rediscover your creative passion at the reignite retreat

An art, creativity & wellness retreat for Women

join us September 22-25, 2024 at the beautiful brown county barn burner in Nashville, Indiana

If you enjoy exploring creativity in all its forms and are searching for inspiration and the chance to try something new, then the REIGNITE Retreat is for you.

Participants will enjoy an all-inclusive experience with food and lodging provided, plus an incredible schedule of art, creativity, and wellness activities.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE - early registration PRICING ENDS August 19!

EARLY BIRD PRICING - GET $250 OFF! (Valid until 8/19)

  • Single Room: $1,500 (standard price $1,750)

  • Double Room: $1,250 (standard price $1,500)

REGULAR PRICING (Valid until 9/13 or Sold Out)

  • Single Room: $1,750

  • Double Room: $1,500

EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY WITHOUT FEAR OF FAILURE.

For women seeking a chance to unplug and explore their creativity, this exclusive retreat offers the perfect blend of freedom, inspiration, and relaxation. Attendees will have the opportunity to play, experiment, and rediscover the joy of creating, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of Brown County, Indiana, and in the company of like-minded women.

what to Expect At The Retreat

  • A carefully curated schedule of creative workshops (see the full itinerary HERE) led by talented artists and instructors.  This includes

    • A morning “Collaborative Mural” session, followed by “Petals & Palates” - a floral design workshop led by Kara Hammes, where participants will design their own Dutch-inspired floral arrangement and get a brief introduction to the different types and uses of edible flowers

    • Mixed media and abstract art workshop with local artist Meghan Hernandez

    • Improve your photography skills with Angie, the local photographer behind Angela Jackson Photography

    • Explore embroidery and needle felting with Jessica of Columbus-based Artistry Cookie Co

    • Experiment with color and composition through multiple artistic mediums led by local artist Kurt Eagleman, and more.

  • Yoga sessions and outdoor activities, along with other wellness offerings

  • Delicious food from local chefs, plus the fantastic company of other attendees

  • Opportunities to explore the charming town of Nashville and the natural beauty of Brown County

why join us?

Whether you’re a professional seeking a break from the routine, a hobbyist looking to explore new mediums, or someone who simply desires the freedom to experiment and uncover new facets of your creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment, this retreat is for you.

At the REIGNITE Women’s Art & Creative Retreat, you’ll be in the company of like-minded women and given the space and time to reconnect with your inner artist, play with new ideas and mediums, and ultimately find inspiration in the beauty of Brown County.

This unique, intimate retreat is for anyone who enjoys exploring creativity in all its forms and is searching for inspiration and the chance to try something new. The memories made and skills practiced during our retreats will stay with you long past your time in Brown County.

who is this Retreat for?

  • For any woman with a desire to revive her creativity and find new sparks of inspiration.

  • For the busy female professional or creative entrepreneur caught in the cycle of doing only what's necessary, who’s ready to break free and rediscover the joy of creating without a specific end goal.

  • For friends who are eager to step out of their comfort zones and celebrate creativity in all its forms.

  • For sisters, mothers, and daughters - anyone - who wants to experience the magic of creating together in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Where will the retreat be held?

The REIGNITE Women’s Art & Creative Retreat will be held at the Brown County Barn Burner, in the heart of Nashville, Indiana.

Brown County, Indiana is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and artistic heritage, and provides the perfect backdrop for this retreat.

In addition, the Brown County Barn Burner offers a unique, comfortable setting to support both creativity and relaxation. Both single and double rooms are available to choose from.

Itinerary

*Itinerary is not final. Subject to change per host's discretion and instructor/provider availability. Additional programming may be offered depending on the final number of attendees. A full itinerary will be provided to participants a few weeks in advance of the retreat.

  • Guests may arrive at the Brown County Barn Burner any time between 2-4 pm. Settle into your room, get acquainted with the space, and unwind with one of the provided art or craft kits.

    We’ll officially kick off the retreat around 6 pm on the rooftop patio with a guided tasting and pairing discussion led by our friends at Swine & Dine Events. A delicious dinner inspired by the fall equinox will immediately follow.

    We’ll have time to discuss the full itinerary and set intentions for the retreat, get to know one another, and spend the rest of the evening unwinding together and enjoying the rooftop patio and fire table.

