Artist-led retreats in a scenic New England setting.

At The Smiley Manse, our aim is to provide you with a creativity boosting setting and incredible teachers for a retreat experience you’ll never forget!

2025 RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

"For someone who's never been to a retreat I was able to get to know people without it being overwhelming. The property was magical and made me feel like a kid again. I also enjoyed the hands-on aspect of collage and that it felt accessible for someone who is new to making. I'd love to attend again!"

– Kristen
2024 retreat participant
"I’ve spent lots of time and money on my art business and this was one for the best things I have ever done for myself. I didn't come away from this with a single thing that I would have changed or done differently. I just loved every single minute. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

– Sarah
2023 retreat participant
"I loved so much about this retreat... Being surrounded by professional artists and piles of art supplies, laughing over the idea of a sweaty bra business & learning from professional illustrators, seeing the potential life that art could bring, the peace of Vermont, and making new friends!"

– Gabriella
2024 retreat participant
"Too many great times to mention! I loved the first day when we sat outside under the trees and got to know one another. Also Dylan is just such a good teacher – I admire how she led us and had a great time painting the projects. Also, the food was FABULOUS!!"

- Lori
2023 retreat participant
"I hope I remember everything! Most importantly, setting aside time when I never set time aside for anything (especially myself), and becoming fully immersed into a practice. Pressure is off and the creative atmosphere is contagious – I now understand why creatives enjoy retreats."

– Abbey
2024 retreat participant

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SMILEY

Artist-led retreats in a scenic New England setting.

2025 RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

Lettering & Licensing with Shannon McNab
June 3-7

Blooming Fantasy with Helen Dardik
June 17-22

Junk Assemblage with Lori Seibert
July 7-11

Print & Stitch with Julie Crabtree
July 17-20

Plein Air Watercolor with Robert O’Brien
September 3-4

Stamp Carving Retreat with Autumn Hathaway
September 12-15

Cozy Painting with Dylan M
October 14-18

"I’ve spent lots of time and money on my art business and this was one for the best things I have ever done for myself. I didn't come away from this with a single thing that I would have changed or done differently. I just loved every single minute. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

"I loved so much about this retreat... Being surrounded by professional artists and piles of art supplies, laughing over the idea of a sweaty bra business & learning from professional illustrators, seeing the potential life that art could bring, the peace of Vermont, and making new friends!"

"Too many great times to mention! I loved the first day when we sat outside under the trees and got to know one another. Also Dylan is just such a good teacher – I admire how she led us and had a great time painting the projects. Also, the food was FABULOUS!!"

"I hope I remember everything! Most importantly, setting aside time when I never set time aside for anything (especially myself), and becoming fully immersed into a practice. Pressure is off and the creative atmosphere is contagious – I now understand why creatives enjoy retreats."

The Smiley Manse
is the Art Retreat Center for Jennifer Nelson Artists, Inc. located in Springfield, VT

We proudly sponsor:
Vermont Arts Council
Vermont Womenpreneurs

Springfield On The Move
802 Arts House

Artist-led retreats in a scenic New England setting.

2025 RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

Lettering & Licensing with Shannon McNabJune 3-7

Blooming Fantasy with Helen DardikJune 17-22

Junk Assemblage with Lori SeibertJuly 7-11

Print & Stitch with Julie CrabtreeJuly 17-20

Plein Air Watercolor with Robert O’BrienSeptember 3-4

Stamp Carving Retreat with Autumn HathawaySeptember 12-15

Cozy Painting with Dylan MOctober 14-18

The Smiley Manse is the Art Retreat Center for Jennifer Nelson Artists, Inc. located in Springfield, VT

Join our newsletter – Be the first to know!

We proudly sponsor:Vermont Arts CouncilVermont WomenpreneursSpringfield On The Move802 Arts House

Lettering & Licensing with Shannon McNab
June 3-7

Blooming Fantasy with Helen Dardik
June 17-22

Junk Assemblage with Lori Seibert
July 7-11

Print & Stitch with Julie Crabtree
July 17-20

Plein Air Watercolor with Robert O’Brien
September 3-4

Stamp Carving Retreat with Autumn Hathaway
September 12-15

Cozy Painting with Dylan M
October 14-18

The Smiley Manse
is the Art Retreat Center for Jennifer Nelson Artists, Inc. located in Springfield, VT

We proudly sponsor:
Vermont Arts Council
Vermont Womenpreneurs

Springfield On The Move
802 Arts House