Caroline Simas 2025

P95R+MH, Glastonbury, CT, USA

AR
Artists Rising
  • Email address verified
23 reviews
Jul 20 - 25, 2025
Group size: 4 - 14
Caroline Simas 2025
P95R+MH, Glastonbury, CT, USA

Artists Rising
  • Email address verified
23 reviews

Jul 20 - 25, 2025
Group size: 4 - 14

About this trip

Inspired By Nature Art Retreat

I am constantly in awe and inspired by nature and I believe she’s our best teacher! I cannot wait to lead you in this exploratory workshop where we will use and study elements from nature to create a wide variety of beautiful art. From watercolor and stamped flowers, pressed elements and mark making in sketchbooks and journals, to mixed media, collage work and pattern play… it will be a wonderful, creative time together!!


All skill levels are welcome! Whether you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since elementary school or you create art on the daily, I love teaching new techniques, sharing about my process and favorite materials and I promise you will learn a lot, love what you create and most importantly, you will have FUN and be INSPIRED by nature!

About Caroline Simas

Caroline Simas is a multidisciplinary artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina's historic South End, who has woven her lifelong passion for art and design into a colorful tapestry of creativity. From her sunlit studio, Caroline paints and equates creativity to breathing- an essential element of existence.


Her artistry is a celebration of nature's boundless inspiration, reflected in her bold, colorful palette, infused with messages of inspiration and encouragement. Over the span of 15 years, Caroline's art has found its way onto a plethora of products, gracing the shelves of retailers and homes globally through partnerships with top manufacturers in the gift and home décor industries.

Caroline is passionate about helping unleash and nurture the artist within and it brings her joy to ignite the creative spark in others. Firmly believing that creativity is intrinsic to humanity, she joyfully guides women on transformative journeys, whether in her private studio for workshops, domestic retreats or international adventures.


As a creative business coach, Caroline's dedication extends to fostering the voices of fellow artists. She serves as a beacon of encouragement, a cheerleader for creativity, and an unwavering advocate for entrepreneurial spirit. Her coaching embraces the belief that every brushstroke is a testament to the joy of expression, and she ardently champions the pursuit of passion and purpose. Caroline also creates interactive murals and public art installations, collaborating with developers on meaningful projects for communities. 


Caroline believes each day is a canvas waiting to be painted with the hues of gratitude and fulfillment. With each stroke, she not only creates art but also strives to foster a community of creators, enriching lives one masterpiece at a time. 


Caroline and her husband David are thoroughly enjoying “empty nesting” but also love traveling to visit their four young adult children, Walker, William, and twin daughters Charlotte & Sarah Grace.


Visit carolinesimas.com to learn more and follow along on Instagram @carolinesimas

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 dinner 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

Day Student
Deposit:$450

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


This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 6.45%. 


Here is the breakdown:

Day Student Retreat Fee                     $1075

Accommodation/Sales Tax 6.45         $69 

TOTAL Retreat Fee                                          $1144


There are no prepay discounts for the Day Student rate

$1,144
Deposit:$450
Shared Room / Shared Bath
Deposit:$450
Available until June 20, 2025Pre-registration

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 a bathroom connected to your room.


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


This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.  

Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee                    $2145

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%          $235  

TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $2380


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

$2,380
Deposit:$450
Private Room with Shared Bath
Deposit:$450
Only 2 left

A room all to myself but with a shared bathroom. The bathroom is connected directly to your room.


This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 


Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee              $2650

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $ 291

TOTAL Retreat Fee  with tax           $2941


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

$2,941
Deposit:$450
Private Room with Private Bath
Deposit:$450
Only 3 left

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


You can double your fun by adding a participating artist friend for an additional $1950 plus Tax. Just choose Participating Artist Friend below.

This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.  


Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee              $2900

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $320 

TOTAL Retreat Fee                               $3220


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

$3,220
Deposit:$450
Willow I Our Super Cute Glamping Camper
Deposit:$450
Only 1 left

Willow I Our Super Cute Glamping Camper

We now have a super cute glamping camper!

It is a cozy 25 feet off-grid with a queen size bed, dinette with comfy cushions, 

A very spacious bathroom for a cozy camper (it even has a shower!)