  • Each morning an assortment of breakfast items will be provided for participants to choose from and prepare for themselves. This will include a variety of items, such as local pastries, fruit, yogurt, eggs, juice, coffee & tea, etc.

    After breakfast, join Kara Hammes for a collaborative mural session in the Event Space. This activity will help loosen your creative flow and set the tone for the day. Following the mural, Kara will lead the "Petals & Palates" floral workshop, where you'll select a vintage vase and create a Dutch-inspired floral arrangement while learning about flower selection, care, and design concepts.

    We'll walk to lunch in town and return for an afternoon mixed media and abstract workshop with Meghan Hernandez. Using the morning's floral arrangements as inspiration, Meghan will guide you through various materials and techniques to create unique, expressive pieces.

    Dinner will be provided in the evening, followed by an informal embroidery session with Jessica, perfect for a relaxed and creative end to the day.

  • Begin the day with breakfast and an optional restorative yoga session with Erica Weddle, held either on the rooftop patio or in the Event Space, depending on the weather.

    After yoga, we'll spend the morning with Angie of Angela Jackson Photography. Angie will teach you how to take better pictures on your phone through discussions of composition, lines, and camera settings. We'll take a walk around the town of Nashville to practice our new photography skills, and Angie will help capture at least one headshot or branding photo for each participant to take with them.

    After lunch at the Barn Burner, we'll travel to a nature preserve in Brown County to explore the intersection of art and nature. Jessica will lead a needle felting workshop, incorporating the embroidery techniques learned Monday evening. There will also be time and space for attendees to hike, paint, and engage in other creative exercises. The day will conclude with a magical, fall-inspired dinner.

  • Start the final day with a leisurely morning and prepare to check out of the lodging by 11am. This morning, attendees will also have the option join local artist Kurt Eagleman at his studio space, within walking distance of the Barn Burner, for a workshop on composition and gestural drawing. Be sure to take some time to explore Nashville and appreciate the work of local artists and artisans before departing.

Past Guest & Event Participant Reviews

We hosted the first REIGNITE Women’s Art & Creative Retreat in June 2024, but I’ve also been successfully hosting guests and other small events at the Barn Burner for almost 4 years. So here’s some feedback from past guests and event participants:

I am so happy I had the chance to attend the REIGNITE Retreat. The focus on creativity was exactly what I needed to rediscover my passion for art. The day spent at Yellowwood was my favorite; the weather was perfect, and it was so peaceful. The accommodations at the Barn Burner were spectacular, providing both community and privacy. The organization, the amazing instructors, and the wonderful social environment made it an unforgettable experience. Since coming back home, I have been trying to do something with watercolor or sketching every day.

— Carol S, REIGNITE Retreat Participant

I needed time to recenter myself, and the REIGNITE Retreat provided exactly that. It was a chance to break away from my daily roles and nurture myself. I loved the flower arrangement session, the art portion with Kurt, and the day at Yellowwood. The location was perfect, and the Barn Burner was so accommodating. I left with a new sense of purpose and creativity, and I would highly recommend this retreat to everyone.

— Alyson H, REIGNITE Retreat Participant

My motivation for attending REIGNITE was the chance to experience the Barn Burner and spend time with friends. I truly enjoyed the flower decorating, photography, and paddleboarding sessions. The Barn Burner is the ideal setting for such an activity, and the flexibility of the schedule was great. The food was amazing, and I loved the free time to sit on the rooftop and talk. Kara's communication and organization were superb.

— Dian L, REIGNITE Retreat Participant

I've attended several events hosted by Kara and always walk away from them feeling so happy and fulfilled. She creates an environment where a group of people who don't all know each other can hang out for hours, enjoy each other's company, and be creative at the same time. The most valuable part of the events she hosts is connecting with new people beyond basic small talk. I would absolutely recommend an experience planned by Kara. Her venue, the Barn Burner, is so beautiful that it's inspiring just to stay there. When you add all the creative activities she thinks up, tasty food, and interesting people she brings together, it's a dream!

— Amy N, Event Attendee

We had a girls’ weekend and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The location is in the heart of Nashville, and Kara goes above and beyond to provide everything you might need, from directions to toiletries to kitchen appliances, glasses, etc. The shared rooftop patio is very nice, and we made new friends with the others sharing the space. (The rooms were quiet even with the shared roof space). It’s a great, walkable location. I highly recommend you read Kara’s emails for more tips on making your way around Nashville. She helps make it a lovely experience!

