Are you an artist or craftsperson looking for the perfect place to host a weekend retreat? St. James in Payette, Idaho, offers a unique and inspiring setting for creative gatherings. With its historic charm, spacious banquet hall, fully equipped kitchen, and peaceful overnight accommodations, St. James is the ideal venue for an immersive artistic getaway. Best of all, we offer free overnight accommodations to retreat organizers! For your retreat participants, we charge only $35/person for each day.
Why Host a Retreat at St. James?
St. James is more than just a venue—it’s an experience. Built in 1894 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former Episcopal church provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere that fosters creativity and connection. Whether you’re planning a painting workshop, a fiber arts weekend, or a mixed-media retreat, St. James offers:
A spacious banquet hall with ample room for group projects and displays
A full kitchen for shared meals and refreshments
A cozy preparation room for smaller workshops or quiet creative time
Overnight accommodations in a historic setting
Easy access to local dining and shopping in charming Payette
Retreat Schedule Ideas
We encourage retreat organizers to tailor their schedules based on the type of art or craft they teach. Here are a few sample weekend itineraries to inspire your planning:
Painting & Drawing Retreat
Friday:
5:00 PM – Arrival & Welcome Reception
6:30 PM – Introduction to the weekend’s theme & supplies setup
Saturday:
8:00 AM – Breakfast & coffee
9:00 AM – Morning Plein Air painting session
12:30 PM – Lunch break
2:00 PM – Still life drawing & technique workshop
6:00 PM – Group dinner & artist networking
Sunday:
9:00 AM – Final project & feedback session
12:00 PM – Farewell & cleanup
Fiber Arts & Textile Retreat
Friday:
4:00 PM – Check-in & meet-and-greet
6:00 PM – Introduction to techniques & materials
Saturday:
8:30 AM – Morning knitting, weaving, or embroidery session
12:00 PM – Lunch & discussion on artistic inspiration
2:00 PM – Hands-on project time
5:30 PM – Show-and-tell & group critique
Sunday:
9:00 AM – Final stitching session
11:30 AM – Pack up & goodbyes
Mixed Media & Craft Retreat
Friday:
6:00 PM – Arrival & casual networking
7:30 PM – Introduction to techniques & demo session
Saturday:
9:00 AM – Journaling & collage workshop
12:30 PM – Lunch break
2:00 PM – 3D mixed media creations
7:00 PM – Freeform crafting & music night
Sunday:
10:00 AM – Final projects & group gallery display
1:00 PM – Wrap-up & departure
Let’s Make It Happen!
If you’re interested in hosting an art or craft retreat at St. James, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re an experienced instructor or simply passionate about bringing creatives together, we’ll help you make your vision a reality.
Contact us today to start planning your perfect retreat!
Comments