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Paint, Sculpt & Discover the Wild American West
Art Retreat with Lily Marfisi & Kelsey Schroeder
Come experience the Black Hills through art, wildlife, and nature.
Each day will blend watercolor, clay sculpture, outdoor exploration, and time to enjoy the beauty of the region.
With Lily Marfisi, you’ll explore watercolor through studio sessions and plein-air painting, with a focus on wildlife and landscapes. You’ll learn how to observe nature and animals through shape, texture, light, color, and composition, and turn what you see into expressive watercolor paintings. You’ll also paint outdoors in some of the region’s most striking settings.
With Kelsey Schroeder, you’ll explore small-scale clay sculpture inspired by wildlife and nature. You’ll learn how to build forms, block out forms, refine proportions and details, and bring character and life to your subjects.
Beyond the art sessions, you’ll spend time discovering the scenery and wildlife of South Dakota, including Custer State Park, home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world, Badlands National Park, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and other remarkable places throughout the region.
There will also be time to slow down and enjoy the setting — relax in the hot tub, take in the views from the private deck, wander through nature, and soak up the fall colors of the Black Hills.
Throughout the retreat, Lily and Kelsey will be there to teach, share their knowledge, and experience the journey alongside you.
No previous experience is required. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist, Lily and Kelsey will adapt their teachings to your level and pace. All art materials are provided. You’ll return home with your own original artworks, and your clay sculptures will be fired after the retreat in Kelsey’s private kiln and shipped to you within a few weeks.
More than an art workshop, this is a chance to create, explore, reconnect with nature, and experience the beauty of the American West alongside a small group of fellow art and nature lovers.
Retreat Highlights
- Watercolor & clay sculpture with Lily Marfisi and Kelsey Schroeder
- Plein-air painting inspired by wildlife and landscapes
- Observe the iconic bison herds of Custer State Park
- Explore the breathtaking Black Hills & Badlands
- Relax in a beautiful private home with hot tub & panoramic views
- Learn in a small and intimate group
DATES & PRICING
Dates & location
September 9- 19, 2027 (10 days)
You’ll fly into Rapid City Regional Airport, USA. Lodging will be in the city of Lead, South Dakota, in a large home nestled in the forest. Participants are welcome to drive and exact addresses can be provided.
Pricing & accommodation options
Several all-inclusive accommodation options are available, so you can choose the level of comfort and privacy that feels right for you.
- Shared Room — US$3,800 (€3,276) per person
Our most accessible option, perfect for those who enjoy a social and welcoming atmosphere. You’ll share a 3-person room, with your own separate bed and access to a shared bathroom.
- Queen Room with Shared Bathroom — US$4,350 (€3,750) per person (only 1 room available)
A cozy room for two guests sharing one queen bed, ideal for a couple or two close friends. The bathroom is shared with other guests staying nearby.
→ Prefer the room all to yourself? Book this room all for yourself for US$5,000 (€4,310).
- Queen Room with Private Bathroom — US$4,750 (€4,095) per person (only 1 room available)
Our most private and comfortable room option for two guests sharing one queen bed, ideal for a couple or two close friends. Enjoy the added comfort of your own private bathroom.
→ Prefer the room all to yourself? Book this room all for yourself for US$5,450 (€4,698).
All prices are per person and include the full retreat experience.
What’s included in the price:
- Watercolor painting classes with Lily Marfisi
- Wildlife sculpture classes in clay with Kelsey Schroeder
- All art supplies
- Shipping of finished sculptures (worldwide)
- Admission for all planned activities including Custer State Park, visits to the local bison herd, tour of Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and more!
- Lodging
- All meals (with the exception of 4 meals during outings)
- Use of on site washer/dryer
- Transportation to and from the airport and to all planned activities.
What’s not included:
- Airfare/travel expense
- Travel insurance
- 4 meals outside during excursions
Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy
Where you'll stay
You'll be staying as a group in a beautiful home nested in the forest in Lead, South Dakota.
