FIBER COLLEGE: Touchstones Retreat September 9-13, 2026
A Welcoming Retreat in Maine for People Who Love to Make
Each September, people gather at Searsport Shores on the coast of Maine for five unrushed days of creative work. Between classes you'll walk to the beach, wander through the gardens, share meals under the trees, and end the day beneath some of the darkest night skies in New England. Here, experienced teachers, uninterrupted creative time, and the beauty of the Maine coast give ideas room to unfold.
Touchstones is for curious adults who enjoy learning, making, and spending time with others. Some participants have practiced their craft for decades. Others arrive to try something completely new. Many come alone. What they share is a desire to spend five unrushed days creating in a beautiful place with people who understand the joy of making.
"Warmest and heartfelt thanks for the wonderful art experience. As a fellow textile artist, I appreciate the unexpected touches and natural beauty of your campus. There's art everywhere you turn! I can't wait to come back! " Anne from MA
Touchstones is a small, inclusive retreat for people who want time, guidance, and space to make.
"It's so much more than a class...it's the food and the gardens, the inspiration and the laughter that I'll carry home with me. I was nervous when I arrived because I drove a long way and didn't know anyone or what to expect. Before the first night was over, I had friends to share breakfast with." Sylvia from VA
"Nobody told me that the sheep and the goats would be participating in my weaving class!" Aimee from NC"Where else can you eat all of your meals in the garden and take your cocktails to the beach? And when I signed up I thought my greatest takeaway would be my new pair of shoes!" Connie from ME
We won’t simply follow a path; we'll coddiwomple. That is to say, we'll wander with intention, curiosity, and purpose. In rural Maine, we still follow the rhythm of the tides, the daylight, the ancient trees, and our gardens.
Many return to our coastal Maine art retreat year after year because a Touchstone Retreat takes you on a journey of connection, discovery and accomplishment. Like a pebble in your pocket, the experience and the possibilities will stay with you long after you leave. We do hope you will join us!
Touchstone Retreat Schedule
Over five days, you’ll move between studios, shoreline, and gardens. We give you permission to follow your curiosity and learn from each other. While you stroll, we invite you to reach down and pick a touchstone for your pocket.
WEDNESDAY
Settle into this magical world
Our cobbled beaches are a delight for your senses. Rocks ground us with their solidity and remind us to pay attention to textures, curves and temperature while we feel their weight in our hands. We invite you to start your retreat by walking down to the beach, breathing the salty air and searching for the stone that speaks to you.
3:00-4:30 Free Bonus class with Kathleen Farnsworth: Maki-Agi shibori stitched bandana. Stitch and dye with natural indigo.
4-5 Register, pick up our tote bag presents to you, share a cider, catch up with friends old and new. A food truck will be available for those looking for an on-site meal.
5:30-7:30 Join us for cocktails/mocktails and snacks. We'll visit each studio for show & tell by our teachers followed by a campfire in the garden. Retreat Attendees and friends are welcome.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY and SATURDAY
Dive deep into your passion
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Garden Lunch (veg & GF friendly)
12-2 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
2-5 Class
5-7 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
Thursday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly) Followed by a guided music jam and informal performance in the garden with hot chocolate (bring an instrument and a favorite addition to your hot cocoa if you'd like)
Friday: Dinner on your own OR
Chef Chris Toy will be leading a bonus workshop for a traditional Chinese Hotpot meal in the garden kitchen. Follow this link for details.
The studios will remain accessible and we'll have a campfire in the garden for your pleasure.
Saturday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly)
6:30ish-8:00ish Open Studios...see what everyone's been creating. This will be an opportunity to buy teachers' work and supplies. If the weather is cooperative, we'll light a bonfire on the beach.
SUNDAY
Re-emerge Gently
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Chair with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage)
12:30 - 3 Lunch, last chance to shop, pictures and goodbyes (veg & GF friendly)
For those who would like to extend their retreat, we'd be happy to provide a personalized itinerary of our beautiful mid-coast region
