It’s not a class. It’s an adventure.
Retreats for professional decorative painters, designers, artists and other creatives. Each retreat includes classes, food and lodging. Rotating instructors, workshops and locations.
Since 2009 we have been offering 2 - 3 retreats a year giving you the most unique, and feature packed experience for Decorative Painters. You will experience inspiration and transformation learning new skills while in the company of other creatives.
Every retreat offers a variety of inspiring and portfolio building classes, products and instructors. The retreat price always includes classes, food and lodging. We love to pamper you while creating a fresh, unique and memorable experience.
“I just wanted to take a minute to send you a quick note about Faux Retreat and my experience there. I was selected out of about 30 applicants to be the first Faux Retreat Monitor and I was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity. Because of my duties as monitor, I got to see up close just how much thought and preparation Kathy Boyd puts into these events. She works tirelessly to see to it that each attendee has the best experience imaginable.
When I went up to Wisconsin, I knew I would learn a great deal from Laine Discepoli, Dean Sickler, and Cindy Feddersen. What caught me off guard was that I not only came home armed with new samples and experience, I came home with a new “faux family”. By living and studying together over the span of nearly a week, we bonded in a way that we never could have in another environment.
It is truly my opinion that attending Faux Retreat is an absolute must for anyone looking to expand their portfolio. Just be prepared to laugh until your sides hurt and come back home with lots of inside jokes that leave you laughing like a fool when you remember the great time you shared with your new “faux family!”
- Rachel Sejas
Your Questions Answered
It all begins with an idea.
What is included in the retreat price? The following amenities may be part of your retreat, depending on location, class types, and class length so be sure to ask if it is a consideration of joining us.
All classes... 2 -3 instructors depending on instructors and location.
Fresh and healthy meals usually cooked by the retreat founder. (One evening on your own to explore area or with group.)
Lodging...Everyone stays together for a fabulous time. The Wisconsin location is a luxury log home on 184 acres and private lake. Photos will be posted of lodging for other location retreats.
Special art creation. May include canvas, hardboard or epoxy art.
Welcome gifts
Iron Faux..fun take off on Iron Chef show. This is "think outside the box" fun, if we have time.
Theme party one night. If time permits.
Lots of surprises throughout your stay.
Marketing, business, pricing and portfolio building classes at night for those interested.
Goodies to take home
Massage (extra charge)
Yoga or zumba (depends on time)
Local tours depending on location.
Mega networking
Listed on our directory
Ongoing support
The following information is directed more for those attending our Wisconsin and retreats within the United States.
Can anyone attend a retreat?
Faux Retreats are structured for Professional Decorative Finishers/Faux and Mural Artists, however, since each retreat offers different class types and instructors, each may require a different skill level. Contact the retreat instructors if you are uncertain if a class type is right for you.
What is the cancelation policy?
We rely on your attendance to make important arrangements; therefore no refund will be made within 90 days of the retreat, under any conditions. If the Retreat is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, all fees will be refunded in full. You can read the cancelation policy by clicking here. I strongly recommend getting travel insurance. This will protect you in case you need to cancel for any reason. Three reputable companies are: Travelex (800) 504-7883 , Allianz Travel and Travel Guard International (877) 901-7599 [Note: for full coverage you must take out a policy soon after paying for your trip.]
How do I get there?
If you are flying, you are encouraged to contact other retreat students to meet at the airport and share car rental. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from airport. Be sure to purchase trip insurance! Read the travel companies individual policies, but most will give refunds on travel, and class costs in certain situations. Once you have registered you will be added to a private group on Facebook that is exclusive to those attending your retreat. Lots of information is posted in the group including, travel times as given by students to help you meet others to share rides.
How should I pack for the weather?
The weather can vary from sunny to foggy and chilly to downright cold depending on the season and location of the retreat. Closer to retreat time there will be information in the private FB group with forecast. Above all, pack casual wear. You can leave your heals at home!
What do I need to pack beside clothes?
We furnish basic supplies for your classes. Closer to retreat time we will post a list of special tools (trowels, brushes, etc.) you may need to pack.
You should also plan on packing your own personal toiletries, however we will have shampoo, conditioner and hair dryers.
We do not provide alcohol, so plan on stopping at a liquor store enroute for your favorite beverage and mix. Refrigerator space is very very limited so plan on storing your beer, wine and mix on porch or in cooler outside.
Are meals included? Yes! Breakfast is continental style, but we have been known to whip up a hot breakfast a couple of mornings. Lunch and supper is prepared family style. One evening we may go out dutch treat and experience one of the local restaurants.
What if I have special dietary restrictions? Meals are served family style, but we will make every effort to accommodate anyone with food restrictions, provided you have indicated this on the registration form. You may also want to bring your own snack items just in case you don't like what is on the menu.
I'm just not sure about one of the classes. Do you offer a guarantee? Although we make every effort to only invite instructors we know or that have been recommended to us, we may not have personally taken a class with them. We encourage you to do your own research and talk to others who have taken classes with the instructor. I would also encourage you to contact instructors directly for questions pertaining to their class.
What does bonus class mean?
