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Nourish Your Soul Retreat

“This retreat was a deep, loving journey into my true self.” – M.   |   “I left feeling nourished, inspired, and deeply connected.” – S.

Nourish your Soul Retreat June, 2023

Martina paints quietly beneath the open sky, surrounded by the stillness of nature where she feels most at home. These intuitive works emerged after a movement-based exercise—two distinct poses, one reflecting her current state, the other a desired way of being.

With brush in hand, she translated feeling into form, guided by the rhythms of breath, body, and honest self-inquiry. Here, art becomes a language for the soul—shaped not by rules, but by presence and deep listening.

 

Creative Sanctuary

“More than a retreat — it’s a transformative experience that shifts how you see your life and your art.” — A.

 

Step into a weekend designed to nourish your spirit and ignite your creative fire.


Surrounded by forest and stillness, you’ll paint from intuition, shape poetry and clay, and move freely—guided not by rules, but by the voice within. Gentle prompts open doorways to the unconscious, while forest hikes and starlit dinners kindle deep connection. Each moment is curated to help you soften, listen, and return to yourself.

Everything you need is provided—materials, meals, and the kind of soulful company that makes you feel truly seen. You’ll leave not only with art, but with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of who you are.

A Weekend to Remember | Nourish Your soul Retreat Testimonial

A retreat was always my vision, the carrot at the end of the road. This first real Retreat couldn’t have been with a better group.

Mini Art in the Moment Retreat:

Saturday 10am-4:30pm, June 21, 2025 – $195

Nourish Your Soul Retreat:

Weekend 9/19-21, 2025 – $675  (Early Bird $625)

🏡 A Hidden Gem in the Forest

Nourish Your Soul Retreat

Nestled in a peaceful golf community in Hedgesville, WV (just 90 minutes from Washington, DC), my home studio sits at the edge of 22,000 acres of pristine forest. With trails, fresh air, and quiet beauty, nature becomes your co-facilitator.

Optional lodging is available in local Airbnbs or one of two cozy guest rooms in my home

 

 

Your Weekend Journey

Your Weekend at a Glance

We’ll kick things off Friday at 4pm with a warm welcome, a festive cocktail, and a thoughtful gift to get you settled in. You’ll meet the other women, enjoy a cozy dinner, and we’ll chat about what inspired you to join.

The Flow of the Weekend

  • Friday: 4pm–8pm

  • Saturday: 9am–5pm
  •  

  • Sunday: 9am–4pm

Both days are filled with creative time, reflection, and inspiration—with plenty of breaks and support along the way.

Food, Friends & Fresh Air

You’ll enjoy light, healthy lunches both days made with local ingredients. Dinners are European-style, home-cooked (except Saturday, when we’ll head to a local restaurant if you’d like to join—just let me know Friday!).

All Materials Included

No need to bring a thing. I’ve got you covered with all the supplies—just bring your curiosity and creative spirit.

Small Group, Big Connection

With space for just 6 women, this VIP retreat gives you individual attention in a warm, welcoming space where real growth can happen.

