TRAILSIDE ON 20 SEVEN

CREATE • ESCAPE •CONNECT

A retreat built for artists who want to make money with their art.

As I sit with my coffee, I watch the sun rise over the eastern horizon each morning. Dewdrops sparkle in the new light. I sit and listen to the silence… only to realize there is no silence at all. I hear the birds beginning their day—hummingbirds, woodpeckers, turkeys, and cranes, I hear wind in the pines. The breeze is barely there, but the air is incredibly fresh and light.

There’s so much here I’ve never encountered in my other travels—so much nature, so much peace. Somehow, it feels different here. My thoughts flow without interruption, and my mind feels as clear as the air around me.

Ladysmith, Wisconsin Deep in the Heart of The Northwoods

Not your typical artist retreat.

This is different.

No yoga.

No kumbaya.

No sage burning.

Fun, friendly environment to focus on your art, your career and your network.

Each of us is a unique piece to the puzzle, together we can ASSEMBLE the full picture. This retreat is about collaboration, connection, and building a network that inspires and uplifts.

Imagine yourself here, growing with other artists. This is YOUR space to dream and build your career. The studio is waiting- the missing 🧩 is you.

I created this retreat—to share what I know and, in turn, learn from you. Together, we’ll collaborate and exchange ideas because, at the end of the day, we are the sum of all who cross our paths.

By the time we leave, we’ll be bonded as mentors and peers, each of us like a unique piece in an interconnected puzzle. 🧩

  • This is for you if…

    You have a passion for art.

    You have created art.

    You want to create more art.

    You want to hear how others art.

    You want to make some money with your art.

    You have a kind heart and open mind.

    All 2D mediums welcome. Beginner to expert.

  • 3.5 Days of studio time and creative conversation time. You will leave with a clear direction on how to make your art a business.

    24/7 Open Studio.

    All meals (home cooked) except one evening you are free to explore.

    Beverages: coffee, tea, water, soda, some wine and even a signature drink or two!

    Access to supplies, oil paints, aluminum panels (aka canvas), brushes. ••If you want something special, please bring it.

    Additionally, lodging is available.

    Additionally, airport transportation is available.

  • Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Chippewa Falls.

    Additionally, we offer transportation to and from this airport. You are welcome to rent a car also.

    You can fly into Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) and there are shuttle services that will bring you to Eau Claire where we can pick you up.

    Ideally, you will arrive before dinner on Wednesday night at 7PM.

  • We have been running our home as a vacation rental for 5 years during the winter and now a retreat in the summer. We receive compliments on its’ eclectic vibe all the time.

    We have 2 guest rooms with queen beds. You can have the bed to yourself or share it with a partner.

    There are also other vacation rentals close by and a couple of hotels in Ladysmith (4 miles).

  • Sample Retreat Schedule: 3.5 Days

    This retreat is meant to be fun. If you aren’t a morning person, no worries—stay in bed! We have an open kitchen policy with plenty of food and snacks. Basically, the schedule is pretty loose and flexible.

    If you wish to sleep in—DO IT!

    Want to work in the studio late at night? DO IT!

    Here’s a sample:

    WEDNESDAY: Arrival

    3:00 PM – 6:00 PM:
    Arrival for on-campus guests to settle into their rooms. Off-campus guests come check out the retreat space and the studio. Introduction to our collaborative art piece.

    7:00 PM:
    Welcome Dinner
    Join us for a delightful home-cooked meal and libations to foster introductions. Michelle may whip up a signature cocktail /mocktail.

    THURSDAY:

    8:00 AM:
    Breakfast

    9:00 AM:
    Creative Conversation - Is my art good enough?

    12:00 PM:
    Lunch

    1:00 PM:
    Studio Time – honing your skills with a focus on realism.

    7:00 PM:
    Dinner

    FRIDAY:

    8:00 AM:
    Breakfast

    9:00 AM:
    Creative Conversation - Consistency in your art, what is your story?

    12:00 PM:
    Lunch

    1:00 PM:
    Studio Time – honing your skills with a focus on realism. We’ll continue with our collaborative art piece.

    7:00 PM:
    Dinner on your own. We encourage you to check out one of our local restaurants for the Northwoods tradition of a Fish Fry or other local flavor.

    SATURDAY:

    8:00 AM:
    Breakfast

    9:00 AM:
    Creative Conversation - Creatively Finding Collectors

    12:00 PM:
    Lunch

    1:00 PM:
    Studio Time – honing your skills with a focus on realism. We’ll wrap up our collaborative art piece.

    7:00 PM:
    Amazing home-cooked meal and libations. Michelle may also treat us to a signature cocktail/mocktail.

    SUNDAY: Departure Day

    8:00 AM:
    Breakfast

    9:00 AM:
    Packing up and making shipping arrangements for wet paintings if necessary.

    11:00 AM:
    Check-Out

  • The weather in The North Woods is nothing short of AMAZING this time of year. The days typically are warm with abundant sunshine. Nights are ~55-60º, days are in the 70’s. Humidity is usually 50-60%. We rarely use the air conditioner in the house. Dress to be happy.

    Definitely bring clothes you don’t mind getting paint on or bring an apron if you prefer.

    Any special food or beverage you like. (There is a Walmart 4 miles from the Retreat.)

    Paints, brushes, mediums and substrates if you are a painter other than oil on aluminum panel.

    iPad or laptop is handy but not required.

  • We would be happy to reschedule you into another available time slot.

    Enrollment & Payment Deadlines:

    • A spot is reserved only with registration and deposit.

    • Full payment is due 30 days before the retreat. No refunds are given for cancellations made within 30 days of the start date.

    • If you need to cancel more than 30 days before the retreat, you'll forfeit your deposit but won’t incur additional fees.

    • Full refund of any payments beyond the deposit.

    Cancellations After the Final Payment Due Date (Less Than 30 Days):

    • No refunds, but attendees can transfer their spot to another person or another available date.

    Refund Policy

    • If the retreat is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions), a full refund or a credit toward a future retreat date.

    Partial Attendance:

    • No refunds or credits for partial attendance or no-shows.

  • I think it would be an immeasurable value to other struggling artists!! You are such a caring person with an innate ability to communicate clearly and kindly, not to mention your own crazy creativity!! Plus you’ve got that quirky 😜🤪personality that would make it a fun experience for all. Go for it!!! In your spare time….like you’re not already working at 3 am!! 😘💙

  • Your generosity in sharing your knowledge is what will make my work better. I will strive for amazing!!

    Bless you. 💙💙💙

Questions? Don’t see a date that works better in your schedule?

Michelle@michellecyr.com
Call or text - 214-796-1581

N6580 State Hwy 27 • Ladysmith, WI 54848