Summer Workshops
Each summer we are proud to offer a wide variety of workshops at Rock Barra Retreat. Participants are reminded to bring a brown bag lunch to all events and don’t forget to bring a bathing suit.
Jul 19, 2026 (10:00 am to 4:00 pm)
Felted Forest Baskets with Hailey Hennessey
Create your own one-of-a-kind felted wool basket in this relaxing, beginner-friendly workshop at Rock Barra Artist Retreat. Learn the fundamentals of wet felting while transforming soft wool into a beautiful and functional handmade vessel. All materials are included, and you’ll leave with a finished basket to take home.
Price: $85 per person (includes all materials) | Contact: hjhennessey@gmail.com
July 23 to July 26, 2026
Daughters of Devotion – Women’s Immersion with Abi Totty, Emily Doyle & Katlin Doyle
Embark upon a weekend of feminine embodiment, earth ritual,artistic expression, and ceremonial arts. An immersion into sacred connection with earth, womanhood and deep devotion.
Price: $555 | Contact: thedaughtersofdevotion@gmail.com
July 31 to August 2, 2026
Yoga of Sound with Teresa Doyle
Join Teresa for a relaxing weekend of singing wisdom songs from around the world. Enjoy chanting, light movement, laughter, beach walks swimming and sharing great food.
Price: $175 | Contact: teresa@teresadoyle.com
August 9, 2026 (11:00 am to 4:00 pm)
Plein Air Painting & Drawing
Plein air painting is about leaving your studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. Bring your own materials and enjoy a day of art making in this gorgeous setting. Beginners welcome. Self-directed, no instructor, fee by donation and no registration required.
August 13 to 16, 2026
Exuberance IS Beauty: A Long Weekend for Your Writing Life
Imagine spending time with other writers this August focused on your work at the stunning Rock Barra Artist Retreat. Experience workshop sessions, a one-to-one review of your work, meditative journey work, a concert of new writing, and blocks of time to write in this healing and generous natural setting. Your writing guide: Yvette Doucette — poet, prize-winning author, content editor, and writing coach.
Fee (choose what best describes your circumstance): $150.00 (under-waged, unemployed, not affluent) • $200.00 (regular) • $275.00 (pay it forward) | Contact: ymdoucette@gmail.com
August 22, 2026 (11:00 am to 4 :00 pm)
Wild Art Workshop with Lenny Gallant
Folks will collect natural materials and make a sculpture together.
Cost $25 | No registration required, just come by. Children welcome.
August 23, 2026 (11:00 am to 4:00 pm)
Identifying, Harvesting & Cooking Sea Plants with Irene Novaczek
Includes local seaplant identification; beach ramble to find and identify seaplants; harvesting tips; nutritional benefits and cooking with seaweeds (snacks and lunch!); use of medicinal seaplants.
Price: $50 | Contact: inovaczek@upei.ca
September 17 to 20, 2026
Dreams, Nature Themes & Writing at The Rock
Put words to your imagination and wisdom this September. Come write, discover, share, perform, and gain confidence with other writers to grow in craft and spirit. Whether you are a newer writer or published author, step into the vital creative energy of this magical place on the edge of the Island overlooking the sea.
Your writing guides: Julie Pellissier-Lush is a Mi’kmaq author, past PEI Poet Laureate, educator, musician, and artist. Yvette Doucette is a prize-winning author, poet, content editor, and writing coach.
Fee (choose what best describes your circumstance): $250.00(under-waged, unemployed, not affluent) • $350.00 (regular) • $450.00 (pay it forward) | Contact: ymdoucette@gmail.com
Directions
Take highway #16 east from St Peter’s. When you enter the district of Rock Barra watch for Big Pond road on the left. Go down Big Pond Road for a kilometer. The Road turns sharply to the left. Do not go left. Continue straight and take the second driveway on the left #211. If you are traveling from Souris take the Souris Line Road to hwy #16, turn right, travel two kilometers and watch for the Big Pond Road going down to the shore.
For questions and additional information, email info@rockbarraretreat.com or text (902) 969-0367.
Core programming funded in part by Innovation PEI and generous private donations.