Fire Arts Vermont, a partnership between renowned artists Randi Solin and Natalie Blake, announces their annual Girls Who Play with Fire retreat in the Vermont countryside. Designed to ignite creativity, deepen self-awareness, and sharpen professional vision, the retreat brings together a small, select cohort for immersive studio exploration, somatic practice, and shared meals in an intimate setting.
“After decades of making and teaching, I’ve found the most rewarding work is creating space for others to explore and grow creatively,” says Solin, co-host and contemporary glass artist. “This retreat is for those ready to trade caution for curiosity, build their creative practice, and approach their work confidently.”
The program emphasizes embodied discovery over technique alone. Participants rotate through hot glass, clay work, and somatic painting that links breath and movement to mark-making. Studio sessions are paired with coaching and creative business mentorship, allowing material insights to translate into concrete next steps such as exhibitions, commissions, or entrepreneurial growth. The retreat welcomes all women, whether an artist stepping onto the map, an entrepreneur aiming to scale creative work, or a multi-passionate professional seeking to expand their practice.
Solin and Blake, co-hosts and business partners of 30 years, bring decades of combined experience in teaching, studio practice, and public commissions. Solin’s blown-glass work is represented in public and private collections, while Blake’s ceramics and design practice integrates functional work, large-scale commissions, music, and space design. Through Fire Arts Vermont, a gallery, open studio, and education center, the founders create a space where concentrated mentorship fosters growth.
The retreat’s logistics are carefully designed to support uninterrupted creativity. The cohort is limited to eight women, ensuring individualized attention and meaningful connections. Participants can enjoy three nights of lodging in an artistically curated church, with all materials for glass, clay, and paint provided, as well as organic, farm-sourced meals. Programming features movement integration, creativity-focused culinary experiences, coaching, and a few thoughtfully arranged surprises to inspire exploration. “It’s a transformational opportunity that totally changed how I felt in mind and body,” a previous participant commented. “You can feel the loving energy, everything was taken care of, and I left feeling inspired in so many ways!”
Co-facilitator Pamela Schneider reported substantial shifts in creative confidence and professional momentum. “There’s something powerful about being around Randi and Natalie,” she says. “Their wisdom about art, business, and leadership opens you up to what’s possible for yourself. For me, it was life-changing. I even went on to open my own studio.”
The retreat allows participants to carve out time for soulful exploration. With practical planning, balancing making, reflection, movement, connection, and restorative time for integration, participants connect to a deeper authentic self. Focused mentorship and a small, motivated community of women, helps build self-trust, encourage bolder creative risks, and clarify professional direction. “Just like the transformative nature of fire, you come as one person and leave as another,” said Solin.
The Girls Who Play with Fire retreat offers a rare opportunity to immerse fully in creativity, connection, and growth. Only a few slots remain for the October 15–18, 2026, session. Early registration is encouraged to secure a place in this transformative program.
Media Contact
Name: Pamela Schneider
Email: [email protected]
