Art Classes
All-Inclusive Art Retreats in Inspiring Locations · Lexington, VA
Published in partnership with Shenandoah Art Destination
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Shenandoah Art Destination was founded in 2010 by Jan-Willem Boer and Nancy Bácher as one of the few all-inclusive art vacation retreat schools in the United States. Jan-Willem is an established artist and commercial illustrator who taught and worked professionally for over 25 years across the USA and Europe. Nancy serves as an artist's representative and co-host, and together they create immersive learning experiences that combine serious art instruction with the restorative qualities of a vacation. The program has welcomed students from all continents seeking rigorous training in inspiring natural settings.
Shenandoah Art Destination specializes in plein air painting retreats and multi-day workshops covering a comprehensive range of media and techniques. Courses include oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, pastel, drawing, airbrush, and various printmaking methods including drypoint, linocut, monoprinting, and mixed media. Each retreat is structured to provide individual guidance tailored to students' skill levels, whether beginners exploring a new medium or experienced artists refining their practice. Jan-Willem's teaching philosophy emphasizes both technical mastery and creative exploration, making each course a unique learning experience.
The program originally operated from a scenic 10-acre property in Lexington, Virginia, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. This location provided ideal plein air painting opportunities and a peaceful retreat atmosphere. While the Lexington facility is no longer operating as previously, Shenandoah Art Destination continues to offer art retreat experiences in inspiring locations. For 2026, they're hosting a plein-air painting retreat at Hockomock Point in Bremen, Maine from September 11-16, maintaining their commitment to providing artists with immersive creative getaways in beautiful natural settings.
What sets Shenandoah Art Destination apart is the all-inclusive retreat format that blends serious art instruction with vacation amenities. Students receive professional guidance from an instructor with decades of international teaching and commercial art experience, in small groups that allow for personalized attention. The multi-day immersive format allows artists to fully engage with their practice without daily distractions, while the carefully chosen locations provide inspiring subject matter and a supportive creative community. This combination has earned Shenandoah Art Destination a 5-star rating and recognition from students worldwide seeking the best art retreat experiences in the US.
Jan-Willem Boer — Established artist and commercial illustrator, 25+ years teaching experience in USA and Europe
Best for: Artists of all levels seeking immersive multi-day painting retreats, plein air painters looking for inspiring locations, beginners wanting comprehensive instruction in a supportive setting, experienced artists seeking to refine technique with professional guidance, travelers combining art education with vacation, printmakers interested in specialized techniques like drypoint and monoprinting
Service area: Originally based in Lexington, Virginia, now offering art retreats in inspiring locations across the United States including Bremen, Maine (2026)
Why choose Shenandoah Art Destination: Shenandoah Art Destination distinguishes itself as one of the few all-inclusive art vacation retreat schools in the United States, combining professional instruction from an artist with 25+ years of international experience with the structure and amenities of a vacation. Unlike single-day workshops or studio classes, their multi-day immersive format in inspiring natural settings allows for deeper creative development and has attracted students from all continents since 2010.
Led by Established Professional Artist: Jan-Willem Boer brings over 25 years of professional experience as both a commercial illustrator and fine artist who has taught and worked across the USA and Europe, providing students with expertise grounded in real-world practice.
All-Inclusive Retreat Format: Multi-day immersive workshops combine rigorous art instruction with vacation amenities, allowing artists to focus entirely on their creative development in inspiring natural settings without logistical distractions.
Comprehensive Media Instruction: Courses cover an unusually broad range of techniques from traditional painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel) and drawing to specialized printmaking methods (drypoint, lino, monoprinting) and mixed media, all under one program.
International Student Community: Since 2010, the program has welcomed art students from all continents, creating a diverse creative community and learning environment enriched by varied perspectives and approaches.
Who teaches the art retreats at Shenandoah Art Destination?
Jan-Willem Boer leads the instruction — he's an established artist and commercial illustrator with over 25 years of teaching and professional experience in the USA and Europe. Nancy Bácher, an artist's representative, co-hosts the retreats. Together they provide professional guidance, inspiration, and individual attention tailored to each student's skill level and creative goals.
What skill levels are the art retreats appropriate for?
Shenandoah Art Destination welcomes artists at all levels, from beginners exploring a new medium to experienced artists seeking to refine their practice. Jan-Willem structures courses to provide individual guidance appropriate to each student's experience, making the retreats valuable learning experiences whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or have years of painting experience.
What does the all-inclusive retreat format include?
The all-inclusive format means students can focus entirely on their art without worrying about logistics. Multi-day retreats combine professional art instruction, all materials and supplies for the taught media, accommodations in inspiring natural settings, and the structure of a vacation retreat. The exact inclusions vary by retreat location and duration — contact Jan-Willem and Nancy for specific details on upcoming retreats.