It sits in the quiet back area of our property with views of majestic willow trees.


We are dressing it up in the same cozy, beautiful, and colorful linen bedding that we have in our guest rooms... it will be a beautiful getaway!


This cozy abode is meant for one person. Private space/Private bath. 

Our other rooms in the main house are $2900 but our glampers are only $2500 plus tax

(You are welcome to share with a friend if you wish for an additional fee - just use the add-on option below)

Out your door is a fancy awning with patio lights and comfy chairs to enjoy the evening breezes.


This fee INCLUDES the State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 


Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee              $2500

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $275

TOTAL Retreat Fee  with tax           $2775

$2,775
Deposit:$450
Non-Participating Guest (Non-Artist)
Deposit:$450
4 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 includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.


Here is the breakdown:

Extra Guest                                           $1350

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%         $145   

TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $1465


There are no pre-pay discounts for this choice

$1,465
Deposit:$450
Participating Artist Friend add-on
Deposit:$450
6 left

Do you have a friend that will be participating in class that you want to share your room with?


Use this add-on. You can only use this add-on if you purchased a private room with bath.


This fee includes everything that the full rate includes 


This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.


Here is the breakdown:

Extra Participating Artist Friend       $1950

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%         $214   

TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $2164


There are no pre-pay discounts for this choice

$2,164
Deposit:$450

Available options

Pre-Retreat Room Night $200 plus $22 Tax
$222

Our room rates are normally $350-$400, so this is a fantastic opportunity to stay extra nights 

Post-Retreat Room Night$200 plus $22 Tax
$222

Our room rates are normally $350-$400, so this is a fantastic opportunity to stay extra nights 

Extra Dinner $80 Includes Tax
$80


Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival

6-8 pm Welcome Reception - meet your fellow students reception with Welcome Dinner.


Room check ins begin at 3pm

Your Organizer


AR
Artists Rising
23 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

The Conneticut River Valley Inn and property was cozy, creative and colorful. The food was delicious and the hospitality and accommodations were great. The art studio on the property was perfect for our small group of 10. It had big windows and a high ceiling which made the space seem like we were outdoors. Flowers were abundant all around the property in the landscaping and in pots of seasonal flowers. It really felt like a “Flowerpalooza” party. The host added her extra special touches, like table-top s’mores for dessert and custom coffee mugs made from our own art. Lori Siebert brought a calm, happy energy into the studio classes. Even inexperienced artists seemed to thrive under her guidance. Lory’s approach to art and design is well-measured with bit of whimsy. Her creativity flows through her demos and her examples were easy to follow. We came to this event not knowing each other. We left as friends and “text” buddies, vowing to stay in touch. It was an awesome retreat experience. Highly recommend.
By Ramona K for Lori Siebert 2024 on Oct 14, 2024
The class with Jodi Ohl and the group of women artists I spent my week with was truly empowering. Artists Rising is a beautiful and serene retreat location. I felt like I was staying in a friends home. The rooms were beautiful. Pat and Wayne did everything they could to make us feel comfortable. I would definitely attend this location for an art retreat again.
By Phyllis F for Jodi Ohl 2024 on Sep 28, 2024
This was a wonderful workshop! Melinda is a fantastic artist and instructor who met each attendee where they were in their artistic journey. With a combination of visual examples, demos, exercises and time to paint, every artist came away with new insights and inspiration. I will definitely take another course with her! The Connecticut River Inn was a wonderful venue -- from the rooms to the meals, beautiful grounds, location and studio space. Pat is a very creative and generous innkeeper. I would highly recommend this venue and especially Melinda's instruction!
By Joan L for Melinda Cootsona 2024 on Sep 19, 2024
Awesome experience! Melinda is kind and encouraging! The group was so fun to be with. Food was wonderful at every meal! I look forward to the next art retreat with a great group!
By Linda G for Melinda Cootsona 2024 on Sep 18, 2024
The Melinda Cootsona workshop and retreat was absolutely wonderful. I loved the teaching and small sized group. Everything about the Inn was excellent, clean and well maintained. The food was really delicious. Truly a remarkable experience in every way.
By Pam M for Melinda Cootsona 2024 on Sep 11, 2024
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