River Ridge Lodge Retreats and Events
Exploring Light in the Landscape Through Watercolours - Plein Air Guided Painting Workshop
Friday, June 4, 2021, 6-8 pm and Saturday, June 5, 2021, 11 am - 5 pm
Join local artist Gary Selig in the peaceful and picturesque setting of River Ridge Lodge to explore the local landscape as you discover the joy of watercolours. To maximize your learning and relaxation, the sessions will be spread out over two days.
Under Gary's mentorship, you'll create an incredible watercolour memento to capture your imagination and experience.
Unlike most art "courses", Gary will facilitate an introduction to watercolours, designed for the "curious" and beginner artist in you. The sessions are designed to provide enough basic knowledge and skills to create a watercolour sketch of your very own.
We will supply all tools and materials needed and a take-home kit. No prior knowledge or skill is required.
Session #1 - Friday, June 4, 2021, 6 pm - 8 pm (refreshments will be provided)
Introductions to the Artist and Materials, then on to "Constructive Play"
Learn "what" rather than "how" to draw and paint during this ice-breaker event - a fun introduction to the medium and the tools you will use. Discover why "colour" can play such a small part in interpreting an image realistically. Hear "artist tricks," which help bring focus and dynamics into your painting.
Light refreshments will complement some short and lively exercises to get you familiar with watercolours and image creation.
Session #2 - Saturday, June 5, 2021, 11 am – 1 pm (Sunday, June 6 in case of bad weather)
Skills Development and How to Begin a Landscape
We will start with an exploration of looking at the landscape and carving out the view you will capture.
Practice brush and paint control to enable you to form the shapes you want. Create a simple drawing that will guide your painting and make a seemingly daunting landscape panorama visually accessible to you as you create a watercolour sketch.
Lunch and optional relaxing walk – Saturday, June 5, 2021, 1 pm – 3 pm
Feast on a complimentary 3-course lunch with fresh, local ingredients from Ma Belle Country Condiments before you set out across the River Ridge Lodge property to find your painting location.
Session #3 - Saturday, June 5, 2021, 3 pm – 5 pm
Exploring and Painting the Landscape on Your Own With a Floating Mentor
With your own Plein Air watercolour kit, find and paint your unique response to the beauty of the grounds and riverscapes surrounding River Ridge Lodge. Artist-mentor Gary Selig will be close by and support you in expressing your own creative response to the beauty around you.
Workshop participants are welcome to continue painting on your own on the property in the evenings and/or on Sunday.
The event will be Plein Air on the beautiful rolling hills property and in the historic barn of River Ridge Lodge.
$195 + HST
Contact Frauke to add a room booking to make it a relaxing weekend getaway.
Past Workshops and Retreats
Christmas Wreath Workshop - Cancelled due to Increase in Covid Cases
Sunday, November 29, 2020, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Get your natural creative juices flowing during a fun-filled afternoon with Tara and Frauke and create a unique and gorgeous 16" wreath. The perfect way to kick off the festive season!
Enjoy the scent of the freshly harvested balsam fir while you create in a beautifully rustic barn filled with carols to set the festive mood. We will also provide freshly harvested juniper and pine, as well as decorative accents like berries, pinecones, bows, cinnamon sticks and more! All tools will be provided.
Sample a selection of hot drinks and delicious cookies while your craft is taking shape. Weather permitting, we may even have a bonfire!
Note, the barn is not heated, so please dress warmly. We recommend bringing an apron and gardening gloves to prevent the sap from getting on your clothes.
The number of participants will be limited to meet Covid restrictions.
Registration fee is 55.00 + HST
A limited number of wreath kits will also be available for purchase ($15), if you’d like to make more at home. Each kit includes a wreath ring, green floral wire, pinecones and pegs to fasten your decorative accents.
Ma Bell’s Tasty Tips for Seasonal Flavours - Will be reschedule due to Covid Restrictions
Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join well-known local condiment maker Meredith Bell of Ma Bell's Country Condiments for a flavour-filled festive afternoon.
