Lakeside Fluid Art Retreat with Sara Taylor
Join us on September 25th, 2026
Registration ClosedJoin us for a creative all-inclusive 4 day/3 night retreat hosted by Fluid Artist Sara Taylor and Billie Gaura. The workshops take place lakeside on Deer Lake in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. You'll stay in a waterfront cabin and attend workshops and gatherings where we will teach you, pamper you, feed you and encourage some genuine relaxation.
Nestled in the serene beauty of Deer Lake, this retreat is designed to spark your creativity, deepen your technique, and connect you with a community of fellow artists. Over a few immersive days, we'll dive into unique acrylic pouring methods, color theory, and exciting new ways to express yourself through fluid art.
In the evenings, we'll share meals and giggles as we sit by the fire and talk all things art and life.
Friday September 25th
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12:00 Noon
VIP Ground Transportation to Deer Lake
Transportation will be provided via our VIP shuttle, with pickup at Spokane International Airport (GEG). The designated pickup location is just past baggage claim, through the doors marked Shuttle Loop. Please plan your arrival accordingly, or return to the designated pickup location if you arrive in Spokane prior to Friday.
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12:30 PM
VIP Shuttle Pickup at Davenport Tower
Our VIP shuttle will make a scheduled pickup at The Davenport Tower in downtown Spokane. Please be ready at the designated hotel pickup area by 12:30 PM for transportation to Deer Lake.
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1:00 PM
Welcome and Unwind
Kick off your retreat experience with a warm welcome. This is your moment to arrive, exhale, and connect with fellow artists in an easygoing lakeside setting. Claim a sunny spot, and let the rhythm of the water set the tone for the creative days ahead. As you settle in, you’ll spend a little one-on-one time with Sara for intention-setting and a personal creative check-in, paired with a soothing chair massage designed to help you come to center, fully lean in, and open yourself to the experience of the weekend.
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2:00 PM
Lakeside Lunch
Relax with your retreat family and enjoy a beautifully prepared meal crafted by our incredible Executive Chef, with the lake as your backdrop.
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5:00 PM
Happy Hour
After you get settled into your room, come have a beverage or two with Sara and your fellow artists. We'll have both alcohol and alcohol-free options available.
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6:00 PM
Dockside Dinner
As evening settles in, enjoy a Chef-curated dinner prepared by our Executive Chef.
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7:30 PM
Fireside Connection
Our fireside chats take place under the open sky, gathered around the dock fire pits with the water in sight. This is an unstructured, easy time for conversation, reflection, and genuine connection, where the best moments often happen naturally.
Saturday September 26th
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7:15 AM
Gentle Yoga & Meditation
Begin the day with gentle yoga and guided meditation offering space to ground, breathe, and ease into the day with intention.
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8:00 AM
Breakfast
Start the day with a relaxed, nourishing breakfast designed to ease you into the morning. Thoughtfully composed offerings paired with great coffee and an unhurried atmosphere.
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9:00 AM until 12 Noon
Studio Session #1 :: Introduction to Pearls
In this introductory course, you'll experiment with layered color and subtle finishes while exploring how composition comes together in fluid art. The focus is on developing an eye for color and learning tools that support your creative process, and you'll have time to create a couple of pieces of your own.
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12:00 PM
Lunch
A casually elegant lunch designed for refueling and reconnecting: carefully chosen ingredients, well-executed dishes, and time to reset before the afternoon.
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2:00 PM until 5 PM
Studio Session #2 :: Colorful Pearls & Pearl Swipe
Experiment with colored pearl base coats to see how they influence the flow, feel, and composition of your work. Sara introduces the Pearl Swipe technique, with a focus on color theory, building a palette that sings, and thoughtful use of the palette knife and other swiping methods. Then it's your turn to play with luxurious materials and custom color combos.
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5:00 PM
Happy Hour
Unwind and connect during happy hour with thoughtfully selected drinks and small bites in a casual, welcoming setting.
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6:30 PM
Dinner
Gather for dinner and enjoy a meal designed to nourish, connect, and reflect on the day's creative journey.
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7:30 PM
Fireside Connection
As the day winds down, gather around the fire on the dock for an evening of warmth, laughter, and real connection. With the lake at your feet and the fire glowing, this is a space to relax, share stories, and simply be together.
Sunday September 27th
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7:15 AM
Gentle Yoga & Meditation
This gentle yoga and meditation practice invites you to slow down, reconnect with your body, and settle into a calm, centered state.
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8:00 AM
Breakfast
A carefully prepared breakfast featuring warm and light options to fuel creativity and conversation before the day unfolds.
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9:00 AM until 12 Noon
Studio Session #3 :: Exploring Translucent Pearls
Ready to level up? Dive into the magic of translucent base coats and discover how layering and underpainting can dramatically affect the outcome of your pearl pours. Using high-end paints and mediums, you'll create pieces that feel luminous and full of depth. Expect lots of exploration and some truly surprising results.
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12:00 PM
Lunch
Take a pause and enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring comforting flavors and seasonal touches, crafted to recharge without distraction.
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2:00 PM until 5 PM
Studio Session #4 :: Advanced Open Creation Session
The most individualized experience of the retreat. Open Studio is an invitation to expand in scale, in confidence, and in creative direction. Larger canvases are available, and the focus shifts from instruction to execution: you'll work at your own pace with one-on-one guidance as needed, refining color relationships, composition, and technical choices to bring a fully realized piece to life.
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4:30 PM
Happy Hour
Sip, snack, and settle in with an easygoing happy hour that invites connection and a little celebration.
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7:00 PM
Farewell Dinner
Evening dining at its best: a farewell dinner meant to be felt as much as tasted, honoring connection, creativity, and the final night we share.
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8:30 PM
Final Fireside Connection
As the day winds down on our final night together, we gather around the fire on the dock for an evening of warmth, laughter and connection. With the lake at your feet and the fire glowing, this is a space to relax, share stories, and reflect: our quiet au revoir until next year.
Monday September 28th
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7:15 AM
Gentle Yoga & Meditation
This gentle yoga and meditation practice invites you to slow down, reconnect with your body, and settle into a calm, centered state.
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8:00 AM
Breakfast
We hope you head home feeling relaxed and ready to take on the rest of your week. Bring your suitcases and belongings with you, as we'll be wishing one another farewell at the end of the final session. You'll board the VIP shuttle with a boxed lunch in hand, one final nutritious hug from Chef.
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9:00 AM
5th and Final Studio Session :: Q & A with Sara
As our retreat winds to a close, gather one last time for a heartfelt farewell and open Q&A with Sara Taylor. Whether you're curious about techniques, want to hear more about Sara's journey, or just need a little wisdom to carry home, this session is your chance. Bring your coffee, your questions, and your gratitude.
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10:00 AM
VIP Ground Transportation to Spokane International Airport
Enjoy stress-free transportation via our VIP shuttle, designed to make arriving and departing effortless so you can focus fully on the experience. They'll pick everyone up @ 10 am. Please make sure your flight leaves anytime after 1:00 PM.
Deer Lake, Washington
47253 East Deer Lake Way, Loon Lake, WA, USAJoin us on September 25th
We look forward to hosting you!
Registration for this retreat is closed.