2026 Schedule
Handbuilding in Clay+Expressive Painting Sessions
Instructor: Betsy Oh + Erin Drakeford
Ohhh yes, we are back for another summer season of fun, friendship, food, and CLAY creativity! This year brings the same goodness as last summer, including Erin's painting session! If you are breathing, you are qualified for this class! Release your inner artist with this hands-on introduction to clay and hand-building.
We will have yoga, fresh and delicious meals, plenty of time to learn and explore, bonfires, dancing, new friends, and all the gorgeous chaos and calm that make this retreat what it is. TRY TO REMAIN CALM.
All of this magic unfolds at Bell Moon Arts, our dreamy little art retreat tucked just outside Hayesville, North Carolina. With a creek bubbling nearby and mountains folding around us, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature, your creativity, with each other, with clay… and with yourself. Our spaces are built for creating, resting, laughing, and decompressing — you’ll feel welcomed, held, and refreshed as soon as you arrive.
Previous Workshops
Me, Myself and I: Handbuilding Forms in Clay
Instructor: Betsy Oh
If you are breathing, you are qualified for this class! Release your inner artist with this hand on introduction to clay and hand-building. The beauty of virtual classes is that the recording is always there if you miss a class or need to go back to take a second look. I wish I had had that option when I was learning!! Learning clay is best with lots of repetition. Lightbulbs will start to go off as you are continually exposed to the concepts.
Painting with Earth Pigments
Instructor Heather Bird Harris
In this 2-day workshop, you’ll learn how to make natural watercolor paint from rocks, soil, and clay from artist Heather Bird Harris. The workshop will take place at Bell Moon Arts which sits on 10 acres of land nestled in the Appalachian mountains of western North Carolina. Classes are intentionally small to help facilitate making real connections with others and the earth in a laid back, friendly environment. Plus, you’ll go home with two paintings you make over the course of the weekend. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided.
No previous experience required, all skill levels welcome.
Weekend Workshop Information
MATERIALS
All materials for our workshops will be provided. There will be a materials fee that varies depending on which workshop you take. Material fees will be collected at the time of the workshop. Many of these materials you will be able to take with you so you can practice your new art technique at home. The estimated cost of materials is between $50-$70.
TRAVEL and LODGING
Workshop participants are responsible for their own travel to and lodging. For those traveling from out of town, the nearest airports are Atlanta, GA, or Asheville, NC. Both are about 2.5 hours away. Bell Moon Arts is in Hayesville, NC and about a 2-hour drive from Atlanta. For lodging, we recommend VRBO or Airbnb. There are beautiful homes for rent on the lake or in the mountains. Limited camping sites are available free of charge on the Bell Moon property - please inquire by email. The exact location of the workshop will be sent to registered participants the week before arrival.
MEALS
Meals and snacks are included in the workshop price.
Dinners curated by the host will be available. Workshop participants are invited to stay after hours and join in with instructors and resident artists for an optional family-style meal. Full menu will be sent out closer to the time of the workshops. Dietary restrictions will be honored with advance notice.
Workshop & Class FAQ
-
All supplies for workshop attendees will be provided. There will be free time to work on projects, and you are welcome to bring anything you wish to work on during your stay.
-
All levels are welcome! No experience is necessary, just an open mind and a desire to create!
-
Camping on the property is recommended to keep the energy going. We have a few yurts available to rent, or you can bring your own camping gear. if you would prefer more luxurious accommodations, there are several Inns and vacation rentals nearby.
-
Hayesville is about 2.5 hours from Hartsfield Atlanta Airport and 2 hours from Asheville Regional Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airports. Email to arrange travel from the airport to the property.
-
Bell Moon Arts are located in Hayesville, NC, in the Appalachian mountains of western North Carolina. It is nestled just north of Atlanta, GA, East of Chattanooga, TN, and West of Asheville, NC. The retreat is about 10 minutes to downtown Hayesville, 10 minutes to Hiwassee, and 20 minutes to Murphy.
-
Yes. The price is divided into a deposit at the time of booking, with the final payment a week before your visit. Other payment plans can be arranged, just send us an email, and we can work with you.
-
Families are always welcome. There are many activities around to keep family members occupied while you make art. Hiking, mountain-biking trails, and public beaches at beautiful Lake Chatuge are just 10 minutes away. Just note that there will be an extra charge for food if they want to have meals with the group.