“Expect the unexpected. A lot of magic happens here.” — Erica Hart, New Year Retreat, Florida, 2017
Awaken the Muse!
A soulful intuitive-art experience to reconnect with your creative spirit.
A 2½-Day Intentional Creativity Workshop
May 8-10, 2026, Downtown Asheville, NC
Whether you’ve never considered yourself an artist—or you once did, but the spark has gone quiet—Awaken the Muse offers a fresh, playful way back to your creative self.
This is not about technique, pressure, or performance. It’s about letting go of rules, quieting the inner critic, and discovering that creativity is already alive within you—waiting to be reawakened. Through guided meditation, intuitive prompts, and expressive painting, you’ll step gently into a flow where inspiration rises naturally from within.
How Alchemy Happens
At the heart of this experience is Body Prismatic™—a unique, body-based creative process, created in unison with three certified Process Painting Facilitators. We will trace forms onto life-size paper and turn them into a vivid reflection of your inner landscape. With access to all the paint, pens, pastels, and found materials your heart desires—and a judgment-free space to explore—you’ll tap into a creative flow that’s raw, real, and entirely your own.
Whether you're reconnecting with long-lost inspiration or exploring for the first time, this space meets you exactly where you are. Many participants come in feeling blocked, burnt out, or unsure—and leave lit up, open, and surprised by what’s come through.
These transformative sessions include:
Large, body-length paper for tracing and full-body expression
All the colors, paints, tools, and creative materials you could want
Encouraging, non-judgmental creativity coaching
A safe space designed to quiet the noise and awaken your voice
If your muse has gone quiet… it’s time to call her back.
For Everyone
** No experience required. No critiques. Just the invitation to listen, move, and create from the inside out.
Reserve your place and reconnect with the limitless source of creativity within you.
Read amazing reviews.
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.
Program Itinerary
1st Evening:
Arrival & Welcome
Opening Circle
Creativity Coaching
Dinner (optional group reservations)
2nd Day:
Teas & nibbles
Meditation & Journaling
Intuitive Art Initiation
Lunch Break (restaurants nearby)
Intuitive Art-making
Meditation & Personal Inquiry
Dinner (optional group reservations)
3rd Day:
Teas & nibbles
Check in
Movement & Intuitive Art-making
Lunch Break (restaurants nearby)
Processing & Group embodiment
Circle & Check in
Retreat Closing
Small group experience—12th year running! These events tend to sell out.
Workshop Tuition Fee: $795
NOTE: Prices increase 10% on March 1, 2026. 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.
+ 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 60 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 two months before the retreat start date.
If you cancel within two months 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 teas are provided both weekend days. Group can choose convene for dinner together in Asheville on Friday and/or Saturday night.
Email us for additional questions.
“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