Paint a poppy with a pallet knife

💬 What past participants say

“Elisabeth created such a warm, open space. I didn’t know I had this much beauty inside me.” — R.F., DC
2-day Abstract Workshop with 2 students, one from the US and one from Germany - Elisabeth Vismans
R.F.DC
The Art of Being in the Moment  Retreat with Elisabeth Vismans, June 9 - 11, 2023 The greatest gift of this weekend retreat is the sense of welcome into a creative space to stir the senses: light, flavor, texture, music, and movement. In Elisabeth’s airy refuge in the woods, something delights the eye everywhere you look with lush plants and her vibrant art on the walls.  Our opening session set the tone of trust, freedom, support, and openness — and the dinner feast that Elisabeth prepared nourished us body and soul. The group shared the joys of warm soothing stew, fresh bread, pie to celebrate, candlelight, and great company. There is a sure sense that exactly the right people are meant to be here for exactly the right reasons. The first morning’s exercise was a revelation as Elisabeth invited us to inhabit different gender roles using color, movement, and imagination to get centered and use the body to help us be in the moment. The next work we did on the inner saboteur unearthed deeper truths — challenging me to paint from my intuition and give voice to the old beliefs that hold me back.  Working in clay and with paint for the afternoon session exploring poses reflecting how I feel in my life now — and how I want to feel — generated some powerful insights and meaningful work.  This exercise got to the very root of the bodily sensation of deep emotions — beyond words — and helped focus my conscious mind on the longing that my unconscious body-mind holds, for my life, for my future, and for my legacy. On Sunday morning, Elisabeth challenged us to observe a square foot of the forest floor in the woods near her home. This full sensory immersion brought unexpected insights and subtle joys as I grounded myself laying on a carpet of soft leaves and tender plants to pay close attention to a small verdant kingdom within the confines of four twigs. A poem emerged spontaneously from my spiritual “field notes” from this time in nature. As I leave, I am taking with me a profound sense of creative refreshment, nourishment, and inspiration thanks to Elisabeth’s generosity, vision, and example of creativity and grace. Anne-Louise Bateman Oliphant Hedgesville, WV
Anne-Louise Oliphant
Anne-Louise OliphantCEO
I attended Elisabeth Vismans' 3-day retreat in West Virginia: Nourish Your Soul (June 9-11, 2023). What a wonderful time! The group of 5 women who attended enjoyed each other's company so much. Elisabeth created a program that was easy to follow and engaging. We worked on a variety of projects (painting, writing, sculpting, sharing) in different art mediums. The retreat provided a combo of quiet times and sharing/learning from each other. Each attendees was able to address their particular themes/interests with Elisabeth's full attention and support. I would love to attend a workshop like this one again in the future. Thanks, Elisabeth! Martina Sestakova I've enjoyed taking Elisabeth's Playing with Abstraction class and attending a personal coaching retreat at her lovely home in West Virginia. Elisabeth is a gifted and gracious teacher and an authentic woman whose warmth radiates and embraces. Both of my experiences with Elisabeth were pivotal for me as an evolving artist and as an individual. I had fun, learned a lot, and developed a lasting relationship with a genuinely creative visionary. I will continue to take her classes and her retreats. Fran Simon, M.Ed.
Fran Simon
Fran SimonM.Ed
I attended the “Nourish your Soul Retreat” this weekend lead by Artist and Coach Elisabeth Vismans. Check out some of the Intuitive Painting projects we did - some group, some solo, and some interactive. We had so much fun and learned A LOT about ourselves, art, our intuition and what we want to do to move forward to live our best lives.   If you are looking for a retreat that will nourish your body and soul - this is it! Thank you so much Elisabeth - this weekend was just what I needed.
Nourish Your Soul Retreat in the Park for Art Show, Elisabeth Vismans, 2024
Kimberly McClureCEO
“Elisabeth created such a warm, open space. I didn’t know I had this much beauty inside me.” — R.F., DC
2-day Abstract Workshop with 2 students, one from the US and one from Germany - Elisabeth Vismans
R.F.DC
The Art of Being in the Moment  Retreat with Elisabeth Vismans, June 9 - 11, 2023 The greatest gift of this weekend retreat is the sense of welcome into a creative space to stir the senses: light, flavor, texture, music, and movement. In Elisabeth’s airy refuge in the woods, something delights the eye everywhere you look with lush plants and her vibrant art on the walls.  Our opening session set the tone of trust, freedom, support, and openness — and the dinner feast that Elisabeth prepared nourished us body and soul. The group shared the joys of warm soothing stew, fresh bread, pie to celebrate, candlelight, and great company. There is a sure sense that exactly the right people are meant to be here for exactly the right reasons. The first morning’s exercise was a revelation as Elisabeth invited us to inhabit different gender roles using color, movement, and imagination to get centered and use the body to help us be in the moment. The next work we did on the inner saboteur unearthed deeper truths — challenging me to paint from my intuition and give voice to the old beliefs that hold me back.  Working in clay and with paint for the afternoon session exploring poses reflecting how I feel in my life now — and how I want to feel — generated some powerful insights and meaningful work.  This exercise got to the very root of the bodily sensation of deep emotions — beyond words — and helped focus my conscious mind on the longing that my unconscious body-mind holds, for my life, for my future, and for my legacy. On Sunday morning, Elisabeth challenged us to observe a square foot of the forest floor in the woods near her home. This full sensory immersion brought unexpected insights and subtle joys as I grounded myself laying on a carpet of soft leaves and tender plants to pay close attention to a small verdant kingdom within the confines of four twigs. A poem emerged spontaneously from my spiritual “field notes” from this time in nature. As I leave, I am taking with me a profound sense of creative refreshment, nourishment, and inspiration thanks to Elisabeth’s generosity, vision, and example of creativity and grace. Anne-Louise Bateman Oliphant Hedgesville, WV
Anne-Louise Oliphant
Anne-Louise OliphantCEO

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need to be good at art to attend?

No, not at all. No experience is required. We work purely with intuition — not technique. This retreat is about exploration, not perfection. It’s about play, presence, and process — not making “pretty pictures.”

What should I bring?

Just bring your open heart, curiosity, and a willingness to explore. All art materials — including a sketchbook — will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own journal or any special tools you love.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes you can move in, and shoes for walking on forest trails. A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are a good idea. A detailed packing list will be emailed two weeks before the retreat.

Do I have to participate in every activity?

Absolutely not. You are your own guide. If you’d rather write than move, or take quiet time during a group session, that’s perfectly okay. Everything is an invitation — you choose what feels right.

Where do I stay?

There are over 35 Airbnbs and 4 lodges in the beautiful golf community where the retreat is held. I also have two guest rooms available in my home. If you’d like to share accommodations with another participant, I can help you connect.

What’s included in the retreat price?

  • All intuitive art sessions (painting, clay, movement, poetry, and more)

  • All materials and tools

  • A welcome dinner + two light lunches (fresh, European-style meals)

  • Refreshments and snacks

  • Surprise gifts + a welcome package

  • Supportive small-group atmosphere (max 6 participants)

Saturday dinner is not included, but we’ll plan an optional group meal at a nearby restaurant.

Can I set an intention for the weekend?

Yes! On Friday evening, you’ll receive the full program and be guided to set a personal intention for your experience. This helps focus your energy and deepen your creative process. Your intention can shift during the weekend — it’s simply a starting point.

 

What is your Cancellation Policy?


Your registration holds your space for the retreat or program, and I limit all group sizes to keep the experience personal and immersive.

  • Cancellations made more than 30 days before the start of the retreat/program will receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee.

  • Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat start date are non-refundable.

  • If you’re unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another person or apply your payment to a future program (within 12 months), subject to availability.

  • No refunds will be issued for no-shows or partial attendance.

By registering, you agree to these terms. Please contact me if you have questions — I want you to feel good about your decision.

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