‘One of my favourite things in my life to do is teach overseas to artists of all levels. People from North America, New Zealand and Europe have participated in these retreats and many have returned a number of times’.
Michelle gets very excited every time she speaks of her international art retreats of which she has been doing since 2007. ‘The enriching experience of another culture and country is amplified ten fold when combined with creating art. The senses are heightened. It’s that pause and relaxation of art that truly allows you to see, smell, taste and absorb all that is around you. And being with like minds opens the conversations of these experiences. Very tight and enduring friendships have been bonded over the years. I absolutely love it!’
Italy Painting & Drawing Retreat with Michelle Miller
May 19 – 26, 2025
Il Giardino di Vigliano ( https://www.agriturismovigliano.it/ )
$2,499. CAD based on two sharing
7 Nights’ accommodation at the Agriturismo Il Giardino di Vigliano, daily breakfast and dinner- including wine, Limoncello demonstration and wine tasting, mozzarella making demonstration and group transfers to and from Naples airport.
$1200. CAD per student for the art program payable to Michelle directly
Join artist Michelle Miller for our annual tour on the beautiful Amalfi coast and experience a painting and drawing retreat. Stay at Il Giardino de Vigliano, a charming 16th-century farmhouse located near the picturesque village of Sorrento. Our hosts, the Nunziatas and their rescue dog Bresciola tend to the 300-year-old lemon trees on their working farm overlooking the lemon groves and olive trees of Sorrento and enjoy views of the Bay of Naples. The stunning vistas will inspire a week of art classes with Michelle. Throughout the week, we will delight our senses with the sights and sounds of Italian coastal life, indulge in the incredible (and we do mean incredible!) food and wines, and enjoy fresh homemade cuisine as we immerse ourselves in the culture, allowing it all to resonate in the wonderful art you will produce!
Art classes are not included in the above and are payable directly to Michelle at $1200 per person. Not included: Personal expenses, airfare and taxes, meals not specified, and gratuities. Single supplement $999 (subject to availability). Private transfers are available at an additional cost for those not arriving at the same time as the group. Hold your space with a $500 non-refundable deposit.
Metchosin Weekend Drawing and Painting Art Retreat
June 6-9, 2025
Deerleap
$2,150. CAD solo occupancy
$1950. CAD double occupancy
Max of 8 students
*ALL art materials provided
Experience an Exclusive Art Retreat at Deerleap
Nestled just 30 minutes from the vibrant and quaint city of Victoria, B.C., Deerleap, a private estate in Metchosin offers a serene escape. Surrounded by breathtaking vistas and gardens bursting with lush flowers and herbs, this peaceful haven is the perfect backdrop for creative exploration.
Join artist Michelle Miller, chef Marcia Kurbis and proprietor Tanya Horn for a one-of-a-kind art retreat. This intimate setting invites you to relax, unwind, and unleash your creativity. Michelle will provide step-by-step guidance through exercises in both abstract and stylized realism. Each participant will be provided with all art materials including a sketchbook and a larger canvas to bring their artistic visions to life.
Retreat Schedule
Secure your spot today with a non-refundable deposit of $500. CAD
For more info and to register contact Michelle at: art@michelle-miller.com
 |
Artist Michelle Miller has been teaching for over 30 years from her studio in Victoria as well as international locations such as Italy, France, Bali, and Portugal. She holds a B.A in art history as well as a B.F.A. in visual arts with a triple major in painting drawing & printmaking. Known for her engaging and hands-on teaching style, Michelle has built a loyal following of returning students. She takes pride in facilitating art projects while actively creating alongside her students, using demonstrations to bring concepts to life. |
 |
Chef Marcia Kurbis, a graduate of the Dubrulle French Culinary Institute is a seasoned culinary professional. She has honed her skills in some of Victoria’s finest establishments including The Marina, Café Brio and Brasserie L’Ecole as well as at Pastis, Cru and the renowned Lumière in Vancouver. As Executive Pastry Chef at Lumière, her exceptional recipes were featured in the Lumière Light cookbook. |
In recent years, Marcia has also pursued formal wine education completing the International Sommelier Guild Level II certification and earning the French Wine Essentials Certificate from the Wine & Spirit Guild. Marcia has a deep appreciation for the art of food and wine pairing, having crafted numerous pairing menus over the years. Passionate about supporting local agriculture, she prioritizes sourcing seasonal ingredients from Vancouver Island’s farmers.
 |
Proprietor Tanya Horn bought the historic 1914 Deerleap property in 1998, and began the 20+ year restoration project while raising her four children. A passionate sailor and seasoned world traveler, Tanya brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to the estate. Situated on seven scenic acres featuring a Garry Oak grove and beautiful terraced gardens at the base of Metchosin Mt., the property offers breathtaking views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and beyond. The 9,000-square-foot English Arts and Crafts home exudes timeless charm, and Tanya will be on-site to ensure smooth operations, welcome guests, and share fascinating historical insights about this majestic estate. |
‘One of my favourite things in my life to do is teach overseas to artists of all levels. People from North America, New Zealand and Europe have participated in these retreats and many have returned a number of times’.
