Creative Arts & Crafts Workshops in the Catskills at Hemlock Neversink

Art Retreats and Creative Workshops in Upstate New York

Discover the transformative power of creativity at our art retreat in the Catskills. Just two hours from New York City, Hemlock Neversink offers daily creative workshops where beginners and experienced artists alike can explore painting, mosaic art, candle making, and botanical crafts—all included with your stay at our upstate New York retreat.

A drawing of a tall pine tree with snow-covered branches in a winter scene, with a small deer standing at the base of the tree on snow.

What Makes Our Arts & Crafts Experience Special

Our creative arts workshops blend therapeutic artmaking with the natural beauty of upstate New York. Whether you're joining a painting workshop in our Activity Building or creating botanical art with materials gathered from our 230 acres, each session is designed as a form of art therapy—helping you disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with your creative spirit.

Led by experienced instructors who understand that creativity is about the journey, not perfection, our art workshops near NYC provide the perfect escape for adults seeking mindful, hands-on experiences.

What to Expect in Our Creative Workshops:

  • Guided instruction from local artists and craftspeople who share their passion and techniques

  • All materials included—from professional-grade paints to natural elements foraged from our 230 acres

  • Therapeutic creative time that naturally reduces stress and promotes mindfulness

  • Take-home treasures that serve as tangible memories of your Catskill retreat

  • Seasonal variations—from pressed flower art in spring to cozy candle-making in winter

  • No experience necessary—our workshops welcome absolute beginners and seasoned creators alike

  • No extra fees - our regular arts & crafts classes are free for guests and included with your stay. While we do sometimes have special programming that might incur additional fees, there are always daily activities available for our guests at no extra charge.

A person wearing a cream-colored knitted sweater is painting a small wooden box outdoors on a patio, with a blurred green background.
Stacked fabrics or garments in various pastel and muted colors, some with paint splatter or wash effects. 
Featured Creative workshops & Art Classes
  • A wooden art supplies box with watercolor paints, a palette knife, and a jar of water on a black table outside. There is a small brush in the water, and a black container nearby. Wooden deck railings and green foliage are in the background.

    Painting Workshops & Retreats

    Join our painting retreats to capture the Catskill landscape en plein air. Our painting workshops include watercolor painting retreats, acrylic painting workshops, and intuitive abstract sessions. Perfect for adults learning to paint for the first time or experienced artists seeking inspiration in upstate New York's natural beauty.

  • Candle Making

    Candle Making Class

    Our candle making classes invite you to craft custom soy candles infused with botanical elements from our gardens. This seasonal candle making workshop in upstate NY lets you blend essential oils and natural decorations to create a sensory memento of your creative retreat.

  • Creative Arts Workshop Experiences

    Creative Arts Workshop Experiences

    These art therapy activities are designed to promote mindfulness and self-expression without the pressure of perfection.

Art Retreats for Every Season

Spring & Summer Art Workshops

  • Botanical art classes

  • Outdoor painting retreats capturing wildflower meadows

  • Nature-inspired creative workshops on our grounds

Fall & Winter Creative Experiences

  • Cozy candle making classes with seasonal scents

  • Suncatcher Designs

  • Abstract painting workshops exploring color and emotion

Three small mosaic tiles with colorful abstract patterns on a wooden surface. 
Plan Your Art Retreat Upstate

  • Location: 2 hours from NYC in Neversink, NY

  • What's Included: All art workshops, materials, and instruction are complimentary for guests

  • Skill Level: Perfect for beginners; all creative workshops welcome adults learning for the first time

  • Schedule: Multiple creative arts workshops offered daily

  • Group Options: Private creative workshops available for retreats and events

A painter's palette with mixed red, blue, white, pink, yellow, and black acrylic paints, two paintbrushes resting on a canvas or paper with black and blue brushstrokes.

More Than Just Arts & Crafts

Your art retreat at Hemlock Neversink goes beyond individual workshops. We've created a holistic creativity retreat where every element supports your artistic journey:

Combine Your Creative Workshop With:

  • Morning yoga to awaken your creative energy

  • Forest bathing walks for artistic inspiration

  • Farm-to-table meals that nourish body and imagination

  • Spa treatments to relax those crafting muscles

  • Stargazing to remind you of nature's greatest artistry

Our vision of wellness isn't about achieving perfection. It's about achieving happiness, having fun, and feeling restored.

Book Your Creative, inner child escape

Ready to reconnect with your creative side in one of New York's most inspiring settings? Our arts and crafts workshops are included with every stay at Hemlock Neversink, along with all daily wellness activities, spa access, and three seasonal meals crafted from local ingredients.

Book Your Stay

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! Our creative workshops are designed for all levels, especially beginners. Most guests joining our painting retreats or mosaic workshops have never tried these crafts before. Our instructors specialize in making art accessible and enjoyable for adults learning to paint or craft for the first time.

  • All regularly scheduled creative arts workshops are complimentary for Hemlock guests, including painting workshops, mosaic art classes, terrarium building, candle making classes, and seasonal botanical art. Check with guest services for the current week's creative workshop schedule.

  • Yes, we offer private creative workshops for individuals, couples, or small groups. Perfect for special occasions or intensive art therapy retreat experiences. Contact stay@hemlockneversink.com to arrange your private session.

  • Nothing! All materials for our creative workshops are provided, including paints, brushes, canvases, mosaic tiles, terrarium supplies, and candle making materials. We even provide aprons for messy projects.

  • Weather permitting, our painting retreats include outdoor sessions for landscape painting. We also have a beautiful indoor Activity Building for year-round creative workshops, including painting, mosaic workshops, and other art classes.

  • Absolutely! Everything you create in our art workshops is yours to keep. We'll help you carefully pack delicate items like paintings, terrariums, and mosaics for safe travel back home.

  • Yes, our art retreats and creative workshops run throughout all seasons. From botanical art classes in spring to cozy candle making workshops in winter, there's always something creative happening at our upstate NY retreat.

  • All our creative workshops are designed for adults seeking a mindful, therapeutic art experience. Our painting retreats, mosaic workshops, and other classes create a mature, relaxed environment perfect for adult learners.

  • We're just 2 hours from New York City, making us one of the most accessible art retreat centers for NYC residents. Many guests visit us specifically for weekend painting retreats and creative workshop getaways from the city.