Roben Marie Smith 2025

      Glastonbury, CT, USA

      AR
      Artists Rising
      • Email address verified
      11 reviews
      Oct 19 - 24, 2025
      Group size: 4 - 14
      Roben Marie Smith 2025
      Glastonbury, CT, USA

      Artists Rising
      • Email address verified
      11 reviews

      Oct 19 - 24, 2025
      Group size: 4 - 14

      About this trip

      Paper and Book Artistry


      Open to students of all artistic levels, Paper and Book Artistry is for those who are ready to ditch perfection, get messy, and play with no rules. Roben-Marie’s teaching style is friendly and easy going with a focus on having fun and playing with supplies in non-traditional ways. Join Roben-Marie in a lovely historic inn located in The Connecticut River Valley for an inspiring and joyful workshop designed to help you with creative play, building up a stash of amazing art papers, and exploring the mixing of different mediums and journal making. Paper and Book Artistry is more than creative time…it’s time brimming with togetherness and friendship.


      WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN AND EXPLORE:

      During our live, in-person workshop, students will have the opportunity to learn and explore a wide range of creative techniques and concepts.


      MARK MAKING & PAINTING
      In this workshop we’ll explore mark making tools and techniques with a focus on neutrals, black and white palettes as well as Roben-Marie’s favorite papers.


      PAINT AND PASS PRACTICE
      The popular "paint and pass" practice will be an exciting part of the workshop, allowing students to create collaborative papers with their fellow classmates.


      PAINTED ARTIST PAPERS
      Dive into the world of colorful mixed media artist papers. Our Connecticut River Valley is your playground to explore various mediums and techniques, resulting in a treasure trove of exquisite artist papers, perfectly suited for your art journals.


      COLLAGE TECHNIQUES
      Roben-Marie will share her favorite paper collage ideas. Experiment with different mediums to add depth and vibrancy to your paper creations.


      TEXTILES AND SLOW STITCHING
      Participants will learn the art of slow stitching and Roben-Marie’s easy methods for seamlessly blending fabric and thread and into mixed media journals. The incorporation of fabric and slow stitching will bring a distinct and personal touch to your artistic creations.


      BOOKBINDING AND HANDMADE JOURNALS
      The workshop goes beyond papers, teaching students the art of creating handmade journals and simple bookbinding techniques.


      CREATIVE EXPRESSION
      Throughout the workshop, students will be encouraged to play, slow down and embrace imperfection.


      USE OF VARIOUS MEDIUMS
      The workshop will introduce students to a wide range of art mediums, including acrylic paints, pastels, watercolors, pencils, crayons, inks, fabric, threads and more.


      A CREATIVE COMMUNITY
      Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, our cozy and inspiring art retreat is open to all creative souls. This workshop is designed to provide a nurturing space where inspiration thrives, and friendships flourish.

      About Roben Marie Smith

      I'm a mixed media artist, instructor, and mentor. As an artist, blogger, and woman of faith, my mission is to serve others, helping them to think big, create courageously, and express themselves through art and craft. I believe anyone can cultivate their creativity and I enjoy helping others discover all that they’re capable of! I've been a working artist since 2004, am self-taught, and believe that anyone can cultivate their creative spark. I've taught mixed media art workshops and retreats across the U.S. and internationally and my work has been featured in countless books and industry magazines I'm also the creator and host of The Roben’s Nest creative community. In my spare time I love to read, bake all the things, sleep in, and travel. I live in Florida with my husband of 34 years and together we work with the youths in our church. I also have a heart for mission work, having served in Panama, El Salvador, Romania, and Honduras. Blessings, Roben-Marie 

      Social & Website Links

      What’s included

      • Workshop Tuition
      • Guest Rooms
        Guest room amenities include Towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hair dryers, in room coffeemaker, mini fridge, tv, internet, lap desks, yoga mats
      • Welcome Reception
        Light appetizers and refreshments
      • Snacks and Most Meals
        Includes 2 nights of dinner (welcome and farewell), lunch and breakfast, daily snack breaks, unlimited coffee, tea & seltzer
      • Art Supplies
        If art supplies are included in the price of the retreat, it will show in the description.

