5.0
Verified
A Prayerful Evening with the Psalms
I enjoyed the presentation and the sharing. However, I would have preferred to have at least three evenings on this topic for the Lenten Season.
An Exploration of Art Journaling
Top Rated
An Exploration of Art Journaling
4.8671 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
May 22 - 24, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Peg Considine BFA, M.Ed. is an artist who lives in western Massachusetts and taught visual art for 20 years. Since retirement, she has been facilitating creative workshops designed to encourage self-expression and a sense of well-being through an intuitive use of art materials and techniques. The process is accessible and beneficial to all levels of artistic experience.
Details of this retreat
An art journal encourages an introspective way to explore and communicate thoughts and feelings.
This retreat is an opportunity to slow down and respond to what emerges from the creative process. There’s an emphasis on intuition and playful exploration using a variety of art materials and techniques that naturally promote a sense of emotional well-being. This program is accessible to all levels of artistic experience including those who feel they have no ability at all. Openness and curiosity is all that’s needed.
All art supplies and guidance in how to use them are provided.
Friday
3:00p Check-in
3:00-5:45 Arrival
5:45-6:00 Welcome
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:15-7:45 Opening Circle
7:45-9:00 Materials and Techniques demos
Saturday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-9:30 Morning reading and meditation
9:30-12:00 Begin Journal
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:15-1:30 Group Check-in and reading
1:30-5:00 Continue Journal
5:00-6:00 Group sharing and reflection
6:00-7:00 Dinner
*The studio space will be open after dinner
Sunday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-10:00 Farewell Session
10:00a Check-out
Commuter Pricing is for three days and includes supper on Friday, as well as lunch and supper on Saturday.
This retreat is an opportunity to slow down and respond to what emerges from the creative process. There’s an emphasis on intuition and playful exploration using a variety of art materials and techniques that naturally promote a sense of emotional well-being. This program is accessible to all levels of artistic experience including those who feel they have no ability at all. Openness and curiosity is all that’s needed.
All art supplies and guidance in how to use them are provided.
Friday
3:00p Check-in
3:00-5:45 Arrival
5:45-6:00 Welcome
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:15-7:45 Opening Circle
7:45-9:00 Materials and Techniques demos
Saturday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-9:30 Morning reading and meditation
9:30-12:00 Begin Journal
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:15-1:30 Group Check-in and reading
1:30-5:00 Continue Journal
5:00-6:00 Group sharing and reflection
6:00-7:00 Dinner
*The studio space will be open after dinner
Sunday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-10:00 Farewell Session
10:00a Check-out
Commuter Pricing is for three days and includes supper on Friday, as well as lunch and supper on Saturday.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Accommodation
Program Price - Single Occupancy
Program Price - Double Occupancy (Requires Two People)
Program Price - Weekend Commuter
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Be With an Open Heart
I spent time with JoAnn Bourquard a few years ago when I was on a day-long retreat at Genesis Spiritual Center. We meditated together and I opened my heart to her for spiritual guidance. She deeply listened, attentive and present with me, as I shared some difficult challenges I was having in my life. I clearly remember her gently and kindly responding with a phrase, "you have your work cut out for you". I have accepted that gift from her, without even being entirely certain what she meant, as part of my daily spiritual practice since then.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
1.0
Verified
Lenten Conversation with the Psalms
Due to the blizzard, I was unable to attend
5.0
Verified
The Wisdom of St. Francis
Simon and David led us on a beautiful experience of St. Francis and St. Clare. The music, sharing, dialogue and discussion all helped to create a strong bond between participants. Genesis is a place of peace, hope and healing, and I could feel it the moment I arrived. Thank you to the staff for their hospitality and kindness.
5.0
Verified
Wise woman Retreat
The best part of this retreat was connecting with the amazing women who shared this retreat with me. It is so affirming and healing to be in a group of mature women who listen with their hearts and all their wisdom and very little judgment. The Genesis Spiritual Center is very welcoming and accommodating and made you feel at home. The leader of the retreat set the stage and then allowed us to fly. I am so glad that I took the time to go.