Michelle gets very excited every time she speaks of her international art retreats of which she has been doing since 2007. ‘The enriching experience of another culture and country is amplified ten fold when combined with creating art. The senses are heightened. It’s that pause and relaxation of art that truly allows you to see, smell, taste and absorb all that is around you. And being with like minds opens the conversations of these experiences. Very tight and enduring friendships have been bonded over the years. I absolutely love it!’
Italy Painting & Drawing Retreat with Michelle Miller
May 19 – 26, 2025
Il Giardino di Vigliano ( https://www.agriturismovigliano.it/ )
$2,499. CAD based on two sharing
7 Nights’ accommodation at the Agriturismo Il Giardino di Vigliano, daily breakfast and dinner- including wine, Limoncello demonstration and wine tasting, mozzarella making demonstration and group transfers to and from Naples airport.
$1200. CAD per student for the art program payable to Michelle directly
Join artist Michelle Miller for our annual tour on the beautiful Amalfi coast and experience a painting and drawing retreat. Stay at Il Giardino de Vigliano, a charming 16th-century farmhouse located near the picturesque village of Sorrento. Our hosts, the Nunziatas and their rescue dog Bresciola tend to the 300-year-old lemon trees on their working farm overlooking the lemon groves and olive trees of Sorrento and enjoy views of the Bay of Naples. The stunning vistas will inspire a week of art classes with Michelle. Throughout the week, we will delight our senses with the sights and sounds of Italian coastal life, indulge in the incredible (and we do mean incredible!) food and wines, and enjoy fresh homemade cuisine as we immerse ourselves in the culture, allowing it all to resonate in the wonderful art you will produce!
Art classes are not included in the above and are payable directly to Michelle at $1200 per person. Not included: Personal expenses, airfare and taxes, meals not specified, and gratuities. Single supplement $999 (subject to availability). Private transfers are available at an additional cost for those not arriving at the same time as the group. Hold your space with a $500 non-refundable deposit.
Metchosin Weekend Drawing and Painting Art Retreat
June 6-9, 2025
Deerleap
$2,150. CAD solo occupancy
$1950. CAD double occupancy
Max of 8 students
*ALL art materials provided
Experience an Exclusive Art Retreat at Deerleap
Nestled just 30 minutes from the vibrant and quaint city of Victoria, B.C., Deerleap, a private estate in Metchosin offers a serene escape. Surrounded by breathtaking vistas and gardens bursting with lush flowers and herbs, this peaceful haven is the perfect backdrop for creative exploration.
Join artist Michelle Miller, chef Marcia Kurbis and proprietor Tanya Horn for a one-of-a-kind art retreat. This intimate setting invites you to relax, unwind, and unleash your creativity. Michelle will provide step-by-step guidance through exercises in both abstract and stylized realism. Each participant will be provided with all art materials including a sketchbook and a larger canvas to bring their artistic visions to life.
Retreat Schedule
Secure your spot today with a non-refundable deposit of $500. CAD
For more info and to register contact Michelle at: art@michelle-miller.com
|
Artist Michelle Miller has been teaching for over 30 years from her studio in Victoria as well as international locations such as Italy, France, Bali, and Portugal. She holds a B.A in art history as well as a B.F.A. in visual arts with a triple major in painting drawing & printmaking. Known for her engaging and hands-on teaching style, Michelle has built a loyal following of returning students. She takes pride in facilitating art projects while actively creating alongside her students, using demonstrations to bring concepts to life. |
|
Chef Marcia Kurbis, a graduate of the Dubrulle French Culinary Institute is a seasoned culinary professional. She has honed her skills in some of Victoria’s finest establishments including The Marina, Café Brio and Brasserie L’Ecole as well as at Pastis, Cru and the renowned Lumière in Vancouver. As Executive Pastry Chef at Lumière, her exceptional recipes were featured in the Lumière Light cookbook. |
In recent years, Marcia has also pursued formal wine education completing the International Sommelier Guild Level II certification and earning the French Wine Essentials Certificate from the Wine & Spirit Guild. Marcia has a deep appreciation for the art of food and wine pairing, having crafted numerous pairing menus over the years. Passionate about supporting local agriculture, she prioritizes sourcing seasonal ingredients from Vancouver Island’s farmers.
|
Proprietor Tanya Horn bought the historic 1914 Deerleap property in 1998, and began the 20+ year restoration project while raising her four children. A passionate sailor and seasoned world traveler, Tanya brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to the estate. Situated on seven scenic acres featuring a Garry Oak grove and beautiful terraced gardens at the base of Metchosin Mt., the property offers breathtaking views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and beyond. The 9,000-square-foot English Arts and Crafts home exudes timeless charm, and Tanya will be on-site to ensure smooth operations, welcome guests, and share fascinating historical insights about this majestic estate. |
