Skill Share Retreat
January 28–31, 2027
Historic Home | Hampton, Virginia
$350/person
Ten Artists. Four Days. One Creative Community.
The Hands-On Heritage Skill Share Retreat is an intimate four-day professional development experience for ten Hampton Roads artists. Rooted in the tradition of passing artistic knowledge from one maker to another, the retreat creates space for artists to teach, learn, collaborate, and strengthen their creative community. Facilitated by Hampton Roads artist, K.Courage, the intent of this weekend retreat is to provide an opportunity for creative professionals to grow together.
Each participant contributes their own expertise through a peer-led skill share. Sessions focus on artistic practice, business development, marketing, teaching, and creative sustainability while encouraging meaningful relationships among regional artists.
Participants leave with new professional skills, updated branding materials, professional headshots, collaborative connections, and an expanded network of creative peers.
WHAT IS "SKILL SHARE"?
Skill Share is a peer-led session where an artist teaches a skill, technique, creative process, or area of professional knowledge through demonstration, discussion, and hands-on participation.
Your expertise doesn't have to be complicated. If you've learned something that could help another artist, you have something worth sharing.
Each participant will lead a 45-minute Skill Share session during the retreat.
COME AS AN ARTIST. LEAVE WITH A COMMUNITY.
During the retreat, you’ll have opportunities to strengthen both your creative practice and your professional toolkit.
YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH:
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A professional headshot
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New branding and marketing strategies
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Product photography & Social Media Content
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Hands-on art-based instruction from fellow professional artists
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Experience presenting a skill share to peers
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Actionable business and teaching resources
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Meaningful connections with local artists
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A collaborative network for continued mentorship and support
COST: $350 PER PERSON
What the Retreat Will Provide
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Lodging (shared Queen Beds)
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All inclusive Meals
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Professional headshot photography
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Branding Workshop
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Professional Development Workshop
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Skill Share Sessions
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Peer Review
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Presentation equipment (folding tables, chairs, brown paper, etc)
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Name badges and retreat materials
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General workshop supplies (paper, tape, scissors, extension cords, etc
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Wi-Fi
CRITERIA TO APPLY
Emerging and established artists are welcome. No formal arts education or professional degree is required. FREE TO APPLY.
Applicants must:
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Must be a resident of Virginia
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Emerging and established artists are welcome to apply
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Must be available for the entire retreat, January 28–31, 2027
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Must be comfortable sharing lodging with another participant.
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Must demonstrate commitment to creative or artistic practice (full time working artists and/or those actively building their art based businesses)
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Must be enthusiastic about sharing their craft, skills, or professional knowledge with other artists
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Must be open to learning new techniques and approaches from fellow participants
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Must be willing to lead a 30-minute Skill Share session based on an area of personal expertise
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Must be willing to participate fully in workshops, discussions, peer review, and collaborative activities throughout the retreat
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Must contribute to creating a respectful, supportive, and collaborative learning environment
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Applicants from all artistic disciplines and mediums are encouraged to apply
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Formal arts education or a professional degree is not required.
All artistic disciplines and mediums are encouraged to apply.
From Hand to Hand, Crafting Connection
Four days to step away from the everyday hustle, learn something new, share what you know, and connect with artists who understand the creative journey.
10 artists. One historic home. Four days of learning, creating, and connecting.
JANUARY 28–31, 2027
Hampton, Virginia
$350 PER PERSON
Application Deadline: October 25, 2026
Choosen Artist Notified by: November 5, 2026
Choosen Artists:
$175 Reservation Payment : November 15, 2026
$175 Final Payment: January 10, 2026
*this is intended to be an inclusive community experience ! if you have any questions about filling out this application please don't hesitate to reach out !
Wholeheartedly,
Kelsey Courage
K.Courage Designs LLC
