Welcome to the Art Lab!
May 12 - 14, 2026 Wilmington, NC
Art Lab Retreats are fun and interactive fluid art workshops designed for all skill levels, making it easy for anyone to discover their creativity in a safe, professional and collaborative setting. Whether you’re looking to expand your creativity, learn new techniques, build on existing skills, or connect with other artists with similar interests - this retreat is for you!
Come make some Pour Decisions with us!
Workshops from Sarah Mack Art
Galaxy Pours
Get ready for an interstellar fluid art adventure! In this workshop you will dive into Sarah's secrets for her signature Galaxy Pour technique. You will learn her recipe and the perfect paint consistency, as well as layering techniques and step-by-step instructions to create out-of-this-world abstract art!
Glow & Flow
Experience the soothing rhythm of fluid art as you pour, tilt and swipe with a mini dustpan to create rippling water scenes illuminated by a glowing sun or moon. Every piece becomes a reflection of motion and light - uniquely yours
Workshops from Treesie Paradis
Pearl Pours
Discover the beauty of the Pearl Pour technique - a mesmerizing fluid art style where color, texture and flow create stunning depth and movement. Learn how to mix and layer paints to form luminous 'pearls' that rise across the canvas. Each student receives the full recipe and step-by-step guidance to confidently create their own pearl pours at home. Great for all skill levels!
Bloom Swipes
Unleash your creativity with the Bloom Swipe technique - a captivating fluid art process that blends color, motion and surprise. Learn how to use a cell activator and palette knives to create vibrant cells and blooming patterns that come to life on your canvas. Each student receives the full formula and step-by-step guidance to confidently make bloom swipes at home
Workshops from Nate Bright
Botanical Imprints
Bring Mother Nature indoors! If you love nature as much as I do, you will be thrilled to capture the shapes and textures of leaves and flowers on canvas in a brand new way. In this workshop, you will learn how to mix just paint and water to create transparent glazes, how to layer and combine them to best effect, and the simple and inexpensive tools necessary for this stunning new technique. No previous experience necessary!
Blow Like a Pro!
There are many ways to move the paint in fluid art - one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing is with a hair dryer. It can also be one of the most challenging to master. In this workshop, we will cover all of the basics - how to mix your paints to the perfect consistency, how to layer your paints to best effect, how to plan for the movement of the paint, how to direct the flow of air, and how to fix mistakes and embellish to add interest and motion.
Sarah's Glow & Flow and Galaxy Pours
Treesie's Bloom Swipes and Pearl Pours
Nate's Botanical Imprints and Blow Outs
What's Included?
Workshops
- All paint, canvases and painting supplies
- PPE like disposable gloves, shoe coverings and custom painting apron
- Boxes for mailing / transporting your art home (shipping service not included)
Food and Beverage
- Coffee, Fruit and Pastries for breakfast available daily
- Sandwich lunch on Wednesday, May 13 (all other meals on your own)
Excursions
- Springbook Farms horse-drawn tour though historic downtown Wilmington after lunch on Wednesday, May 13
- for more info, please visit www.horsedrawntours.com
What to bring with you
- Painting can be messy! Please wear clothing that you won't mind getting dirty
- Comfortable shoes - we will be standing while we paint, so be nice to your feet, legs and back
- A few hair dryers will be available for you to use during the Blow Like a Pro workshop, but we ask that you bring your own if you already have one
- An extra suitcase to take your art home with you
- A notepad and pen for taking notes!
Host Venue and Host Hotel
Host Facility - Cape Fear Community College
411 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Host Hotel: Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown
Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown
225 Grace Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
$159 per night - walking distance to the retreat!
Group discount available until Thursday, April 9, 2026
And the NEXT Art Lab Retreat is Oct 8-10 in Tucson, AZ
Karen Durishin - Waterfall Acrylics
Amanda Edwards - Crystal Coast Originals
Karen Durishin - Waterfall Acrylics
Nate Bright
Amanda Edwards - Crystal Coast Originals
Karen Durishin - Waterfall Acrylics