Art Retreat Program for Autumn 2026
What is an art retreat?
An art retreat is a journey of renewal and inspiration, where creativity is combined with relaxation and self-care. In a cozy space, away from the daily hustle and bustle, participants immerse themselves in art (drawing, writing, music or other practices), gently reset their emotional state, discover new ideas and get to know themselves more deeply. It is not about the result or skills, but about the pleasure of the process, inner freedom and a feeling of complete reset, from which you want to return refreshed and inspired. Open Art Academy combines its experience in the field of art with a vacation on the Adriatic Sea – which gives you unforgettable feelings, the best vacation in life and a sea of energy!
After the retreat, you will be left with paintings made by you with all your heart, a memory materialized in reality. So that the spiritual vacation never ends.
The retreats are held in the picturesque town of Ičići in Croatia, on the seashore, to the singing of the breeze and the beauty of nature.
MORE INFORMATION ON EACH RETREAT (the name is clickable – click on the name of the retreat and you will be taken to the description)
Sumi-e: the art of one stroke with Irina Ganaza from 01.10 to 07.10.2026
We will paint “Sumi-e” – a traditional ink painting that originated in China over a thousand years ago and was later deeply reinterpreted in Japan. There it merged with the practice of Zen Buddhism and became not only an art, but also a way of inner concentration.
Free flow with Irina Ganaza. Watercolor and acrylic retreat – from 08.10.2026 to 14.10.2026 – filling in
Let’s immerse ourselves in the picturesque meditation of color and acrylic and watercolor techniques
Petrykivska Liliya – Petrykivskyi painting with Liliya Zorkina from 15.10 to 22.10.2026
We invite you to an unforgettable creative journey, where Ukrainian traditions come to life in contemporary art. Together with the folk craftswoman of Ukraine Liliya Zorkina, you will discover the secrets of Petrykivskyi painting, master the peculiarities of techniques, create original paintings and feel true pleasure from the creative process.
Art retreat is more than learning. It is an opportunity for a few days to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of inspiration, lively communication, Ukrainian culture and creativity, take a break from the daily hustle and bustle, find new ideas and be filled with energy.
Petrykivka painting on wood and fabric with Liliya Zorkina from 23.10. to 30.10.2026
We invite you to the world of Ukrainian tradition, creativity and inspiration! Under the guidance of the folk craftswoman of Ukraine Liliya Zorkina, you will master the features of Petrykivka painting on wood and fabric, discover the secrets of working with various materials and create original products yourself. These are 8 days of creative immersion, new knowledge, lively communication and relaxation in the atmosphere of art.
Give yourself a few days of creativity, beauty and inspiration, and return home not only with your own hand-made works, but also with new knowledge, warm memories and a desire to create even more.
The magic of watercolors. Author’s program by Tetyana Kugay from 04.11 to 11.11.2026
Watercolor is the art of kings and subtle feelings. Under the guidance of Tetyana Kugay, we will master its secrets, create our own style and confidently present our works. The result is a formed artistic language and a worthy presentation of our own works.
Watercolor Journeys. Author’s program by Tetyana Kugay from 12.11 to 19.11.2026
Go on an exciting journey through the world of watercolors with the artist Tetyana Kugay. Watercolor is a whimsical, light and incredibly beautiful technique that has fascinated artists for centuries. Kings admired it, the English aristocracy studied it, and today even King Charles III works in this technique.
During the art retreat, you will learn to feel watercolor, manage its unpredictability, discover the secrets of color transparency, and create your own works filled with light, lightness, and mood. This is a time of creativity, inspiration, and true relaxation among like-minded people.
Your vacation and your sea paintings are waiting for you. Ichichi on Google Maps.
What does the area look like? Are there any beautiful views there?