      What’s not included

      • Transportation
        Taxis and rental cars available at airport. We may be able to pick you up at the airport or train station with prior arrangements.
      • Optional Excusions
        See below for fun and inspiring add-on excursions
      • Art Supplies
        Your instructor will reach out with details on needed materials and supplies. You can have your supplies shipped directly to us if you do not want to travel with them.
      • Travel Insurance
        Although we do not require trip insurance, we VERY HIGHLY recommend it. Here is a link for purchasing Trip Insurance where you can compare rates and coverage. https://www.travelinsurance.com/

      Available Packages

      Double Room / Shared En-Suite Bath
      Available until September 19, 2025Sold Out

      Price is per person. Double Occupancy. You each have your own bed and your own closet for personal items And your own bathrobe. You share an en-suite bathroom


      We assign all students  to rooms based on giving everyone a great space. All double occupancy rooms are in the main property


      This fee DOES NOT INCLUDE State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.  


      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee                    $1950

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%          $215   This tax will be added onto your final payment invoice 

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $2165


      If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

      $1,950
      Deposit: $450
      Single Room with Shared Bath
      Sold Out

      A room all to myself but with a shared bathroom 


      This fee DOES NOT INCLUDE State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 


      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee              $2295

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $253   This tax will be added onto your final payment invoice

      TOTAL Retreat Fee  with tax           $2548


      If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

      $2,295
      Deposit: $450
      Single Room with Private Bath
      Sold Out

      A room all to myself  with my own private en-suite bathroom and balcony in the Main House


      This fee DOES NOT INCLUDE State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.  


      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee              $2650

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $292   This tax will be added onto your final payment invoice 

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                               $2942


      If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

      $2,650
      Deposit: $450
      Day Student
      only 3 left

      For participants who don't need overnight lodging. Price is per person and includes lunch only. Doesn't include 24/7 after hours studio use after end of workshop.


      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee                     $975

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 6.45         $63   

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                                          $1038


      There are no prepay discounts for the Day Student rate

      $1,038
      Deposit: $450
      Double Room (Non-Artist)
      only 2 left

      Do you have a loved one who you want to join you but WILL NOT be taking any classes? Use this add-on. This fee includes everything that the full rate includes EXCEPT for the classroom time.


      This fee DOES NOT INCLUDE State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.


      Here is the breakdown:

      Extra Guest                                           $1200

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%         $132   This tax will be added onto your final payment invoice 

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $1332


      There are no pre-pay discounts for this choice

      $1,200
      Deposit: $450

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Arrival

      5pm Welcome Reception - meet your fellow students reception with appetizers and refreshments.


      Room check ins begin at 3pm

      Your Organizer


      AR
      Artists Rising
      11 reviews
      I've always loved art I've always liked to create I've always liked the hosptality industry I've always loved the water I've always liked to transform spaces I've always loved gardens and gardening I am a die-hard New Englander So we bought a beautiful historic property in the center of a very historic town, Glastonbury with direct river access... Spent years rennovating... Transformed this tired property into a showpiece of Art, design and gardens... Made a home and business reflecting my design style... Have been operatin

      Reviews

      JM
      I feel so grateful to attend this beautiful Art retreat with Joan Fullerton! She is an amazing teacher, so inspiring, so liberating. I have learned so much and met really wonderful people. The Inn is a lovely, cozy and comfortable place and the meals were all fabulous! Excellent experience all around. Thank you!
      By Janna M for Joan Fullerton 2024 on Apr 29, 2024
      It was a fantastic workshop. The setting was beautiful and the studio was great. It was a lovely group of people to share the experience with. The innkeeper was accommodating and hospitable. I would love to do it all over again next year!
      By Ann O for Joan Fullerton 2024 on Apr 28, 2024
      We had a wonderful experience at this painting workshop. Joan Fullerton is such a talented artist but also an incredible teacher. I recommend her classes highly. The grounds and rooms are beautiful and the meals cooked were truly excellent and delicious. Very fresh and beautifully prepared and presented meals
      By Bonnie C for Joan Fullerton 2024 on Apr 25, 2024
      SS
      Excellent experience! Joan Fullerton’s workshop was dynamic and she is a sensitive loving person to be with. The food was delicious, the facilities luxurious and comfortable. The staff and owners very courteous and efficient. Beyond any expectation in every detail. Thank you so much! I would do it again.
      By Sonia S for Joan Fullerton 2024 on Apr 22, 2024
      A great time. Kristy is such a gentle teacher and guiding light. She knows so many tricks and techniques! The Inn was wonderful -- food, ambience, location, owner! And we were blessed with perfect fall weather. A wonderful workshop and week!
      By Nancy G for Kristy Kutch - Colored Pencil: Vivid and Versatile on Oct 21, 2023
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