Québec City
June 24-30, 2027
September 13-19, 2027
with Susan Melrath & Terri Froelich
Join Susan & Terri for an intimate 7 day / 6 night retreat experience in the heart of Québec City, Canada!
A Week of Painting, Feedback & Professional Mentorship
This year is all about you…
Your Work. Your Questions. Your Next Chapter.
Because you don’t need more information.
You need perspective.
A week to step away from your routine.
A week to look deeply at your work.
A week to ask bigger questions.
A week with two established artists who will help you figure out what comes next.
The gap between where you are
and where you want to be.
You know how to paint.
You’ve put in the hours. You’ve developed skills, filled sketchbooks, finished paintings-and somewhere along the way, you may have started wondering:
Where is all of this taking me?
What is the thread running through my work?
What makes a painting feel unmistakably mine?
Am I developing a body of work-or simply making one painting after another?
And perhaps the biggest question:
What would happen if I stepped back and looked at my entire practice from a different perspective?
The Big Picture is a week-long destination retreat for practicing artists who are ready to do exactly that.
This is an opportunity to have two established artists take a deep, thoughtful look at your work, your habits, your goals, and your entire creative practice-and help you create a plan for where you want to go next.
This is bigger than a single painting...
During this immersive week, we’ll move beyond the question of “Is this painting working?” and begin asking the questions that can transform an artist’s practice:
What does success actually mean to me?
What am I really trying to say?
What tools or practices might help me move forward?
What makes my work uniquely mine?
Where is my work strongest - and where is it held back?
What part of my practice needs attention?
And how do I turn all of these discoveries into a cohesive body of work?
Together, we’ll identify what’s working, uncover opportunities for growth, and look honestly at the habits and decisions that shape your work.
The goal isn’t to turn you into a different artist.
It’s to help you become more fully the artist you already have the potential to be.
What Past Participants Are Saying
“If you’re looking for a high-touch creative workshop that allows you to expand your studio practice, look no further than ARTfuel Studios. Terri & Susan have created an amazing destination workshop experience that help clarify your approach to your studio practice and encourage you to think differently about your work. Their lesson plans challenge your creative approach and give you a better understanding of how to evaluate & be re-inspired by your work. The smaller group size is refreshing and provides a genuine space to connect with fellow artists while experiencing the rich culture and influences of your surroundings!”
— Kim Chigi
Taking this workshop is the best thing I've ever done for my art. Susan and Terri's teaching and guidance throughout the week was just amazing and exceeded all expectations. It was so inspiring to be with them and the other artists on the retreat. Everyone was so friendly and kind and there was a lot of fun and laughter. I've come back to my studio feeling nurtured with more confidance and clear in my intentions. I am so happy that I've had this experience.
— Sarah Capes
Terri Froelich and Susan Melrath
Meet Your Instructors
Together, Susan Melrath and Terri Froelich have led over 10 ARTfuel destination retreats, helping artists from around the world transform their work. Our teaching style blends deep art principles with practical application, always rooted in helping each artist expand their own voice—not imitate someone else’s.
We don’t teach formulas—we help you build the visual foundation your intuition needs to thrive.
This retreat is for those ready to explore deeper waters, not just swim in the shallow end.
This is the work we believe in.
And we’d love to guide you through it.
SUSAN MELRATH
Susan has been a painter for her entire adult life - working as a published illustrator for many years, and a studio artist for the last fifteen. As a teacher, she has helped thousands of artists find their way to making strong, authentic work. Her greatest love is helping painters understand how to organize the elements in their paintings to make them as strong and compelling as can be. Susan’s work can be seen at Art & Light Gallery in Greenville, SC , Carver Hill Gallery in Camden, ME and Museo Gallery in Langley, WA. www.susanmelrath.com
TERRI FROELICH
Terri is an abstract painter and photographer based in Sausalito, California. Her creative journey began behind the lens—after receiving her first SLR camera as a teenager—and expanded into painting in 2002. To this day, photography remains a daily practice: a way of collecting visual "nuggets"—shapes, compositions, and colors—that quietly inform and guide her intuitive process in the studio. She has taught destination art retreats and online courses, helping artists strengthen their skills and develop a more personal, powerful visual language. Her favorite way to teach? In small, intimate retreats where deep connection, meaningful conversation, and hands-on exploration unfold in inspiring places. She is currently represented by Julie Nester Gallery (Park City, UT) and Kennedy Contemporary (Newport Beach, CA). www.terrifroelich.com
A week designed for discovery…
Develop a recognizable visual language
Discover the qualities, choices, and recurring ideas that can make your work feel distinctly your own.
Explore a meaningful subject or idea
Go deeper than simply deciding what to paint. Identify the subjects and ideas that genuinely engage you-and have the potential to sustain a body of work.
Learn how to create a cohesive body of work
Learn how individual paintings can begin to speak to one another, creating a stronger and more intentional overall practice.
Strengthen your technical skills
Identify the technical challenges that are keeping your ideas from coming through-and develop strategies for moving beyond them.
Take greater creative risks
Move beyond the familiar. Experiment, push, question, and give yourself permission to make discoveries rather than simply trying to make successful paintings.
Become more confident in your decisions
Develop a stronger understanding of why you make the choices you make-and trust yourself enough to stand behind them.
Understand what makes your work uniquely yours
Look for the qualities that already distinguish your work and learn how to develop them rather than constantly chasing someone else’s idea of what your work should be.
Become more professionally organized
Build studio and professional practices that support your creative goals instead of getting in their way.
Why We Keep It Small
This is not a crowd.
It’s a circle of trust.
We keep our retreats small and intimate on purpose-so every artist is seen, supported, and truly able to grow.
We’re not about big crowds.
