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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
What airport is closest to fly into?
Knoxville, Tennessee (McGhee Tyson Airport - TYS)
How do I get to Gatlinburg from the Knoxville Airport?
Spirit of Art has arranged for a van to take you to Arrowmont in Gatlinburg if your arrival time is before 5 pm on September 7, and a return trip the morning of September 11. We will reach out to you for your travel plans soon to coordinate this. You could also rent a car, take an Uber or other transportation if you arrive very early or late. Renting a car, Uber, or other service will be at your own expense.
What do I need to bring?
Bring comfortable clothes that could get messy! It should still be warm in Gatlinburg, but layering would be a good idea. Also bring something all white or a light color to wear for shadow dancing. Doesn't need to be fancy. Comfortable shoes that you could wear hiking. A full list will be provided upon registration, but everything is based on comfort and ease of movement.
What is provided in the rooms?
Single Rooms have one queen bed and a private bathroom. There is a closet and dresser for storage. Towels and soaps are provided.
Double Rooms have two queen beds and one private bathroom. There is also a closet and dresser for storage. Towels and soaps are provided.
Do you have an alcohol/drug use policy?
This is an alcohol/drug free retreat. Not because we are opposed to it, but because the spiritual processes we teach are more effective if your mind is clear. We want you to get the most out of this very powerful experience. But, rest assured... there WILL be coffee... and CHOCOLATE!
How can I take the artwork I create home?
Don't let this worry influence your creative flow. Just let it go! We'll make a folder to hold your 2-D work to bring home in your suitcase. If you make larger pieces or 3-D pieces that won't fit in your suitcase, we can have them shipped to you after the retreat. We'll just bill you for the costs to ship.
How strenuous will the activity be in The Great Smoky Mountains?
The actual activity will not be strenuous at all, and there will be opportunity to go on a longer, more strenuous hike, if you'd like.
Do I need to bring any art supplies?
No need to bring any art supplies! We will have a wide variety of luscious supplies and tools that will be used to create the projects we are planning. Sometimes participants want to bring a project they are already working on along with the supplies they use for that. For example, quilting or a hand sewing project. That is perfectly fine.
Do I need to have any experience in art or martial arts?
Absolutely NO experience is required. We will teach you the movement form that is very easy and fun. Nothing to memorize. The art projects are set up for both beginners and accomplished artists to enjoy. You can work at your own level and have a wonderful time creating!
Do you have vegetarian or vegan menu options?
There will be vegetarian menu options. We will try to accommodate other preferences or requirements. Please let us know on the registration form.
I would like to share a room, how do I do that?
When you register, you will have the option to request a roommate. We will match you with a same-sex roommate. Encourage a friend to join you and we will match you as roommates.
I am an artist, will this retreat still be helpful for me?
Many highly skilled artists have attended Spirit of Art Retreats and have enjoyed expanding and deepening their spiritual connection to their creativity. The projects are designed to allow beginners to be successful and experienced artists to explore more and expand into new territories.
Will there be internet and cell coverage?
Yes, Arrowmont has guest internet Wifi connection and most cell carriers have coverage while we are at Arrowmont. When we go into the mountains, cell service may be spotty for bits of time. That being said, it might be really rewarding to unplug as much as you can while you are at Spirit of Art. Your soul will thank you.
What individual art projects are planned?
The projects are still evolving and will be added, but we know there will be some fun printmaking projects, small bookmaking, collage, and air-dry clay. There will also be a bunch of supplies such as paint, papers, cutting tools and drawing materials to invent your own projects. Lead by their creative muses, many past participants have ended up creating projects that use several different mediums. There is NO LIMIT to your creativity!