Workshop & Retreat Guide: Which One is Best for You?
This is an extended version of an article I wrote in 2019 when I was new to organizing my own workshops and retreats. Now that I’m a seasoned organizer, going into the 6th year of our incredibly successful Vermont Encaustic Retreats, I’ve added to this article considerably.
I’ve also added another category to the list below, Virtual Workshops. When I first wrote this article, only a few were teaching online and I was not one of them! In fact, I fought teaching online until the bitter end as I much more enjoyed feeling the creative energy buzzing through the in-person classroom. Although teaching virtually is very different than in-person, I found my way with it and now enjoy it very much. It has opened a whole new group of people to my work and teaching, so it also needs defining as a category.
Please enjoy the read, I hope it helps you decide what creative learning experience is best for you. No matter what you decide, I hope to see you in one of my classes soon!
I hadn’t really given the question in the title of this post much thought until it was posed to me during my interview with Alyson Stanfield for her wonderfully informative Art Biz Podcast. I always saw the two descriptives, workshop and retreat as interchangeable, but over the years I have noticed an increase in the use of the word retreat. Since I started to organize my own workshops and retreats, it became more apparent to define the difference for myself and prospective participants. I'd like to add a bit of a disclaimer that the following guide is based on my own experience, these are the guidelines I personally use when promoting and organizing my classes.
Artist Workshop (In-Person)
A gathering of like-minded individuals for the purpose of learning, completing a project, exchanging ideas and/or discussion.
Although some may travel a distance to participate, many may be also be local to the workshop venue.
Accommodations and meals may be, but are not always included as part of the workshop.
Structured learning experience with a defined curriculum or focus.
Typically short in duration (1–5 days, sometimes a week).
Led by 1-2 instructors with demonstrations, lectures, and guided exercises.
Emphasis on skill-building and technique.
Takes place in a studio, school, or dedicated art space.
Group setting with scheduled hours and a clear daily agenda.
Limited personal downtime; fairly intensive pace.
Materials are often provided or specified in advance.
Sometimes offered multiple times a year.
Artist Retreat (In-Person)
A gathering of like-minded individuals for the purpose of learning, completing a project, exchanging ideas and/or discussion.
The location is most often a destination locale and is often explored as a significant part of inspiration for the retreat.
Participants likely travel to the destination and are encouraged to stay at the location for the duration of the retreat.
Accommodations and meals are usually included as part of the retreat.
Combines art-making with rest, reflection, and immersive experience.
Food, yoga, meditation, spa, and other body pampering activities are scheduled or available to the retreat participant.
Usually longer (several days to multiple weeks).
Less rigid structure; may include optional instruction or prompts.
Emphasis on exploration, process, and personal direction.
Often set in inspiring or remote locations (nature, rural settings, etc.)
Flexible schedule with significant free time.
Focus on community, connection, and creative renewal.
May include additional experiences (nature walks, shared meals, local culture).
A unique experience and may be offered as a once in a lifetime or as a rarity.
Virtual Artist Workshop (Online)
Structured like a workshop but delivered online.
Can be live, pre-recorded, or a hybrid format.
Accessible from anywhere; no travel required.
Often shorter sessions spread over days or weeks.
Requires self-discipline and independent setup of workspace/materials.
Interaction via video calls, chat, or shared platforms.
Limited tactile/physical engagement compared to in-person formats.
Sessions may be recorded for replay and extended access.