Instructor Info
Welcome!
We are thrilled that you are interested in being an instructor for our 2026 winter Idle Arts Retreat! This retreat is different from others in that the purpose is about coming together as a community to help each other learn new hobbies and ways to spend our downtime. Its about having fun, relaxing, and letting our creative juices flow. If this is something that sounds of interest to you please keep reading.
Welcome to Idle Arts Retreat, where unhurried creativity takes center stage.
This gathering is designed for artists, makers, and thinkers who believe that rest and reflection are as essential to art as skill and technique.
As an instructor, you’re not just teaching—you’re shaping the spirit of this retreat. Your presence helps set the tone of curiosity, connection, and creative generosity that makes Idle Arts so special.
2. About the Retreat
Dates: February 20–22, 2026
Location: Sacred Waters Center 7750 E. State Route 106, Union, WA 98592
Over three days, participants will explore various creative disciplines in an environment that encourages experimentation and play.
Each day balances structured workshops with open studio time, meals, and opportunities for rest and conversation.
3. Instructor Overview
Cost & Accommodations
In a dream world we could pay all of our instructors to be there for the whole weekend. Alas, this is a new venture for us, so we are on a tight budget. We are hoping to find instructors who ALSO want to participate in the retreat. This means each instructor will have access to all the classes, and will just need to pay for the room and food over the weekend. This total will be $300 and will include:
Lodging for all three days
All meals throughout the event
All activities and classes put on by the retreat
This rate reflects a discounted instructor rate, acknowledging your contribution as a teacher and participant.
Teaching Requirements
Each instructor will:
Create a two-hour workshop focused on their chosen creative subject.
Prepare to teach this class TWICE during the retreat.
Plan for approximately 6-10 students per session.
Instructors are encouraged to design hands-on, engaging sessions that allow participants to explore, make, and reflect. We will be providing you with a teaching template that outlines expectations and will help guide you through the class. You will receive this template ahead of time and we will work with you to help you create a great class.
Class Participation
In addition to your teaching role, you are welcome to take up to three additional workshops during your downtime.
We believe that teaching and learning go hand-in-hand—and that inspiration flows both ways.
4. Materials & Budget
We are dedicated to keeping the retreat affordable for both attendees and instructors.
Idle Arts will supply as many shared materials as possible.
Each instructor will receive a materials budget, adjusted for the scope of their class.
We encourage creativity and sustainability—using recycled, natural, or found materials whenever possible.
Please communicate your supply needs early so we can best support your class.
5. Teaching Template & Curriculum
We know that not every instructor has formal classroom experience—and that’s part of what makes Idle Arts unique.
To help create a cohesive and balanced retreat schedule, we’ll provide a Teaching Template to guide your class planning.
This template will help you outline:
Learning objectives
Materials and setup
Step-by-step flow of your session
Optional reflection or wrap-up activity
Please complete and submit your teaching template by January 31, 2026.
6. Key Dates
January 31, 2026 - Teaching Template due
February 20, 2026 - Instructor arrival & meeting
February 20–22, 2026 - Idle Arts Retreat
7. Contact & Support
If you have questions about supplies, class structure, or logistics, reach out anytime.
📧 Email: idleartsretreat@gmail.com
We can’t wait to gather with you under the gentle rhythm of Idle Arts—a retreat built for slow mornings, inspired afternoons, and creative renewal.
“In idleness, the imagination stirs.”
— Idle Arts Motto