What media and techniques are taught in the retreats?
Shenandoah Art Destination offers instruction in a comprehensive range of media: oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, pastel, drawing, airbrush, and various printmaking techniques including drypoint, linocut, monoprinting, and mixed media. Plein air (outdoor) painting is a specialty. The specific media focus varies by retreat — check the course description for each retreat to see what will be covered.
Where are the art retreats held?
Shenandoah Art Destination originally operated from a 10-acre property in Lexington, Virginia, but that facility is no longer operating as previously. The program now offers retreats in inspiring off-site locations. For 2026, they're hosting a plein-air painting retreat in Bremen, Maine (September 11-16). Contact them for information on future retreat locations and dates.
How do I book an art retreat with Shenandoah Art Destination?
Visit shenandoahartdestination.com to see upcoming retreat dates, locations, and details. You can also call Jan-Willem and Nancy directly at (612) 221-1140 or email [email protected] to ask questions, check availability, and register. Space is limited for the Maine 2026 retreat, so early registration is recommended.
What should I expect on my first art retreat?
Expect an immersive, multi-day experience that blends serious art instruction with the restorative qualities of a vacation. You'll work alongside a small group of fellow artists from diverse backgrounds (students have come from all continents), receive personalized guidance from an experienced professional artist, and paint in inspiring natural settings. The atmosphere is supportive and focused on creative growth, whether you're new to art or an experienced practitioner. All necessary art materials and supplies are typically provided as part of the all-inclusive format.
Why choose Shenandoah Art Destination over other art workshops?
Shenandoah Art Destination stands out for its all-inclusive retreat format that removes logistical distractions so you can focus entirely on your art. You're learning from Jan-Willem Boer, a professional artist and illustrator with 25+ years of international experience, not just a hobby instructor. The program offers an unusually comprehensive range of media and techniques under one roof, and the multi-day immersive format allows for deeper creative development than single-day workshops. With a perfect 5-star rating from 75 reviews and students from around the world, it's recognized as one of the premier art retreat experiences in the United States.
“This is an absolutely delightful destination for artists. The instructors are thorough and helpful. The days go by quickly in an absolutely stunning location. The meals are expertly prepared and served. You will not go hungry or be without. The bedrooms are well-maintained and very comfortable. I can’t wait to go again!”
— Jennifer Aiken, Google Review
“Wow! What an amazing place. Jan and Nancy are fabulous, accommodating, gracious, and kind. Jan is a wonderful instructor and really works with all kinds of styles and gives informed and helpful exercises and comments. Nancy is super helpful in her comments, is a great cook, and worked with some special requests I had to make my visit enjoyable and easy. The place is gorgeous, the rooms are roomy and well kept up with Jan’s beautiful artwork (available for purchase at reasonable prices!) on the walls. Highly recommend. Would do again - sign up fast though, books quickly.”
— Camilla Allison, Google Review
“Here is the perfect artist getaway! Whether you are a beginner or have been painting for years, Jan's adaptable teaching style and wide depth of knowledge is sure to meet and exceed what you are looking for. It is a wonderful way to fully be immersed in a creative space and connect with other artists. The hospitality of Jan and Nancy is unmatched. They have created a very laid back and relaxing environment so that you can spend your time honing your skills. I cannot recommend it enough!”
— Taylor Green, Google Review
“What a wonderful stay and lovely experience at The Shenandoah Art Destination! We had such a fun group of people from all over the country. I took the trip alone and made some wonderful friends during the week. The instruction was tailored to the interests and needs of the group. No matter the level or medium - if you are a professional, hobbyist, or beginner - there is something for you to learn and enjoy in this retreat. Nancy and Jan-Willem were amazing and kind hosts. The meals were absolutely delicious, and the property was peaceful - inspiring surroundings everywhere you turn. I would go back and highly recommend this art retreat!”
— M J, Google Review
“I was wanted to be inspired again as a artist after a horrible person stole my passion, so I decided to try the art destination to get away from real life. It was 6 hrs away but so worth it. I was with a absolutely fun group of people that inspired me with good conversation and kindness. Our instructor Jan-Willem asked questions that challenged us and gave us challenges to help and educate. Nancy was always working always there with a helpful hand and the meals were just amazing. Healthy and fresh, it was really great. The home is filled with all of Jan-Willem's artwork, including one when he was 6 years old, that was just amazing. I never had so much fun. He asked Nancy have made a beautiful at getaway. Will be back again for sure. I cannot wait to get home in my own studio and paint!”
— Jean P, Google Review
Book online: View Retreats →
Phone: (612) 221-1140
Address: 325 Union Run, Lexington, VA 24450 (Get directions)
Website: shenandoahartdestination.com/
Facebook: Shenandoah Art Destination on Facebook