Creative Retreat at Sierra Meadows
February 13-16, 2026

This is the multidisciplinary creative retreat I’ve been dreaming of and am thrilled to be partnering with Tara Lockhart of Sierra Meadows to make it happen.

The February 13-16 cohort will be made up of 8-10 carefully selected creative minds representing a range of creative disciplines—from hobbyists to professionals—all with a current or past creative practice.

Retreat programming is designed to be just the right amount of facilitated group time to spark inspiration and build creative community, mixed with plenty of solo time for you to decompress and work on your creative projects—all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Sierra Foothills. We also will be providing delicious meals.

Apply by January 5th! 

What to expect at this incredible weekend retreat:

Programming:

  • Daily group activities to get your creativity flowing

  • 1:1 consultations with Kate and/or peers to discuss your project, practice, process and creative barriers

  • Plenty of solo time to work at an array of places throughout the property

  • Inspiring evening discussions and entertainment

  • Art station open anytime for you to draw, paint, collage, write, read, type on the typewriter, play the piano (will do our best to provide supplies the group requests too)

More to do:

  • Trails and art throughout the property (a re-wilded golf course…) to explore by foot or bicycle

  • Hot tub for stargazing or extra relaxation anytime

  • Extend your trip with a visit to Yosemite (just 25 minutes away) or to keep creating in the cabins

Meals:

  • Generous self-serve breakfast, lunch and snack buffets available throughout the day

  • Group dinners enjoyed together around the table

  • All dietary needs/preferences coordinated in advance

  • High quality, nourishing food

  • Full cash bar

Accommodations:

  • A range of well-appointed cabins

  • Lodge for meals and group activities

Cost: ~$1,222 to $1,550 + your travel

  • Registration: $950 (includes all retreat activities, meals, and n/a refreshments)

  • Cabins: ~$272-$600 total for three nights (~$90-$200/night)

  • If cost is a barrier, please still apply and indicate that you would be interested in sliding scale

Arrival/departure:

  • Check in: Friday, Feb. 12 @ 4pm Friday (welcome activity into dinner starts at 5:30pm)

  • Check out: Monday, Feb. 16 @ 11am

Sounds great! What’s next?

  • Apply here by January 5, 2026

  • After accepted:

    • Book your cabin ASAP (option in form to express interest in sharing a 2-bedroom cabin with another participant)

    • Pay $950 registration fee by Jan 16, 2026 (Kate will provide link)

    • Plan travel so you’re there by 5:30pm on Friday, Feb 13 through the full day on Sunday, Feb 15 (checkout Monday, Feb 16 @ 11am)

    • Get excited!

FAQ

  • Any creative discipline that can be worked on in your cabin and/or the lodge. Your project can be at any stage, including collecting dust for years or still a seed of an idea that you’re hoping to get going.

  • Yes as long as they can be left alone in the cabin stress-free while you are at the lodge for group activities and meals.

  • While temping to make it a family trip or romantic getaway, we highly recommend coming solo so you can focus as much as possible on your creative practice and your cohort.

  • Yes! We ask about that in the form.

  • Estimated times without traffic from:

    Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT): 53 miles (1 hr 4 min)

    OAK: 176 miles (2 hr 57 min)

    SFO: 195 miles (3 hr 16 min)

    BUR: 256 miles (4 hr 3 min)

    LAX: 276 (4 hr 21 min)

  • Registration fees are 75% refundable through January 30, 2026 and not refundable after Jan 30, 2026. Your fee may be applied as a credit to any future work with Kate.

  • We’ll be in touch with a packing list in early February, but for starters:

    • A project you’re working on or idea for a project you’re hoping to bring into the world

    • Journal and writing utensil

    • Whatever supplies you need

    • Any items that boost your creativity (drawing materials, camera, yoga mat, books, etc, etc) - we also will provide some at the art station

    • Walking shoes (if property walks are desired)

    • Bathing suit (if hot tub time is desired)

    • Layers (temperature range this time of year is 42-60)

    • Flashlight/headlamp if walking between cabins and lodge at night

Send additional questions to kate@katesullivancreative.com