Your retreat questions answered!

Please read our policies before applying to retreats.

What to Bring

We are so excited you’ll be joining us for our retreat!  In addition to any workshop materials required (which should be detailed in your welcome email) and the items you would normally bring on a trip, we recommend bringing a bathing suit, sunblock, and a beach towel if you are joining us during summer months. In the fall, you will definitely want a sweater or jacket. We will also provide bug spray–however, if you have a special spray you would like to bring for sensitive skin, etc., please do. 

Getting to The Smiley

If your application has been approved and you are joining us for a retreat, you will want to consider the best methods of getting here.  We are located in Springfield, Vermont.

By air and car:

Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT (just under 2 hour drive)

Logan International Airport in Boston, MA (just over 2 hour drive)

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, NH (just under 2 hour drive)

Burlington International Airport In Burlington, VT (just over 2 hour drive)

By train:

Amtrak’s Vermonter line comes up the east coast from Washington, DC through New York City. There are two stations near The Smiley Manse: Claremont, NH and Bellows Falls, VT. An Uber is typically less than $50 from either Amtrak station.

By bus:

The Dartmouth Coach leaves from Boston Logan Airport and Midtown, NYC. There are ZipCars, Avis, and Enterprise rental cars available at both stops.

What is the average day like at a retreat? 

While each retreat is designed by the leader, the courses will roughly follow this flow.

Are supplies included?

Some supplies are included, though you are welcome to bring anything that you would like to have. Sometimes people even bring supplies to share.

Are the retreats limited in size?

Each session is limited to 21 artists.

Are these retreats a pathway to representation?

Our retreats are meant to be a time to come together with your leader, your host, and other artists. A time to enjoy/improve your skills, learn from others, and share yourself and your work.  Since this is the sole focus of these retreats, they are not part of the process for finding or signing new artists. 

Are you going to be talking about Art Licensing?

Some conversation is inevitable, but the retreats are focused on art making and the leader’s guided process.

What are good places to stay in the area?

Here is a great list and we recommend also checking AirBnB for Springfield, VT. 

Will you review my portfolio?

We will not review portfolios at the retreat. If you are interested in that, you can book time with Jennifer here.

If I am accepted, when are payments due?

A 50% deposit is due 7 days from your acceptance date.

The balance is due 90 days prior to the event, we will send you a reminder.

Are payments refundable?

All payments are non-refundable. However, if you must cancel you can apply your fees toward a future retreat, if you cancel before 90 days prior to your retreat.

What if The Smiley Manse cancels my retreat?

In the extremely unlikely event that we have to cancel, a full refund will be sent.

Other policy questions?

Be sure to read our policies page too!