There are some places that make you exhale the minute you arrive. The Artists Rising Retreat at the Connecticut River Valley Inn in Connecticut was one of those places.

My husband and I traveled up from Florida that morning—one of those long travel days with a few hiccups along the way. We realized too late that we’d left our toll transponder in the car, which set off a bit of stress before we even got to the airport. But once we landed in Connecticut and were picked up by our wonderful hosts, the day started to turn around.

The town itself was charming, lined with trees and old homes, and as luck would have it, we arrived during the 50th annual Apple Festival. Families were walking up and down the sidewalks, the air smelled like apples and kettle corn, and it just felt good to be there. We wandered through the fair, grabbed dinner from a food truck (hello lobster rolls), and even had a short, friendly chat with a couple who stopped us just to say, “We’re so glad you’re here.” That simple kindness set the tone for the week.

When we arrived at the inn, I could tell right away it was special. The main house was built in the 1740s, surrounded by beautiful gardens and flower boxes, and tucked at the back of the property was our glamper, Fern. She was painted by artist Lori Siebert, black with bold, colorful flowers and nestled perfectly beside two willow trees. The little wicker chairs and twinkle lights outside made it feel cozy and peaceful. That first night, the sounds of crickets and rustling leaves were the perfect welcome.

The Setting and the Hosts

Pat and Wayne, who own the inn, were incredibly thoughtful and kind. They noticed small details that made a big difference. I’m a bit particular about having ice and iced coffee, and they made sure both were always available. Every morning there were bottles of iced coffee ready for me in the fridge and bags of ice I could take back to Fern. It was such a considerate touch and made me feel right at home.

Teri, the event coordinator, was wonderful too—organized, calm, and welcoming. Everything ran so smoothly that all we had to do was focus on creating and enjoying ourselves.

Inside the Artists Rising Retreat Classroom – Mixed Media Workshop with Roben-Marie Smith

In the Studio

The art room was full of light, with windows and doors that opened to the fresh air. On the first morning, I could hear little woodchucks outside and the occasional bird. Everyone arrived early, excited to start. The tables were covered in supplies, and before long, the chatter and laughter filled the space.

One student kept asking, ‘Can I use this? What about that?’ and I just kept saying, ‘Yes, absolutely!’ Her face lit up with each ‘yes’ - she couldn’t believe how much I’d brought for everyone to share and experiment with. That kind of generous curiosity sets the tone for the whole group.

Handmade Art Journals and Collage Projects from the Artists Rising Retreat with Roben-Marie Smith

The Group and the Laughter

This group was wonderful - funny, open, and generous. We connected quickly and genuinely enjoyed being together.

One of the highlights of the week was the beeswax project. I brought a big slow cooker filled with beeswax for one of the techniques, and it quickly became everyone’s favorite thing. (I actually woke up the morning of our flight and swapped out the tiny ceramic wax pot I’d originally packed for this big slow cooker - thank goodness I did!)

We went through nearly three pounds of wax, and someone nicknamed it “The Wax On, Wax Off Retreat.” The name stuck and I will taking it on the road for sure. We laughed every time someone asked if the wax was turned on, and I couldn’t help but picture all of us crowded around that little bitty pot with our brushes - it would have been a disaster!

That laughter became the soundtrack of the week. By the last day, it felt like we’d known each other for years. We were teasing each other about our art ‘techniques,’ making jokes about who was hogging the wax pot, and laughing so much that even our hosts mentioned they could hear us from outside. It was that comfortable kind of ribbing you only do with people you truly enjoy.

Student Batik Fabric Art Projects from the Artists Rising Retreat with Roben-Marie Smith

Artists Rising Retreat Students with Their Mixed Media Art Journals – Roben-Marie Smith Workshop

Looking Back

Teaching at Artists Rising was a gift. The setting was beautiful, the hosts were gracious, and the students made it truly special. I came home grateful, inspired, and reminded of why I love teaching in person, the art brings us together, but it’s the connection and laughter that stay with you long after.❤️

What started as a group text to stay in touch has now grown into its own dedicated online community space. We’re still sharing our latest projects, cheering each other on, and yes… still making jokes about that wax pot. It’s proof that some connections are meant to last well beyond the retreat walls.

Roben-Marie Smith with Artists Rising Retreat Students – Connecticut River Valley Inn

If I could sum up this retreat in one feeling, it would be this—joy. These smiles say it all. The laughter came easily, the conversations were genuine, and the art flowed from that sense of connection. It wasn’t just about making art; it was about sharing space, stories, and connection. I’m so grateful for every smile, every laugh, and every moment of creative energy we shared.