— Ashley E, Barn Burner Guest

This was exactly what we had in mind when we thought to book a girl’s trip to Brown County. Our stay was everything we wanted and more — so much so, that we are planning to return once a year at minimum for a stay at the Barn Burner. Kara is super responsive and instructions on checking in and out are very clear. The place is cozy and feels like HOME. The bathrooms and kitchen were completely stocked. We greatly enjoyed staying here!

—Taylor D, Barn Burner Guest

Want to read more?  Feel free to check out more reviews of the Barn Burner on Google, Facebook, Airbnb, or Vrbo.  Serving our guests well and ensuring an exceptional experience is what we pride ourselves on, and I’m excited to extend that level of care and hospitality to our retreat participants.

Pricing & Logistics

Pricing for the REIGNITE Women’s Art & Creative Retreat includes 3-nights of lodging, all meals (dinner Sunday night through breakfast Wednesday morning), instructors and materials for all scheduled activities, and transportation as needed within Brown County. You can see more details on everything that’s included HERE.

  • One attendee in a private room is $1,750 for the three-night retreat - there are four single-occupancy rooms available. (Get $250 off if you register by 8/19).

  • A pair of friends, sisters, or a mom and daughter sharing a room is $1,500 per person for the retreat - there are five double-occupancy rooms available. (Get $250 off if you register by 8/19).

  • A $250 discount will be given on all bookings that are made and paid in full by August 19, 2024.

  • Payment plans are available. Payment for a single-occupancy room may be split into two payments of $925. Payment for a double-occupancy room may be split into two payments of $800. Inquire about the payment schedule.

  • All bookings are final and not refundable. However, if you're unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to another person.**

Participants will need to arrange their own travel to Nashville, Indiana. Driving is the best way to get here and there is plenty of free parking available near the Brown County Barn Burner.  If you need to fly, then your best option is the Indianapolis Airport (IND - 1 hour away) or the Louisville Airport (SDF - 1.5 hours away).  Assistance with coordinating transportation from the airport can be provided if needed.  

Once you arrive in Nashville, you won't have to worry about a thing for the duration of the retreat. Transportation within Brown County, all activities and materials, and all meals are included in the cost of the retreat.

**All bookings for the REIGNITE Retreat are final and non-refundable. However, if you're unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to another person. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to make a change. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, so we encourage you to consider travel insurance to protect your investment in case of any unexpected events.

mORE ABOUT OUR AMAZING pARTNERS & iNSTRUCTORS

To say that I’m excited about the instructors, artists, and other businesses participating in this retreat would be an understatement.

I’ve been lucky enough to know most of them for years - some in person, and others just through the magic of social media - but I admire and respect all of them and their caliber of work. You might even say my main motivation in planning this retreat is to get all of them together in Brown County so that I can learn from them myself! Now I just need to convince people to sign up and join to make it a reality ;-) Here are more details about each of them, in case you need further convincing:

  • Kara Hammes

    FLORAL & LANDSCAPE DESIGN ENTHUSIAST

    Kara is the co-owner of the Brown County Barn Burner and founder of REIGNITE Retreats, and has found immense joy in working with plants and flowers since childhood.

    At the retreat, Kara will lead both a "Collaborative Mural" session to help everyone loosen their creative flow and set the tone for the day. Then she’ll guide participants in her signature "Petals & Palates" workshop, where attendees will select vintage vases to create Dutch-inspired floral arrangements while learning about flower selection, care, and design concepts, nd get a brief introduction to the different types and uses of edible flowers.

    Kara's workshops are designed to inspire experimentation and creative problem-solving through the lens of nature's beauty.

  • Meghan Hernandez

    MIXED MEDIA ARTIST

    Meghan, a mother of three and former high school art teacher, is passionate about the transformative power of creativity. Now guiding toddlers in artistic exploration, she believes creativity and beauty enhance daily life.

    At the retreat, Meghan will lead a mixed media and abstract art workshop, using the floral arrangements created by participants as inspiration. Participants will explore various materials and techniques to create unique, expressive pieces.

    Her workshop is designed to help you release limiting beliefs and embrace the creative process. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, Meghan’s session will inspire a fresh, artistic perspective.

