We are excited to invite you to the Third NESBA Weekend Retreat on March 20-22, 2026 at The 204, a cultural arts center in Harwich on Cape Cod. 

Come enjoy the camaraderie of fellow botanical artists, and the quiet beauty of Cape Cod in the offseason. The 204 is close to beaches, woods, a bike path and many conservation areas.  Lodgings are at winter rates, restaurants aren’t crowded and the traffic jams are few. 

Some wonderful programs have been planned. In addition to learning from some really talented people, the weekend is about celebrating the reason why we are all part of NESBA.  Please come and join us for this wonderful event.

SCHEDULE

Friday, March 20

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:  Doors open at noon. There are several options nearby to pick up lunch. Cape Roots Market Rt 28 Harwich is a good option for sandwiches and salads.  The House of Pizza is at the intersection of Sisson Rd & Rt 28.  

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM:  The Cocktail Hour Garden

Add some pizzaz to your next cocktail party.  C.L. Fornari will present a talk about plant-based cocktails/mocktails.  C.L. Fornari is a creative gardening expert (aka plant geek) who transitioned from artist to garden communicator in 1995. She is the author of nine books including Sand and Soil ~ Creating Beautiful Gardens on Cape Cod and the Islands, Cocktail Hour Garden, and her newest book Hydrangea Happiness: Planting, Pruning and Blooming.  C.L. is a Master gardener and hosts a weekly radio garden talk show.  Her books are illustrated by her photos and artwork.
Website: https://gardenlady.com/

Saturday, March 22

 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM:  Watercolor Winter Dried Botanicals: Faded Color & Quiet Light

Jessica Daigle, an accomplished botanical artist and illustrator who has exhibited internationally, will teach a watercolor technique workshop on dried and aging flowers.  

Join her in capturing the season’s botanical beauty in watercolor. Inspired by dried blooms – hydrangeas, strawflowers, eucalyptus, pinecones and more, this full-day workshop celebrates the quiet poetry of aged plants. Through gentle washes, muted tones, and the subtle play of winter light, we’ll explore how to paint their understated grace.

You’ll learn dry brush techniques to reveal the delicate textures and intricate structures of dried flowers, capturing their quiet strength and faded elegance. We’ll also explore how to build rich, luminous color through glazing, create atmosphere and depth, and even turn mistakes into opportunities with a few clever watercolor tricks.

Come spend a calm, creative day reconnecting with nature and the joy of painting. Dried botanicals will be provided for you to study and take home as inspiration.

Some basic drawing experience is recommended.

Reference Materials:
Dried botanicals will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite stems for inspiration.

Click here for the materials list

Explore Jessica’s website to see her beautiful work and accomplishments. 

 Website: https://www.jmdaigle.com/

Sunday, March 23

9:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Jack in the Pulpit in Colored Pencil on Dura-Lar with Kathie Miranda. 

Kathie uses Dura-lar film to create an image that appears to be 3D. This technique involves working on a sheet of Dura-Lar on both sides and flipping the various layers to create the intended effect. Sounds complicated but it isn’t once you get the hang of it.  It’s great fun and a good brain exercise too!

Click here for the materials list

Read more about Kathie and her technique here.

https://www.bbg.org/florilegium/kathie_miranda

https://www.instagram.com/kathie.miranda/

EVENT DETAILS

Registation Fee: A fee of $100 includes the workshops, Saturday and Sunday morning pastry, tea, coffee, and lunches.  

Deadline for registration: March 7, 2026.

What to Bring: Bring a lamp, an extension cord, and your usual art supplies, plus the materials for the specific workshops.

Venue Location: 

The 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building 
204 Sisson Road, Harwich, Massachusetts 02645 

Phone: 508-301-1913

 Where to Stay: Click here for a list of suggested lodging options, restaurants and beaches.

Please email us if you have trouble with document access.

Refund Policy:

Prior to the program’s start date, registration fees are refundable minus a 10% processing fee provided we are able to fill your spot.  

If we are unable to fill your spot, your registration fee is non-refundable and may be considered a tax-exempt donation to NESBA.

In case of retreat cancellation, registration fees will be refunded minus a processing fee.

Please email us if you need to cancel your registration.

Note: This retreat is reserved for NESBA members only.

Retreat Agenda:

Click here for a printable version of the above agenda