The home features a private deck, hot tub, fireplace, and stunning views. Multiple room types are available on a first come, first booked basis to give you options for the level of comfort and privacy that are right for you. (Full details above in the Pricing section)
You'll be there right at the beginning of peak fall season so you can expect warm days, cool nights, and the start of dramatic fall colors.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
All levels welcome
No previous experience in painting or pottery is required. The retreat is open to everyone, from complete beginners to experienced artists and professionals. The workshops are designed so that each participant can learn, explore new techniques, and grow creatively at their own pace.
Group size & languages
This retreat is limited to 12 participants, and is offered in both English and French. Lily and Kelsey will handle translations as needed.
Orientation & preparation
Every participant is welcome to schedule a one on one Zoom call with Lily and/or Kelsey to determine if the retreat is a good fit and ask any questions.
About a month before departure, we’ll open a WhatsApp group and schedule a group Zoom call to go over all practical details before the trip.
Who is this retreat for ?
This retreat is for you if you have:
- A positive attitude and openness to group experiences.
- A respectful behaviour and ability to follow simple instructions.
- Basic physical ability to walk daily.
- A genuine interest in animals, nature, and art.
- A valid passport (for those outside the US).
MEET THE ARTISTS
Kelsey Schroeder & Lily Marfisi
Kelsey and Lily met in 2025 when Kelsey joined Lily’s art and conservation retreat at a cheetah reserve in South Africa. They bonded over their love of nature, animals, and art, and decided to create this unique art retreat in South Dakota to meet the bisons in their natural habitat and share their knowledge of paint and ceramics !
Both artists are experienced teachers who strive to help artists of all skill levels create wildlife artwork that is full of life and energy. They share a passion for all wildlife, and for bringing a deeper connection to nature through their art.
Lily Marfisi – Painting Artist
Lily Marfisi is a French visionary artist whose work is deeply inspired by animals, spirituality, and nature. Her artistic path is rooted in more than a decade of shamanic practice and exploration of spirit animals and the wisdom they carry, which continues to deeply influence the way she creates and connects with the natural world.
She works in both oil and watercolor, but over the years has become particularly known for her unique approach to watercolor. Lily developed her own unconventional technique, pushing watercolor beyond its traditional boundaries. Her paintings often surprise viewers with their depth, richness, and texture, sometimes appearing closer to oil or acrylic than traditional watercolor.
Her wildlife paintings invite a soul-to-soul connection with the animal and encourage us to shift our beliefs, bring a sense of magic back into everyday life, and remember that anything is possible.
Lily shares her artistic and spiritual path through her artworks and through painting retreats around the world, where she combines art with meaningful encounters with wildlife, creating opportunities to connect with, learn from, and support animals in their natural environments and conservation settings.
Take a look at Lily’s artworks at www.lilymarfisi-art.com or on her social media @lilymarfisi_art.
Kelsey Schroeder - Ceramic Artist
Kelsey is a clay artist known for her small scale sculptures that she incorporates into her pottery. The focus of her work is to bring life and personality to each animal she sculpts and to highlight the immense biodiversity found throughout the world. She is known for her boldy colorful glazework as well as the charm of her sculpted wildlife pieces.
From a young age Kelsey has had a deep passion for animals, nature, and conservation. She aims to support conservation efforts around the world through her art both by raising awareness and funds to support those on the ground doing the hardest part of this work. She believes deeply that each species, no matter how small, how loved, or how well known, is critical to the balance of our world as a whole.
She lives and works in the Black Hills and is excited to share the beauty of her home and the source of much of her inspiration within nature. This retreat will be deeply personal for her as she shares the place she grew up in and continues to call home.
Kelsey has been working full time from her home studio to support her family since 2022. She has worked in clay for over 20 years both teaching and sharing her passion for this medium.
Take a look at Kelsey's creations at www.kelseyschroederceramics.com or on her social media @kelseyceramics.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ?
For any further questions feel free to contact Kelsey at kswildlifecreations@gmail.com or Lily at lilymarfisi.art@gmail.com. You can also book a free call with us and ask all your questions about this retreat !
