Tiny Art Swap 2026
Register your interest via the Services page
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FOUND OBJECTS
CREATIVE THERAPIES
Life gets full. Commitments stack up, to-do lists grow, and somewhere in the middle of it all, the things that restore us get quietly pushed aside. This retreat is an invitation to step away from that, not to escape life, but to come back to yourself within it.
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Set on the hillside of Spring Spur farm in the Kiewa Valley, Victoria, this is a small-group retreat that brings together art-making, mindfulness and the simple grounding power of being in nature. No experience needed. No performance required. Just time, space and the chance to make something, including a little more room for yourself.
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Arrive Friday afternoon and head home Sunday late morning for a weekend that's genuinely yours.
Cost and Itinerary
What's included:
Two nights accommodation at Spring Spur farm stay (single king or shared room)
Welcome drinks and snacks on arrival
Two breakfasts and one lunch, with refreshments, tea and coffee throughout
All materials for three guided art-making sessions
Guided nature walk to collect materials
Saturday morning yoga
Saturday evening free to explore — Tawonga and Mt Beauty are just a short drive for dinner
Sunday morning meditation
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Your Weekend:
Friday afternoon — Arrive & Settle In
Check in, get comfortable and meet your fellow retreat guests over welcome drinks and snacks.
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Saturday — Create, Connect & Wander
Begin the morning gently with yoga, then gather for breakfast before your first art-making session. After lunch, head out on a guided walk through the landscape to collect natural materials, then bring them back into your second creative session. Saturday evening is entirely yours; dinner in town, a glass of wine on the verandah, or a quiet night in with a good book.
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Sunday — Reflect & Carry It Home
Start Sunday with a guided meditation before a final breakfast together. Your last art-making session closes with reflection and sharing, a chance to look back at what you've made, and what you're taking home beyond it. Farewells by late morning.
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Pricing & Booking:
Single king room — early bird discount $1500/ full price $1,800 per person
Shared room (3 single beds) — early bird discount $1200/ full price $1,500 per person
King room shared with a friend — early bird discount $1200/ full price $1,500 per person
A 25% deposit is required within 5 days of booking, with the balance due 30 days before the retreat.
(Early bird discount for bookings prior to 14th April)
Accommodation
Tucked into the hillside above the Kiewa Valley, Spring Spur is a working farm stay just outside the town of Tawonga and the perfect place to properly arrive. Wake up to sweeping mountain views, say good morning to the horses, and let the pace of the land remind you what slow feels like. There's space here to breathe, to wander, to simply be.
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Accommodation is offered in comfortable king rooms, each with a private bathroom, or a more affordable shared room with three single beds a lovely option if you're coming with friends. King rooms can also be shared at a reduced rate. Everyone gathers in the spacious communal lounge, where the kettle is always on.
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The towns of Mt Beauty and Tawonga are a short drive away, but honestly, you may not want to leave.
Your Hosts
Marie Pavlik
I have over ten years experience helping women transition to achieve their goals, whatever they are: seeking confidence to take the next step, changing career or returning to work, and wanting more balance, meaning or direction.
I help my clients gain clarity, set realistic goals, and develop actionable plans to overcome obstacles and achieve what they want for their best life.
Kimberly Howeler
With more than five years experience working 1:1 and in group settings as an arts therapist, I have supported a broad population of people in their mental health and wellness journey.
Through art making, we explore what is currently sitting with the participant, and support processing of the thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours. ​
FAQ
Where is the retreat located?
We have selected a Stay at Spring Spur offering an immersive experience where you can reconnect in cosy comfort with the natural world and farm life, plant your feet on healthy soil, fill your lungs with mountain air and your vision with spectacular alpine scenery. It is situated in the spectacular Kiewa Valley in the heart of the Victorian High Country.
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What are your check in / check out times?
Check-in is on Friday from 4 pm to 9pm, Check-out is on Sunday at 10 am.
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Is it suitable for all people?
Our retreat is designed for women seeking rest, creativity, and reconnection in a calm, nature-based setting. No prior art experience is needed, this is a space for gentle exploration, presence, and personal expression rather than outcomes or skill level. We welcome women of all ages and backgrounds, whether you are navigating change, looking to recharge, or simply carving out time for yourself. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know when booking.
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Can i bring my car and is there parking?
It is a 4 hours drive from Melbourne. Despite being in the centre of nature, only the last 5 minutes is on a well maintained dirt road. Any car can navigate this and there is sufficient parking for everyone.
Are there public transport options?
The V-Line Rail can help here. There are daily rail services into Albury from both Melbourne and Sydney. There are also rail connection services with coaches running right to Mt Beauty. V/Line can give you details on all services.
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Can you arrange transfers?
We can arrange transfers to and from Albury/Wangaratta when two weeks' notice is provided for a transfer fee. Please get in touch or let us know when booking.
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I have dietary requirements, can you accommodate this?
Yes we accommodate any dietary requirement. Please let us know when booking
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What do I do for dinner? Recommendation?
We’d like to let you unwind and have a free choice of spending your evening to your taste. Dining around Spring Spur is centred on its signature for seasonal, farm-to-table meals shared in a relaxed setting.
In nearby Mount Beauty, casual options include Grass Valley, Settlers Tavern Cafe and West Peak Hotel for easy pub-style dinners.
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Is there mobile phone reception?
There is relatively good coverage, however, we suggest you turn your phone off to enjoy your great wellbeing break. The accommodation has wifi available.
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What to take along?
Please bring comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for time in nature, along with a few items you don’t mind getting a little messy during creative sessions. A yoga mat is also recommended for gentle movement and grounding practices. Most importantly, come as you are, everything else will be provided.
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Please reach out if your question is not here.