This isn’t surface-level.
It’s deep, focused, and personal.
The Experience
Location: Québec City, Canada - (2 retreats)
Instructors: - Susan Melrath & Terri Froelich
Dates: 2 retreats available
June 24-30, 2027
September 13-19, 2027
Spots are available: 20 Total (16 single / 4 double)
Studio: Your own table for space to spread out and focus
This is for: Abstract and representational practicing painters (meaning you have taken an art class or workshop - you have held a brush and moved paint around!)
What’s Included…
Morning presentations & morning/afternoon sessions with Susan & Terri
Studio time + one-on-one support/feedback
Spacious indoor painting studio with 24/7 access (and you get your own table!)
All meals - made fresh daily, sourced locally (wine is available for purchase)
Time for reflection, rest, and exploration
A supportive community of fellow artists
Spa services available
6 nights accommodation
The Place
We believe that where you spend a week matters.
Our 2027 destinations are extraordinary places chosen specifically for artists - beautiful, inspiring settings where you can step away from your normal routine and give your creative practice the attention it deserves.
Each location has been carefully vetted for the things that matter:
Space to create.
A place worth exploring.
Exceptional food.
Comfort and beauty.
And an environment that gives you room to think.
This isn’t simply a painting workshop that happens to take place somewhere beautiful.
The place is part of the experience.
The heart of Old Québec will be your home for the week.
Le Monastère des Augustines
Our home for the week is a beautifully restored 17th-century monastery tucked within the historic walls of Old Québec. Stepping inside, you’ll leave the noise of everyday life behind. Nearly four centuries of history surround you - quiet stone corridors, peaceful gardens and courtyards, soaring historic spaces, and the beautifully preserved architecture of the former Augustinian cloister.
But this is far more than a historic building. Thoughtfully restored to blend its remarkable past with contemporary comfort, Le Monastère is dedicated to rest, reflection and well-being. It is the kind of place that naturally invites you to slow down, notice more and reconnect with your creative practice.
And just outside its doors is Old Québec - a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, cafés, galleries, restaurants and endless visual inspiration.
For an art retreat, we can't imagine a more inspiring combination: a peaceful place to create, a remarkable place to stay, and one of North America's most beautiful historic cities waiting just outside the door.
How it Works...
When you register for the retreat, you have two payment options. You can choose a payment plan (3 payments), or to pay in full. If you choose the payment plan, your credit card will be charged for one-third (1/3) of the total retreat fee and the two following payments will be automatically charged as follows: second payment of one-third (1/3) will be charged 30 days after registration, and the final one-third (1/3) will be changed 60 days after registration.
You can find more details in our FAQ below.
Come with questions…leave with direction.
You may arrive with a stack of paintings, a head full of ideas, or simply the feeling that something in your work needs to change.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
That’s what the week is for.
By the time you leave, our goal is for you to have a clearer understanding of your work, a deeper sense of what you want to pursue, and a practical plan for moving forward.
Not just “I had a great week painting.”
But:
“I know what I’m doing next.”
Spaces are limited - intentionally!
If you’re feeling the nudge - trust it.
Accommodations & Costs
Single
Private room that features a queen bed and ensuite bathroom.
$5,550 USD
Double
Shared room that features 2 twin beds and ensuite bathroom.
$4,750 USD
* only 20 artists / 2 instructors *
Note that images shown of rooms are for reference only and may not be the exact room you reserve.
FAQ
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The retreat will take place in the heart of Old Quebec City. We recommend flying to the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) . The airport is approximately 25 minutes from the retreat center.
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This retreat accommodates 20 artists with two instructors: Terri Froelich and Susan Melrath.
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Accommodations for this retreat include single and double occupancy. Please read the room descriptions in the section above this FAQ. Accommodations are on a first come, first basis and all reservations must be completed through this website.
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This retreat includes painting instruction with Susan and Terri (morning and afternoon sessions each day), meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), accommodations for 6 nights - and some fun and laughs!
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Airfare, trip insurance, transportation to/from retreat, supplies, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, art supplies, travel before or after the retreat and/or any personal purchases made.
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When you register for the retreat, you have two payment options. You can choose a payment plan (3 payments) or to pay in full. If you choose the payment plan, your credit card will be charged for one-third (1/3) of the total retreat fee and the two following payments will be automatically charged as follows: second payment of one-third (1/3) will be charged 30 days after registration, and the final one-third (1/3) will be changed 60 days after registration.
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We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com. All payments are billed in US Dollars.
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Yes, trip insurance is required and must be purchased within 14 days of your retreat purchase. Please read our Terms & Agreements (link below) for more information regarding insurance requirements.
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ARTfuel retreats are non-refundable and non-transferable. Our full cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Agreements (link below).
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Our retreats can often accommodate vegetarian, gluten free, lactose-free and other common food sensitivities. Please note that other specific diets (e.g. FODMAP, keto, vegan) cannot be accommodated. We will send a questionnaire prior to the retreat asking for your requests so the venue is prepared. Please reach out to us if you have any specific food diets not listed above prior to signing up so we can confirm we can accommodate your request.
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Below is a short list of supplies needed, but you'll receive a full list in advance of the retreat.
Acrylic Paint (this workshop is taught in acrylics only).
Smaller nylon brushes flats and rounds
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Once you have made your initial payment, a receipt will be sent to your email immediately. A second email with more information about the retreat will arrive within 72 hours of booking. If you do not see these emails, please check your junk, spam, or promotions folders.
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To view the ARTfuel Studio Retreats Terms & Conditions, please click HERE.
The retreat is located in historic Old Québec. Here are some of the remarkable places to visit close to the retreat venue for your pre/post travels!
Some scenes from past ARTfuel Retreats!
