“Expect the unexpected. A lot of magic happens here.” — Erica Hart, New Year Retreat, Florida, 2017
New Year, New You!
Release the Past and Embody the Future
A 2½-Day Intentional Creativity Workshop
Jan 9-11, 2026, Downtown Asheville, NC
This isn’t just an art workshop. It’s a creative and emotional reset designed to help you start the new year with clarity, courage, and alignment.
Over the course of 2½ powerful days, we use intentional creativity to examine what’s been weighing us down—and to free what’s ready to rise.
How Alchemy Happens
We begin by turning inward. Through guided journaling and inquiry, you’ll name the limiting beliefs, traps, habits, and internalized pressure that have quietly shaped your past year. The things you’ve tolerated. The weight you’ve carried.
Then, you’ll paint your way into that truth.
You’ll create a full-body expression of the year you’re ready to leave behind.
And then—you’ll destroy it.
Not in anger, but in liberation. In devotion to your next becoming.
From that cleared space, something extraordinary happens.
You begin to dream again.
We’ll then invite your unconscious desires forward—the hopes, longings, and vision that may have been buried beneath duty, fear, or survival. From this intuitive clarity, you’ll paint again—not what you should want, but what your soul is truly calling in.
This second painting becomes your embodied vision board—not a collage of pretty pictures and goals, but a powerful, energetic map of your internal and external desires. One that your nervous system can recognize and move toward. One your whole being can stand behind.
You’re here to remember what you truly want—and to make space for it, from the inside out.
About the Art
Working with oversized paper, vibrant paints, charcoal, pastels, we apply the Intuition Painting® guidelines, prompts, and creativity coaching to encourage spontaneous creative expression.
** You won’t need any art skills for this process to work fully. Just a willingness to get honest, be bold, and stay curious. **
Read amazing reviews.
Listen to incredible Client Stories.
More About Intuition Painting
In this transformative event we harness the power of Intuition Painting®, a unique creative process that helps you explore and release old energy and thought patterns that have been holding you back. As you reconnect with your natural state of fearlessness, hope, and lightness, you’ll rediscover the vibrant, energized self that has always been within you.
Days are filled with laughter, heartfelt connections, and a playful spirit, all in a warm and supportive environment designed to help you on your journey.
Learn more about Intuition Painting®
Paint it Forward:
For every person who joins a Life is an Art retreat, we offer a free online Intuition Painting® course from our pool of scholarship applicants. Learn More.
“Words like ‘awesome’ and ‘incredible’ just don’t cut it. My heart, my soul — my entire me — was moved beyond all that I could imagine. Truly the most heartfelt emotions stirred inside me.”
— Maryanne, Joshua Tree 2018
Program Itinerary
1st Evening:
Arrival & Welcome
Opening Circle
Creativity Coaching
2nd Day:
Teas & nibbles
Meditation & Journaling
Release Charcoal & Painting
Lunch Break
Release Process
Meditation & Personal Inquiry
Dinner (optional group reservations)
3rd Day Morning:
Teas & nibbles
Check in
New Year Dream Painting
Lunch Break
New Year Dream Painting (cont.)
Group embodiment
Circle & Check in
Retreat Closing
Small group experience—8th year running! These events tend to sell out.
Workshop Tuition Fee: $755
NOTE: NOTE: Prices increase 10% 15 days before retreat start. The deposit to reserve is $350.
You will be led by Montine Blank, a Master Intuition Painting® facilitator.
Workshop includes:
2 1/2 Days of Intentional Creativity.
Lunches served on site.
Intuitive art coaching.
Introspection inquiry and flow writing.
Guided meditations.
Complimentary water, herbal infused teas, edibles, and snacks.
All art supplies.
Payment Policy:
Once your deposit is paid, the remainder is billed separately.
Full payment due 30 days prior to retreat start.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel, you’ll receive full credit towards future Life is an Art event(s) as long as you cancel at least one month before the retreat start date.
If you cancel within one month of the retreat, your deposit is non-refundable, but any additional fees you’ve paid will be credited toward a future events.
About the Location:
Located in downtown Asheville, our private space is on the top floor of the grand old Masonic Temple, offering a unique space and lovely views.
Accommodations
Lodging is not included in this event. Participants may book at any of the wonderful surrounding hotels or airbnbs in the area.
Meals
Beverages, Snacks, Nibbles, and Lunches are provided both weekend days. Group can choose convene for dinner together in Asheville on Saturday night.
Email us for additional questions.