ART RETREAT 2025

Announcing the 10th Annual Classroom and Art Teacher Retreats at Whitney Hill!

Enjoy learning an array of new elementary art projects with teachers from all over the country.

Returning for its 10th year, this country art retreat is hosted at Whitney Hill in Hickory Valley, TN

A historic home with connections to the Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney family, the house has been lovingly restored by its owner, Regina Brotherton. Guests will enjoy meals in the main dining room, and work each morning and afternoon in the studio barn.

Expand your visual arts education with new art lessons that engage the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.

Enjoy a morning and afternoon work session on both Friday and Saturday, trying out over 15 projects that teach valuable skills for elementary students. Work at your own pace, and focus on those projects you know will work best for your students.

Try some new art ideas from someone who knows what it takes to keep young minds engaged.

Finding new projects that teach valuable skills, are age appropriate and fit in your budget takes time. Come learn a show bunch in one weekend, from someone who has spent years creating projects for kids.

Complete 14 hours of professional development credits in one all-inclusive weekend!

The final cost of the weekend ranges from $1497 – $1747, depending on if you choose a basic, premium or VIP room. This covers all art supplies, lodging and food for the weekend.

Recent feedback about Whitney Hill


Whitney Hill is a wonderful place to relax and create art. My favorite project was making the little easel and canvas and I love that we had plenty of time to work.
— Jen H. , Elementary teacher

Creating a portfolio of projects to take home is just what I needed, but having hours of time to make art also just soothed my soul.
— Penny T., Elementary teacher

My favorite part was building community with teachers and new friends, being pampered by Regina with delicious food and comfortable lodging and learning innovative and engaging art projects from Kathy.
— Kyle T., Elementary teacher

I loved the way the guests all bonded and were able to talk to each other. The projects were all so interesting and I will definitely use them at my school. I am so happy I came!
— Sheila V., Elementary art teacher

You have managed to obtain a wonderful mix of a peaceful place to stay, meals that people dream about, then space to create with a great group of people from all around the country. Never change a thing.
— Amy M., Elementary teacher

Creating 2D work one day and 3D the next is a great idea.
The use of burlap and sewing especially is one idea that I will definitely be bringing back to my classroom.
— Sherry M., Elementary teacher
BASIC

$1497

  • All classes and supplies
  • All food and beverages
  • Private bedroom
  • Shared bathroom in hall
PREMIUM

$1647

  • All classes and supplies
  • All food and beverages
  • Private bedroom
  • Room with half bath
VIP

$1747

  • All classes and supplies
  • All food and beverages
  • Private bedroom
  • Room with full bath
WHITNEY HILL RETREATS

Choose dates of June 26-29 or July 31-Aug, 3rd.
Spaces are limited to 10 guests for each weekend.

Currently the June Retreat has 6 spots left the July Retreat has 4. The deposit is fully refundable until May 1st.

SAVE MY SPOT FOR A RETREAT AT WHITNEY HILL!

Would support for requesting funds from your school help?
No problem, here are links to form letters for both dates.

Click here to open a June Whitney Hill Form letter

Click here to open a July Whitney Hill Form letter

ABOUT KATHY BARBRO

Learn from someone who’s been making art with kids for over 20 years.

When you sideline your graphic art career for volunteering at your kid’s kindergarten class, it turns out all kinds of things are possible. It can lead to the PTA hiring you as a their school’s professional expert art teacher, and then taking on some afterschool classes as well. And when blogging comes along, and you get your ideas out on the internet, you might get a chance to publish your own book too! [See Sharpie Art Projects for Kids] When you learn new projects at an APFK weekend, you can rest assured you’re learning real lessons that work with real kids from someone who get her start on the ground, and in the classroom.

RESTON IMMERSIVE ART WEEKEND

Another option this year is an Immersive Art Experience in the greater DC area.

Spend two days making art in Reston, VA with 6 other guests, and then we’ll spend a day gallery hopping in downtown Washington, DC!

MORE ABOUT IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE

Here are some of the projects you can look forward to.

Day One: 2D Day
Collage Bees
Crayon and Watercolor Batik
Coffee Filter Collages
Raptor Texture Rubbings
Metallic Marker Jellyfish

Day Two: 3D Day
Air Dry Clay Starfish
Air Dry Clay Ladybugs and Owls
Cardboard Houses
Graffiti Name Fence
Chihuly Bowls

  • cardboard craft