Creating with Collage

Last year I decided that I wasn’t going to do any more art retreats.

And I was fine with that… until I thought about doing one I’ve never done before!

That made things a bit different, and I decided to say yes to one more. It will be all about collage.

We’re going to focus on creating collage paintings using several different techniques.

Join us for a week of transformative skill-building, creative mentorship, and the always amazing community.

Space is limited to 16 artists.

New Orleans is a city defined by its layers of history, textured inspiration, and vibrant color—the ultimate setting for an artistic dive into the spirit of my hometown.

Over the course of five days, we will treat collage not merely as a technique, but as our singular focus. 

New Orleans, October 20-24, 2026

What we'll learn

In this art retreat we are going all in on collage! We’ll spend time building a massive personal library of handmade collage papers.

As an added bonus, artist friend Vicki Lee will join us briefly to demonstrate some of her favorite gelli-printing techniques and resin-finishing methods.

By the time you begin your final paintings, you’ll have layers, textures, transparency, rhythm, and visual history to pull from. Your work becomes richer because your materials are richer.

• Day 1: Gelli Printing & Collage Paper Creation with Vicki Lee
• Day 2: Finishing your painting using resin
• Day 3: Gelli printing using Adele’s special technique
• Day 4: Creating Your Collage Paintings
• Day 5: Finishing, Refining & Group Discussion

*Note: More specifics will be shared upon registration.

What's Included? 

• All the art supplies you need - paints, papers, substrates, tools,  and materials, along with stencils and gelli printing supplies
• Five full days of instruction and studio time
• Guest instruction with Vicki Lee
• Lunches, snacks, and drinks provided daily
• Individual guidance, feedback, group discussions, and critiques
• Learn the importance of strengthening your intuition
• Completed artwork to take home



Lodging & Transportation

You're welcome to stay at any of the many hotels or Airbnbs in the area.

However, for convenience and community, we recommend our designated group hotels. Staying together not only makes ride-sharing more cost-effective but also keeps the creative energy going well into the evening with easy access to group plans.

• In New Orleans - Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans, French Quarter

• In Metairie - Comfort Inn & Suites at Copeland Tower

Some people have enjoyed having a car available. However, you do not need one. David Art Center is approximately 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans, and many people opt to carpool after the first day. Uber is also widely available.

Note: Our creative space is on the second floor, so please be sure you can walk up one flight of stairs unassisted.