Join us for the annual In-person Creative Circle Retreat 2026!
The Creative Circle is a painting club that was founded in 2018 for students of Addie Hirschten to meet, learn, and support one another. In the Creative Circle we share our current art projects, are offered prompts to spark new ideas and support one another in an inclusive and fun-loving group.
When: September 9-12 2026
Where: The Harmony House Art Studio 338 Lowland St SE Abingdon VA
Pre-requisite: You must have taken at least one of Hirschten’s art classes in the past to register for the retreat.
Creative Circle Retreat 2026 Itinerary
September 9th Meet 4-5pm at the studio for orientation and to set up your supplies
September 10-12 Meet 9am-Noon and 2-5pm to paint together
What to Bring
Bring your own projects to work on including art supplies (paints, canvases, brushes, reference photos etc.)
What to Expect During Class Time
Together we will do surprise art prompts in addition to our own projects
A brief PowerPoint in the morning of inspiring artwork related to the daily prompt
Work silently for 20 minutes on our individual projects to get our creative juices flowing
Listen to myths, poetry and other readings to spark discussions while we work
Have opportunities to ask for feedback on our work (So that members always feel respected we only make helpful suggestions if it is requested.)
Light snacks will be provided
$200 for Three Day Class- Yes this is a deal! Hirschten keeps the price of this class low because instruction during this class is casual and we want this to be our lower price point option for inclusivity.
Any 2-D visual artist is welcome to join our group. Your instructor, Addie Hirschten, specializes in teaching acrylic, oil, watercolor, illustration and mixed media art.
This group is for artists of intermediate and advanced skill level. If you have taken several beginner level art classes and ready to start your own projects you are welcome to join the group! Come to the retreat ready to create on your personal projects and be inspired by our warm up exercises.
All are welcome in our group regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious background.
Also whether you work abstractly or realistically all artwork styles are welcome in our group. When teaching art classes, Hirschten encourages students to develop their own style and artistic voice , not just copy the instructor. If you are looking for a welcoming class where experimental self reflection is encouraged this is the place for you.
This class is taught by the artist Addie Hirschten who is a contemporary impressionist painter, host of the Studio Alchemy Podcast and author of several books including the Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom, the Alchemy of Painting and Alchemy of Symbols. Hirschten has been a professional artist and painting instructor for over 14 years and has earned BFA and MLS degrees.
Sign up below to join us for the next in-person retreat $200
In 2018 Addie Hirschten opened the Studio Alchemy Gallery in Indianapolis and started a weekly Painting Club. For the first year we met at our Millersville Road Gallery then moved to our little yellow studio in Cottage Home Neighborhood. We came together to share our love of art and support each other. Over time we developed into a silly community of dedicated artists!
When Hirschten moved to North Carolina in 2024 the core members requested that we move our shenanigans online. Now we continue to grow both personally and as a community in a whole new way. Together we tackle life’s most serious things with an open heart and a sense of humor. Now in addition to our online meetings you can join the annual in-person retreat at Addie’s art studio in Abingdon Virginia.