Bonus classes are for a 3rd instructor. Typically, but not necessarily for past retreat students to "test the water" teaching. Bonus classes have included demos, wall finishes, lectures and how-to's.
Check in time at the retreat is typically between 4pm - 6pm, depending on location, the day prior to retreat start. The actual check in time will be posted closer to the retreat time in the private group set up just for the retreat you have registered for. Contact us if you need to arrive earlier so we can have someone available to greet you, but please excuse us while we finish getting the retreat ready.
Remember that you are not staying at a hotel. The retreats are typically held at a private home and the owners usually have a small time period between renters to get the house cleaned, so therefor you may not arrive earlier than the posted time.
What time should I schedule my flight?
Retreat classes usually start at 8am or 9am depending on instructor, so I would suggest arriving the day before class starts. Plan on arriving to the airport the day before class starts. A 3 hour window of time will be suggested for flight arrivals to help you meet up and share rides with others.
What time does the retreat end? Retreats end no later than 4pm the last day so you have plenty of time to get packed, ship any boxes you may have and get to the airport for an early evening flight. If you need to stay at the retreat site another evening, this may be possible at the Wisconsin location only. Please let us know in advance. After the retreat ends we will be busy cleaning house and the kitchen is closed, but feel free to go explore the town shops, restaurants or just put your feet up and enjoy the view.
Can I take just the workshop without staying at the retreat site?
As an all-inclusive retreat and the first of it's kind in the industry, our program has been planned to create a unique experience for our guests, so we are unable to exclude the lodging cost from our program. If you want the classes without the lodging, we can provide information on local motels, resorts and campgrounds, but again the retreat cost remains the same. We do not encourage this and you are not entitled to any nighttime "goodies" if you are not on-site. If you talk to past attendees they will tell you that you will miss out on an important retreat experience by not staying with everyone.
Do you have coupons or give discounts? There is always an early registration discount for new attendees and an even larger one for repeat attendees or what we affectionately call our Alumni or Retreaters. We also periodically run contests for free product, t-shirts and have been known to give some really cool discounted retreats. Contests are run through our newsletter and Facebook page and group.
Don't take too long to register! We have a limited amount of space and we do fill up fast.
We have a payment plan available to make payments up until a month prior to retreat. PayPal 6 month financing is also available, contact PayPal directly about this.
SPOONER, WISCONSIN
Our Spooner, Wisconsin location is where it all started in 2009. 1 1/2 hours north of Minneapolis, 6 hours north of Chicago on a private 174 acre lake property. The property features a 3 story home with hot tub, large stone fireplace, sauna, patio and balcony lake views. 3 season art barn, guest house and frequent eagle spotting and other wildlife.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul (msp) airport is located 1 1/2 hours southwest of Spooner. You are responsible for your own travel. You can also fly in to the Duluth (dlh), Minnesota airport, located 50 miles north of Spooner. This airport location is closer, but flights are typically higher and less chance of meeting other students to share a ride with.
Where do I sleep? There are two rooms featuring 3 sets of custom made, adult size bunk-beds. There is also a private 3 season building (Art Barn) with 2 futons and a sofa sleeper, but don't worry about sharing rooms, as past attendees can tell you, it is a lot of fun!
OREGON, ILLINOIS
Retreats in Oregon, Illinois are held at Stronghold Castle and Event Center. Lodging is shared and is casual. This facility is in the process of being remodeled, but it has some really cool features and history.
The following is a list of the closest airports.
International airports near Oregon, IL
81 miles: Chicago, IL (ORD / KORD) Chicago O'Hare International Airport
93 miles: Chicago, IL (MDW / KMDW) Chicago Midway International Airport
124 miles: Milwaukee, WI (MKE / KMKE) General Mitchell International Airport
Domestic airports near Oregon, IL
21 miles: Rockford, IL (RFD / KRFD) Chicago Rockford International Airport
85 miles: Moline, IL (MLI / KMLI) Quad City International Airport
Where is the information for the European retreat? You can find this information on the retreat listings page. More information including tips for packing, reminders and other things will be given to you after you have registered. There will also be a private group just for the attendees of this retreat to get to know each other prior to meeting up in Italy.
Faux Retreats are a great investment, compare to other classes, conventions and events where you pay the same price just for one class and that doesn't include the meals and lodging, and don't forget that classes are a tax write off.
For more information and photos join us on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/fauxretreat
Once you are registered and deposit is paid you will be given access to a private group just for the retreat you are attending. Supply list, directions and flight information for students are posted in the group.
Custom Retreats
It all begins with an idea.
We offer custom retreats to anyone wanting to put together their own group of artists. All you have to do is greet your guests at the door! Retreats can be anywhere from 3 to _ and can be designed for any creative, art medium, or occasion you desire. Some of our own retreats have included The Art of Concrete, The Art of Epoxy Resin, Bas Relief for Walls and Caring with Colors.
We can create a custom retreat for friends, reunion, or business. You can choose one of our locations in the United States or our affiliate in Italy. We can also help you with travel, food, classes, caterers and tours.
Ready for the next step? Fill out the contact form to get started.
Gallery
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