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 27-31, 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.

SIGN UP

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.

If you choose the Comfort Inn & Suites, call them directly at (504) 667-6097 to make reservations, and be sure to mention the Group Code “David Art Center” to receive a discount. The discount cannot be used for online reservations - you must call to get the discounted rate.

For those who are not local, the closest airport to fly into is Louis Armstrong in New Orleans (MSY). It's about a 20-minute drive to downtown New Orleans or Metairie, where we'll be spending the majority of our time. You can easily take a taxi or Uber directly to your hotel.

Be part of the fun!

October 27-31, 2026 • $2700

SIGN UP

Once signed up, you will receive an email confirmation and additional information to help you plan your visit. If you have any questions, feel free to email Jen on my team: jen@artwithadele.com.

cancellation policy

Choose between a single payment of $2700 or three monthly payments of $900.

Space is limited to 16 artists and the retreat will fill up quickly, so don't wait to sign up.