  • Jessica Robayo

    ARTISTRY COOKIE CO

    Jessica Robayo is the talented artist behind Artistry Cookie Co. After 7 years as a high school art teacher, she transitioned to graphic design but missed the hands-on nature of creating art. While she’s known for her beautiful cookie designs, Jessica also loves embroidery and needle felting, skills she’s eager to share at our retreat.

    At the retreat, Jessica will host an embroidery session, where she'll guide participants through basic stitches and project ideas in a casual social setting, as well as a needle felting workshop at a local nature preserve. Participants will create their own colorful fiber paintings inspired by the surrounding landscape.

    Jessica’s workshops are perfect for both beginners and experienced artists looking to explore new creative outlets.

  • Angela Jackson

    ANGELA JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

    Angela Jackson is a passionate photographer who thrives on documenting organic connections and emotions. She loves capturing the essence of people's stories with a creative lifestyle perspective.

    At the retreat, Angie will lead a photography workshop where participants will learn to take better pictures and we'll take a walk around the town of Nashville to practice our new photography skills. Angie will help capture at least one headshot or branding photo for each participant to take with them.

    Angie's approach to photography is all about evoking moments and documenting authentic connections, ensuring that everyone leaves with cherished memories and new skills.

  • Erica Weddle

    SIMPLY FITNESS

    Erica has a lifelong commitment to health and wellness and developed a love for the outdoors at an early age. She is a certified personal trainer, 200-hour yoga instructor, and paddleboard instructor with a holistic approach to fitness.

    At the retreat, Erica will lead a restorative yoga session, focusing on yin and restorative yoga practices. This class allows participants to maintain breath awareness through postures, targeting connective tissues, muscles, and ligaments for deep nourishment and relaxation.

  • Catie & Lindy

    SWINE & DINE EVENTS

    Catie & Lindy are a mother-daughter duo and the phenomenal pair behind Swine & Dine Events in Columbus, IN. Catie is the wine and spirits aficionado and is always ready to surprise and delight with her innovative picks and pairings. Lindy is a self-titled foodie and the source of all the fantastic foods and “nibbles” Swine & Dine provides for their events.

    At the retreat, the Swine & Dine Events team will lead a wine-tasting & pairing experience on the first night, as well as providing a delicious dinner to follow. We partnered with Catie & Lindy for the first REIGNITE Retreat, and it was the perfect start to a magical retreat. I can’t wait to have them back again in September!

Additional questions, answered

What’s Included?

Pretty much everything!

  • 3 nights accommodation at a luxury Airbnb with 170+ 5-star reviews

  • Transportation as needed while in Brown County on the retreat

  • A delicious breakfast spread each morning, Monday through Wednesday.  Breakfast items may include local pastries, fruit, yogurt, coffee & tea, eggs, etc (in the case of things like eggs, some cooking or preparation by participants may be required).

  • Catered or picnic-style lunch options will be provided on Monday and Tuesday

  • Incredible dining experiences each evening (Sunday through Tuesday). This may include anything from private chefs to multi-course meals, to dinners at local restaurants, or other options, depending on the exact itinerary.

  • Wellness offerings include yoga, hiking, and more.

  • Creative workshops each morning and afternoon led by exceptional instructors with all supplies provided, plus additional opportunities and supplies for more self-guided work.  Here’s a sampling of the amazing instructors that are already lined up, with more details to come! You can read more about each of them and their style of work above in the “About Our Amazing Partners & Instructors” section.

    • A morning “Collaborative Mural” session, followed by “Petals & Palates” - a floral design workshop led by Kara Hammes, where participants will design their own Dutch-inspired floral arrangement and get a brief introduction to the different types and uses of edible flowers

    • Mixed media and abstract art workshop with local artist Meghan Hernandez

    • Improve your photography skills with Angie, the local photographer behind Angela Jackson Photography

    • Explore embroidery and needle felting with Jessica of Columbus-based Artistry Cookie Co

    • Experiment with color, composition, and different artistic mediums with local artist Kurt Eagleman. Check out Kurt’s website and Instagram account to see more of his work.

*Programming is subject to change slightly based on the discretion of the host, weather, and instructor availability.

What’s Not Included?

  • Travel to and from Nashville, Indiana

  • Additional alcohol outside of the wine tasting will occur during dinner on the first night

  • Any shopping you choose to do

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Travel insurance, if desired

To APPLY TO ATTEND the september 22-25, 2024 reignite retreat, or to ask any questions specific to the retreat, please fill out the form below.