You’ll get to sample seasonally prepared Cheese & Charcuterie Boards, guaranteed to tantalize your tastebuds and inspire fresh ideas just in time for the holidays, paired with haskap cider.
Meredith will offer simple, affordable tips on how to get more out of her delicious condiments, helping you save money. Need ideas for a last-minute hostess gift, quick dessert, new snack ideas or stocking stuffers? This workshop is for you!
All participants will receive a complimentary package of the two most popular seasonal spreads, pepper jelly and a sweet treat! Additional condiments and gift-wrapped packages will also be available for purchase.
Registration fee is 49.00 + HST
The number of participants will be limited to meet Covid restrictions.
Photo credit: Peter Hardy
Aligning Brain and Heart—A Healing Path
Sunday, November 22, 2020, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
River Ridge Lodge is delighted to collaborate with Debbie Gaudet from Prana Brain Wellness and Katharina Reed from Katharina Reed-Unsticking from Story to explore the process of healing your brain and heart.
After the presentation, there will be the opportunity to book sessions with Debbie and Katharina to experience Neurofeedback and the Unsticking from Story process. Please bring earbuds for Neurofeedback sessions. These sessions are included in the registration fee.
Debbie is a Neurofeedback practitioner. Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge brain training tool that allows the brain to become aware of being stuck in thoughts and patterns that may no longer serve it. These thoughts and patterns may prevent you from experiencing your full potential, health and well-being. It is a safe, natural and non-invasive approach that creates flexibility and resiliency, freeing the brain to function in the way it knows best. It encourages personal transformation from the inside out, allowing your brain to reorganize, adapt, and rewire - supporting the brain and heart's alignment.
Katharina guides women to explore stories that have been handed down through the generations and impact women in everyday life. These stories are so deeply ingrained that women are often not conscious of them. One of the most common stories women live out is trying to prove they are enough—that they are worthy. This story of "not enough" can be better understood by exploring the patriarchal success path and how it keeps women stuck. Unsticking allows you to experience greater consciousness levels supporting equality, health and well-being at all three levels; body, mind and spirit.
Due to COVID-19, the maximum number of participants is eight. If for any reason the event is cancelled, you will receive a full refund.
Coffee, tea and gluten-free snacks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own snack.
Registration fee is 20.00 + HST.
To register, please contact Frauke @ 902-531-2284 or welcometoriverridge@gmail.com.
Registration closes on November 20, 2020.
Stoke Your Inner Flame Retreat
Sunday, September 13, 2020, from 11 am - 4:30 pm
Join Fran Dunn & Dr. Tara Perrot from Dalhousie University's Psychology Department for this unique exploration of natural practices thoughtfully curated to replenish you. Delight in the natural beauty of River Ridge Lodge near historic Mahone Bay for this half-day of decadent, sensory experiences including restorative yoga, breathing techniques, and an introduction to meditation, live music, interactive nature activities, catered lunch, herbal tonics, an introduction to the art and science of essential oils and aromatherapy, and a few surprises!
Explore the local community with complimentary bike rental and ask us for a great bike tour right from the lodge or other day-trip itineraries. Ask Frauke for an exclusive discount code.
Due to social distancing practices and our intention to provide a more intimate experience, we are limited to a maximum of 12 guests
Register by September 6th for an early-bird price of $80.
Email or call Frauke from River Ridge Lodge @ 902-531-2284 to learn more.
Grief Retreats
Grief Retreats by Healing the Loss
We’re blessed to be collaborating with Hilary Scott of Healing the Loss, to offer professional individual and small group grief retreats.
Our Lodge offers a safe, contemplative, and restorative setting to support your sessions with Hilary. With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, you’ll be assured privacy when you need it. We offer kindness, space and company if you want it.
Read more about Hilary and Healing the Loss Grief Retreats to see if her program is right for you. You can also contact Hilary directly at 902-529-0021 or hscott@healingtheloss.com for more information or to book your retreat.
And if you’d like to book a room at the Bed and Breakfast to stay, contact Frauke at 902-531-2284 or welcometoriverridge@gmail.com.
View of Martins River and Mahone Bay from Silver Point Road