Art, Yoga & Nature Retreat in the Adirondacks

August 23 - 28, 2026

Recommended for yogis and artists of all abilities. Whether you come to deepen your yoga practice, explore painting, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of lake and forest, this experience is designed to support creativity, presence, and renewal. Together we’ll cultivate a rhythm of movement, artistic exploration, rest, and connection. Learn how to combine painterly techniques with illustration styling to create expressive and personal artwork. Enjoy the throwback vibe of Terra Alta Vintage Cottages - family owned since 1954 - a 14-acre property - sitting on the shore of Schroon Lake.

Painting & demonstrations with artist Michelle Shain. 

Participants will learn page-composition, compare watercolor and gouache media, study master paintings and paint Adirondack subjects. Michelle will teach students how to use scale, striking object juxtaposition and perspective to enhance their painting practice. Students will develop their own visual language that blends joy, spontaneity and drama. 

Michelle will be on hand at all times to guide students. All classes will take place in the Rec Hall and on the porch overlooking Schroon Lake. Maximum # of students = 14

Yoga, Mindfulness & Health with Yogi, Lisa Bondy

Join Lisa for a deeply nourishing retreat where yoga, creativity, and nature come together. Set in the Adirondack Mountains, we will move the body, quiet the mind, and create space for inspiration to emerge naturally. Through yoga, meditation, time outdoors, and creative exploration, this retreat invites you to reconnect with the part of yourself that is curious, expressive, and alive.

Maximum # of students = 14

Typical Painting Day

We will learn and create together, while also having time to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondack mountains.

• 8:00 am:  Optional Morning Rec: Hike, Yoga stretch, Kayaking

• 9:00 am:  Breakfast

• 9:30 am:  Art Class, Demo, Painting with Michelle

• 1:00 pm: Lunch

• 2:00 pm:  Art Class, Demo, Painting with Michelle

• 5:00 pm:   Art Share & Happy Hour

• 6:30 pm:   Dinner

• 7:30 pm: Evening Program

Create Your Own Retreat Rhythm

Each day offers two parallel experiences: Yoga & Mindful Practices with Lisa Bondy and Painting Studio with Artist Michelle Shain.

Participants may immerse themselves fully in one path or move freely between them - as inspiration sparks

You may choose to:

• Spend the full day painting with Michelle

• Enjoy a full day of yoga and wellness practices with Lisa

• Divide your time between painting and yoga

• Take a hike, kayak the lake, swim, explore town, or simply enjoy quiet time

Amenities

Private Facebook group with Michelle Shain and attendees starting June 2026 to meet others, share art information and get excited about the retreat!

Painting Questions? 
Email Michelle Shain

Yoga Questions? 

Email Lisa Bondy

Michelle Shain

About the Artist

Paintbrush is in hand whenever I am on the road, on a boat, train or plane. I'll sketch in a café, on a park bench, mountaintop or at a picnic. I am Michelle Shain. My background and education in graphic design helps me use lettering, striking composition and playful scale juxtaposition to tell painted stories. 

Professionally, I have illustrated and published several children’s books and often use illustration to help design brands, brochures, signage and infographics. I am very involved in my hometown community and have changed the landscape of our Main Street with numerous hand-painted murals and a park signage system. My work for the local theater includes illustrated posters, seasonal brochures and complete graphics and imaging for their annual galas. "Live Painting” events, as well as house, dog and wedding portraits are also in my toolbox.

As a teacher, I have taught classes at The Art Guild in watercolor and journaling. In addition my “Pack Your Bags” virtual art series takes students around the world while painting.

Please visit www.m44art.com to see samples of my work and a complete client list.

Lisa Bondy

About Lisa Bondy

A yogi and mediator for nearly two decades, with over 20,000 hours of teaching experience, Lisa is an experienced instructor who has inspired many to become devoted practitioners and to train with her to become yoga teachers.

Lisa co-founded two major Yoga/Wellness centers in Nassau County, first in 2003 Om Sweet Om Yoga in Port Washington, and more recently, in 2012 she founded PRACTICE. Then in 2016 PRACTICE was gifted to Northwell Health in Roslyn, New York, and renamed The Center for Wellness and Integrative Medicine, where she is currently the director of yoga and teacher training.

Lisa’s teaching style is masterful and empowering. She challenges all her students to move beyond the bounds of the mind and expand into an experience of authenticity and self-realization. Her intention and expertise lie in her ability to lead students on a healing, transformational journey – body, mind, and soul.

Lisa’s Training

• 100-Hour SoundHealing Training with Sage Academy of Sound, Woodstock NY 2023

• Cardiac Medical Yoga Training, Princeton Center for Yoga & Health with Mala Cunningham, PhD., Princeton, NJ (2016)

• 500-Hour Life of a Yogi Dharma Yoga Teacher Training, New York, NY (2014 – 2015)

• REIKI Certifications: REIKI 1, Port Washington, NY (2005) & REIKI 2, Roslyn, NY, (2013)

• Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series Teacher Training with Tim Miller, San Diego, CA (2010)

• Yoga Anatomy Workshops with Leslie Kaminoff, Port Washington, NY (2009)

• Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Teacher Training with David Swenson, Lenox, MA (2004)

• Advanced Rasa Vinyasa Teacher Training with Shiva Rae, Lenox, MA, (2003)

• Yoga Kids Teacher Training with Marsha Wenig CYKF, Port Washington, NY, (2002)

• 200-Hour ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training with Yogiraj Alan Finger, Brookville, NY, (2001)

• Transcendental Meditation with Deepak Chopra & Roger Gabriel, Springfield, MA (1998)

• Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health School, (2012)

• Macrobiotic Cooking with Jennifer Glynn, (1992)