June 12 - 14, 2026 (Fri - Sun)

Urban Sketchers Retreat:

Play with People

Many artists are afraid to include people in their sketches, but they make such a difference in bringing an image to life. Most places we sketch have people in them, so let's find easy ways to include them in our art. (And there are EASY ways!!) Join us for a fun-filled, relaxing weekend with fellow sketchers.

Your Instructors:

Sarah Harris

Sarah is an admin for the Twin Cities chapter of Urban Sketchers. She is predominantly a sketchbook artist, using watercolor and ink with textures added in colored pencil. She is a Theatre Artist based in Minneapolis and loves exploring the world around her one sketch at a time. She enjoys traveling, any form of arts and crafts, and is an avid reader.

(IG @curioussparkstudios)

Contact Sarah at curioussparkstudios@gmail.com

Kim K. Roberts 

Kim is an admin for the Seattle chapter of Urban Sketchers. She currently uses watercolor, colored pencils, and a bent-nib fude pen, sometimes color first, sometimes line first. She retired from teaching the Japanese language in a public high school in 2020, and finds joy with sketchers all over the world. She also enjoys tutoring adults in literacy, travel, and world languages.

(IG @kkr.explores.art, FB and Substack)

Contact Kim at jkplus2@gmail.com

This intimate retreat is designed for artists who want dedicated time to sketch, explore, and grow — all in a relaxed, supportive environment. With just 10 spaces available, you’ll enjoy meaningful instruction, thoughtful feedback, and plenty of time with your sketchbook.

What’s Included

• Two nights lodging at The Refuge Little Falls
• Friday dinner
• Saturday breakfast & dinner
• Sunday brunch
• Guided sketching sessions
• Group sharing, feedback, and portfolio discussion
• Walkable access to multiple inspiring locations

No driving from place to place. No coordinating meals. Just show up and sketch.

Tentative Schedule

Friday

• Dinner & Orientation: Keys to sketching people
  

Saturday

• Morning: Breakfast, Instruction - Playful approaches
• Afternoon:  Apply techniques on location in town
• Evening: Dinner, relax or play games

Sunday

• Morning:  Coffee/tea first, optional sketching on location, brunch and final throwdown
• Sketching & Portfolio Share

Sketching Locations (All Walkable)

• The Refuge Little Falls
• The Linden Hill Mansions
• Maple Island Park / Mississippi River / Little Falls Dam
• Downtown Little Falls

From historic architecture to river views and charming downtown storefronts, every direction offers something worth sketching.

This weekend is perfect for sketchers who want to deepen their practice, try new approaches, and learn from a seasoned traveling artist — while enjoying the comfort of a hosted retreat.

Bring your sketchbook. Bring your curiosity.
Leave refreshed, inspired, and creatively energized.

What can you expect?

• Rooms have 2 to 4 beds. 
• All meals will be provided
• The Refuge also offers space to relax in the living and dining rooms as well as the Hideaway in the lower level! 
• There is a craft studio with 10 sturdy tables and comfortable chairs.  

Our Lodgings: The Refuge Little Falls 

The Refuge Little Falls is a cozy, inspiring retreat space designed for creativity, connection, and rest. Nestled in a peaceful setting, it offers a welcoming environment where guests can step away from daily distractions and fully immerse themselves in their art. With comfortable accommodations, thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, The Refuge is the perfect place to relax, create, recharge, and make new friendships

What should you bring:

• Your favorite art-making materials. These should include:

  • Paints (watercolor and/or gouache)

  • Brushes (water brush, travel brush, or some from home)

  • Pens

  • Sketchbook or paper

  Optional but not necessary are brush pens, colored pencils (water-soluble or not), crayons (water-soluble or not, e.g. Neocolors), and a water container. A collapsible camping stool or mat is handy for sitting down on location.

The cost for this weekend is:

$290 per person (+7.38% sales tax and 3% Little Falls lodging tax)

Includes room & board: Dinner Friday night, 

Saturday Brunch and Dinner, and 

Brunch on Sunday. 

Rooms are shared