Explore making art as a form of meditative practice, embracing the power of present moment awareness and cultivating a mindset free from judgment.
Give yourself the invaluable gift of time –time to rejuvenate, to unleash your creativity, and to reconnect with the inner artist that is all too often neglected or denied.
Discover how embracing the present moment through the unfiltered lens of your natural sight effortlessly expands time with a sense of ease and grace.

Balancing stillness and silence with interacting and mindful making with an array of media, including watercolors, pencils, and inks, the Making Art Mindful Retreat, will transform the judgments blocking your creative expression and intuitive spirit.

Guided by the profound experience of accomplished artist and teacher, Catherine Parker, and the wisdom of mindfulness and meditation instructor, Sharn Rocco PhD, you will be immersed in a journey of playful experimentation and silent introspection that will foster a deep sense of curiosity and acceptance.

Awakening self love and appreciation while making art mindful, you will explore the intricate dance between your inner and outer experiences.

Built with found objects and mud bricks made onsite, by a dedicated group of Sisters of St Clair and volunteers led by acclaimed sculptress, Sr Angela, The Old Monastery Stroud is the perfect place for this adventure. Peace, creativity and appreciation of nature are palpable along the paved halls, the fringe by rambling gardens, the sweeping lawns dotted with lotus ponds, the towering eucalypts and the backdrop of the Barrington Tops. A weekend at the monastery is an experience that will resonate deep and long.

Throughout the Making Art Mindful retreat, Catherine will lead you through a sequence of hands-on workshops, providing you with the essential tools to craft a captivating series of explorative artworks. Each day and workshop will begin and end with Sharn offering simple practices that will support you to be fully present, to let go of judgments, befriend distraction, strengthen your innate capacity for mindfulness and your connection with the natural world, wherever you are.

This retreat is not to be missed!

Whether you're a seasoned artist or exploring art for the first time, this retreat aims to inspire making art a mindfulness practice, easily accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Places are strictly limited.

The Monastery has only 18 guest rooms. Maximum number of participants is 16. Minimum viable number is 10.

$995 – All inclusive | $250 Payment Plan Deposit

Inclusions:

More than 10 hours of inspiring, supportive instruction and guidance
All art supplies – All materials required for workshops are included in your retreat fee. PLUS You will leave with the art you make and a personal plein air art pack that will support you to continue making art mindful wherever you are.
All 6 meals – Breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the Old Monastery dining room
If you're a lover of good food, you'll be glad you came just for this. Beginning with dinner on Friday and concluding with lunch on Sunday, you will be presented with a selection of simple, nutritious and delicious vegetarian dishes to tempt you and tantalise your tastebuds.
Accommodation (2 nights) – A room of your own with a view of the garden, writing desk and wardrobe.
Discounts on all subsequent Mindful Works courses and retreats
Guided practice recordings
Weekly inspiration emails with prompts to practice

Click on the 'GET TICKETS' link above and secure your place.

Don't Miss Out – Registration Closes 11 April

FAQs

What if I’ve never done any painting or drawing? Not a problem. Catherine’s skills as an intuitive teacher will ensure that whatever level of art making experience you bring will make every activity accessible and fun.

Do I need to bring art supplies? No. All materials will be supplied.

Do I need to know how to meditate? NO. Sharn’s experience and guidance will ensure that the meditation and mindfulness practices will be accessible and benefit complete beginners, experienced meditators and everyone in between.

Will I need to sit on the floor? NO. There will be a chair there for everyone.

Will my special dietary requirements be catered for? YES. Once you purchase your ticket, you'll be sent an email inviting you to answer a few questions - including your dietary requirements.

Can I pay by instalments? YES. Pay $250 up front and pay the remainder before 1st May. Simply select 'Payment Plan' as your ticket type. Sharn will be in touch to personalise your payment plan.

Is the venue suitable for people with limited mobility? YES and NO. Accommodation hallway at the monastery and the path between the accommodation and the hall are sloping and uneven. Bathrooms are shared. If you have limited mobility contact Sharn to find out more about whether this can work for you.

What do I need to bring? The usual personal items and linen. Once you purchase your ticket, you'll be sent an email with more information including what to bring and how to find the monastery.

If you have other questions, simply email info@mindfulworks.com.au or give Sharn a call: 0458 111 373

To secure your place now simply click on the 'GET TICKETS' link above and purchase your preferred ticket type.