Summer retreat promises inspiring, reflective getaway

If you're hoping to brush up your art skills or simply getaway from the stress of everyday life, here's a chance to do both and bask in nature's beauty to boot.

Local artist and owner of The Nest Studio, Tracy Barry, is hosting a Summer Arts Retreat in Rossport from July 26 to 28.

Dougall Media spoke with Barry – whose slogan is “making art a lifestyle” – about the retreat and her passion for bringing people together.

“Our retreat fosters a warm and inclusive community where participants can connect with fellow creatives and share their passion for art. Whether through shared meals, group activities, or collaborative workshops, everyone feels welcomed and encouraged.

“Our Summer Arts Retreat in Rossport is a haven for creativity set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Superior. It's a place where participants can immerse themselves in captivating art workshops and inspiring activities, all while enjoying the natural beauty of our surroundings . . . Our goal is to provide a supportive and enriching environment where creativity flourishes and new friendships and connections are celebrated,” she said.

Barry reminisced about their first retreat, held in 2018 just before the COVID pandemic began.

“It was fantastic. We actually hosted it out of my mother’s B&B in Rossport, on the island. We cleared the whole house so that we could fit 25 people that ended up coming out – volunteers and participants and art instructors,” she said.

“The buzz has been growing since then.”

She added, other than the buzz, the retreat itself has grown since that first season in terms of size – i.e. number of activities, participant capacity, art instructors, and volunteers.

Barry, who hails from Schreiber originally, developed her idea for the Summer Arts Retreat while she was working in Thunder Bay.

Although she has since returned to Schreiber, it was during her time in Thunder Bay she met her now-husband, Keith Hopkins, a red seal chef who also volunteers his time to handle the culinary aspects of the retreat.

Hopkins is joined by Terrace Bay-based pastry chef, Kelly Kenny – owner and operator of Kelly Cakes.

“Food goes a long way. Lots of planning there and lots of discussion. The chefs still get to make it their art. They have a lot of fun with that.

“Throughout the whole weekend, we actually cater vegan/vegetarian first because I find that I can go into a restaurant and I can order anything – I can ask for no meat, I can ask to have meat – but when it comes to anybody who’s vegan you can’t just walk in anywhere and know that you’re covered,” Barry said.

The retreat is ultimately about empowerment, accessibility, and connection.

Barry and her team give participants the freedom to “build their own schedule,” choosing from a list of fun and inspiring activities to create a schedule that fits their interests.

“You can literally choose what you do all the way up to what your last meal is,” she said.

Prospective participants can choose from either the “full weekend experience” for $475 or the “one day experience” for $380.

Participants are given the opportunity to ease themselves into the day with morning yoga sessions, followed by breakfast and lunch, a choice of four (or two) activities and workshops, and one chef-prepared dinner with a live musical performance from local artists.

Some of the activities to choose from include learning how to craft macramé plant hangers with Teri Hofer, art journalling along the Casque Isles Trail with Kristen Wall and trail guide Matt Borutski, wind catcher weaving with Leona McEwen, and acrylics with Barry herself – to name a few.

There is also a fishing charter for those with fishing licenses who would enjoy some time spent out on the lake.

Finally, a shuttle service is offered over the course of the weekend for pickups and drop-offs between Pays Plat First Nation and Terrace Bay.

All of this, Barry said, goes toward allowing participants to make the most out of their experience by working with their schedules and budgets.

In the end, it means people can simply focus on enjoying their time in Rossport.

“Participants leave our retreat feeling not only creatively revitalized but also enriched by new skills and meaningful connections. It's more than just a retreat—it's a chance to unwind, explore new artistic techniques, and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Superior's shores,” she said.

“It’s affordable, it’s fun, (and) people look forward to seeing each other . . . there’s lots of tears that are shed because people are able to be who they are. It really is art meets wellness.”

A full list of activities, workshops, and more information about the retreat can be found at tracybarry.ca/summer-arts-retreat-rossport-on.

Barry said she currently needs more registrants to ensure the Summer Arts Retreat can go on and encouraged people to book their spots now.

Registration will remain open until July 13.

Austin Campbell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com