Creative Retreat 2024

O C T O B E R   2 0 2 4

Dahlonega, Georgia

Creative Retreat with

Angela Chrusciaki Blehm + Liz Lidgett

October 24 - 27, 2024

10 person limit

Dahlonega scenery

Who is this trip for?

Any creative, artist, or person looking to further tap into their creativity and inspiration! This creative retreat includes art classes, group dinners, creative workshops, daily excursions, spending time with creative souls from around the country and more. This retreat is open to all skill levels.

About the workshops

Paint workshops and discussions will center around the theme of self expression, self exploration and building artistic confidence. Angela Chrusciaki Blehm will lead a class surrounding wood assemblage. She'll explore the tools involved in wood assemblage art, prepping a wood surface for painting and color palettes. Guest artist, Jessica Durrant, will lead a watercolor painting class focusing on florals and landscapes inspired by Georgia's lush surroundings. All art materials will be provided.


The River House

The group will be staying together in one cabin located in the Appalachian foothills. While the rushing Etowah River and wooded 5-acres provide most of the memorable ambiance, Angela Blehm carefully crafted the interiors of the River House to inspire and delight.

  • Five rooms are available that sleep up to two people—room preference will be confirmed with each attendee (first come, first served).
  • Three rooms with one king bed
  • Two rooms with two queen beds
More about the property

$1600/person pricing includes

+ excludes the room stay (calculated at confirmation—depending on request for a private room at $610 or shared room at $370)

 + airfare is not included


This is just a sampling of what to expect. More surprises to come! Travel expenses are not included.

Cabin stay

Curated by Angela Blehm herself, The River House Arts (RHA) sits on the riverbanks of the Etowah River. It's where nature and art meet for a special one-of-a-kind property. Three nights are included.

Scheduled meals + goodies

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, experiencing the specially curated cuisine of the RHA private chef. Additional treats and a goodie bag will be gifted!

Daily experiences

Painting workshops lead by artist Angela Blehm and guest artist Jessica Durrant, winery lunch, downtown shopping and more. Engaging activities are offered every day!

Local insight

Anyone can travel, but it’s a much richer experience when guided by a local. Currently living in the city, Angela Blehm is so excited to share her favorite parts of the city with the group.

Creative discussions

Cheers to making new friends! We hope this trip to be an engaging travel experience with the opportunity to make lasting connections from around the country.

Georgia's best small town 2023, Southern Living

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega offers an authentic, mountain getaway only an hour north of Atlanta.

River House Arts interior

Claim your spot

Once your spot is confirmed with the gallery team, we'll be in touch with more details and next steps.

Claim my spot!*

*To claim your spot, an email will be sent to our team. Once the room preference is confirmed via email, we will send you an invoice. There is a 10 person limit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to follow the group agenda?

Of course not. We encourage participation as we've put a lot of thought into the activities and experiences planned. But, for example, if you'd prefer to have lunch elsewhere than what's planned, you're welcome to stray from the group agenda and we hope to see you at the following group activity. Activities and meals outside of the agenda will be at your expense.

What are the cabin accommodations?

Each individual who purchases a spot will be reserved an individual room at the River House Arts—first come, first served. There are five rooms at the River House Arts—three rooms with one king bed, and two rooms with two queen beds. Each room can hold up to two people. At the time of confirmation, we'll ask your preference on room (first come, first served) and if you'll be traveling alone or with someone for either a private room or shared room cost.

What is the deadline to purchase a spot?

All spots must be purchased by September 20. However, there is a 10-person limit and this opportunity is first come, first served. So we'd encourage you not to wait long if you're wanting to join!

Are there at least some vegetarian options for lunch & dinner?

Yes, prior to the trip, we will send out a questionnaire to learn about all dietary needs. Three meals per day will be provided.

I'm more of an introverted creative, so would this trip still be for someone like me?

We'd love for everyone to be comfortable and to only take on what they're comfortable with. The goal is truly connection and to discover something creatively about yourself through painting exercises and creative discussions. I don't want anyone to feel like they're put on the spot. So, please feel free to participate in what makes you feel most comfortable.

Where should I fly into?

Your flight should be scheduled into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Two shuttle times will be provided on arrival day to transport you from the airport to the retreat's River House Arts. Please do your best to arrive Thursday, October 24, mid morning to mid afternoon to accommodate the welcome dinner start time at 6pm.

Tentative itinerary

A more detailed itinerary will be provided to you prior to the trip

Thursday: Arrival + welcome dinner

Arrive in Dahlonega and check into the beautiful River House Arts. Enjoy some free time to rest and enjoy the scenic views around the house. Meet and get to know Angela and Liz over a welcome dinner on the screen porch off the river. We'll enjoy cocktails and good food with a RHA welcome dinner, inviting everyone to get to know each other.

Friday: Workshops + exploring the city

Start the day with breakfast on the screen porch followed by a morning art workshop with Angela Chrusciaki Blehm. We'll explore the tools involved in wood assemblage art, prepping a wood surface for painting, and color palettes. Following lunch at a local winery, we’ll explore and shop the downtown square of Dahlonega. Head back to the house for an inspiring, creative workshop with Liz Lidgett. Dinner will be provided at the house from the RHA private chef.

Saturday: Workshop + Atlanta day trip

Start the day with breakfast on the screen porch followed by another morning art workshop with artist Jessica Durrant. The watercolor painting class will focus on florals and landscapes inspired by Georgia's lush surroundings. Following lunch, an excursion to nearby Atlanta will including shopping Angela’s favorite vintage shops and dinner out.

Sunday: Departure day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as a group at the RHA. Get ready to head out for departure.

More of what you'll see

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