rentals or guest houses on the island. You are welcome to reach out to kristin.f.simmons@gmail.com for pricing.
***Photos of rooms are representative of typical hotel rooms at the Monhegan House and may not be of your specific room at the time of booking.
Kristin F. Simmons LLC is fully licensed and insured.
Photos by Amy Welch-Olson of Capshore Photography and Kristin F. Simmons
