FIBER COLLEGE: Touchstones Retreat September 9-13, 2026
Come spend five days making, eating well, and learning in small groups. You go home with new skills, a finished piece (or more), and a handful of people you’ll actually stay in touch with.
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.
Crafting is inspiring, social, and absorbing. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your making, this retreat gives you fresh methods and community support to break through. Our small, immersive classes take place in rustic studios and outdoor spaces. The workshops focus on natural fibers and make the most of the cobblestone beach, lush gardens, and forest around us.
Our workshop leaders are skilled craftspeople who believe that the journey is as important as the destination and learning is itself a creative pursuit. Rather than replicating someone else's patterns, or walking through the steps of a 'prepackaged' project, you'll master the fundamentals and gain the tools and insights to express yourself in your own way.
I came to Searsport by myself and was apprehensive about being around strangers. How quickly that changed! If the Touchstones Retreat has a single super power, it is how great the teachers, staff and you (Astrig) are at making everyone feel important and welcome. I'll be back next year, with two friends in tow! Cathi
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
We couldn't have asked for a better retreat. My daughter's life has been transformed and as much as I loved our paper class, it's the shared conversations that I'll treasure most. Karla and Edi
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!
BUTTERFLY WINGS:
focus on fabric construction and embroidery techniques
With Linda Facci
DANCING COLOR:
learn the art of marbling on paper, cloth and leather
With Shannon Kerner
Work with water, color, and time as you learn the foundations of traditional marbling. Prepare the bath, guide paint into classic patterns, and lift each print from water to paper, cloth, and leather. This workshop balances skill and intuition, inviting careful attention, small experiments, and the unexpected beauty that comes from wandering within a well-held process.
DYNAMIC PIVOT:
build kinetic sculpture from natural & found materials
With Chris Toy
This workshop focuses on creating wind-kissed sculptures from the treasures you've collected during your strolls on the beach, antique & junk shops that whispered your name and the mermaid tears you've kept in jars over the years. Using natural and found materials from the shoreline and surrounding landscape, you’ll build simple kinetic forms that respond to air and balance. Along the way, you’ll pay close attention to how materials behave and make adjustments as we go, allowing the work to develop through observation, problem-solving, and experimentation.
THE PERFECT BUTTON-DOWN LINEN SHIRT:
an adventure in sewing and sustainabilty
With Leah Widdicombe
In this class, you’ll design and sew a linen shirt using thoughtfully sourced, plant-based fabrics. We’ll cover construction, finishing details, and fitting tips, with plenty of guidance along the way. Whether you’re refining your sewing skills or trying something new, the goal is to leave with a garment you’ll actually want to wear—and the confidence to tackle future projects.
WHIMSICAL LANDSCAPE PAINTING:
bold, cheerful and playful...no previous experience required
With Kristine Biegel
This painting workshop is all about loosening up and enjoying the process. Working with acrylics, we’ll explore color, shape, and atmosphere inspired by the landscape around us, without worrying about perfect representation. The focus is on experimentation, responding to what you see and feel, and discovering new ways to approach painting through play.
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
