Art, Writing & Creative Retreats
"Where Art, History & Community Come Together Since 1964"
Art Studio
Where Creativity Thrives
Formerly a large public ward during hospital days, this large room is full of daylight from the east, south and west. With an occupancy up to 53 people, it is the largest room within the building and serves as the heart of the art center's retreats, classes, workshops and meetings.
This space is available for rent for the day, half day or as part of the exclusive building rental package.
Art Studio
Our Largest and Most Flexible Space
Located on the 3rd floor with eastern, southern, and western views, this former public hospital ward has a maximum capacity of 53. An art studio sink, folding tables and chairs, and open spaces create a flexible environment to tailor the space to individual groups and retreats. Customizable party lights add a festive flair for those with evening plans.
Creatives/Nonprofit Rate: $100/8 hours - $75/4 hours
Standard Rate: $175/8 hours - $125/4 hours
Louise Curran Theatre
A Multipurpose Audio Visual & Lecture Space
This charming space, is dedicated to Louise Curran, the mastermind who came up with the idea to transform the hospital into an art center. Also a former hospital ward, this lovely space is located on the 4th floor at the north end. The theater is furnished with wonderful 1938 vintage movie theater seats from the Virginia City Movie Theater, once located where Grandma's Fudge is today. These beautiful seats were donated to us by the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum and were lovingly restored by our Caretaker, Beth Gambrall Day.
With a projector, projection screen, podium and 19 unique vintage seats, this room is perfect for many uses during full day, half day rentals or as part of the exclusive building rental package. Watch movies, listen to a poetry reading, conduct art critiques and more in this very unique space.
Pricing Varies Based on Use & Duration. Please inquire for more details.
Arts Retreats & Workshops
Where Creativity Thrives
Since 1964, groups of creative people have been coming to St. Mary's Art Center to stay, learn, create, inspire and enjoy comradery with fellow artists. This wonderful tradition continues today with retreats focusing on watercolor, plein air, writing, scrapbooking, yoga and many other mediums.
In addition to building rentals with 15 guest rooms available for retreats, we also rent our art studio, dark room, print room and other spaces individually for day classes and workshops.
We offer special discounted rates for creative retreats, nonprofit organizations and artists. Contact us for more details.
If you are looking to attend a retreat, please check our Retreats and Workshops for upcoming offerings!
PLEASE NOTE: Our front grounds are currently undergoing improvements, including transition from grass to decomposed granite with flagstone path, and the significant addition of historically appropriate, and hearty, plants such as lilacs, lavender, Russian sage, salvia, thyme, and more.
The design conserves water, encloses the front area, provides a defined walkway and ceremony area, and adds layers of height, color, and beauty.
Contact us for more details regarding the upcoming changes. The project is expected to be complete by May 15, 2024.
Rental Deposits DO NOT guarantee dates for hold or rentals without date and reservation confirmation by SMAC staff.
Mimi Patrick
Library Lounge
A Cozy, Comfortable Space
Located on the 4th floor with a southern gable view, this former small hospital ward features angled ceilings, original, rustic floors, sofa, library table, an 1876 handmade quilt and an eclectic library of arts and culture and art instruction and reference books. Books are available for use by guests and some may also be checked out, as available.
This space is dedicated to Mimi Patrick, former Director of the art center who was responsible for many of the major restoration projects in the early - mid 2000's. Mimi was a potter as well as a printmaker and sculptor. Pieces of her work are on display in this warm space.
Creatives/Nonprofit Rate: $100/day
Standard Rate: $150/day
Dark Room
One of Few Left
Located on our first floor, the photography dark room offers enlargers, a standing height table with water, bins for developers and stoppers, timers and other equipment. Bring your own photography processing chemicals and step back in time to the romantic days of manually processing negatives and photographs. Or, step into the modern era and use it for chemigrams.
Available for Art/Photography Retreats Only
$125/day
$65/half day
Print Room
A charming space for classes and printmaking
Located on our first floor, the print room is situated directly under the main porch. With a character-filled brick wall and concrete floors, the finishes are especially unique within the building.
This printmaking space includes and Elgin Printing Press, rollers and other printmaking tools. Artists should plan to bring their own inks, cleaners and other tools.
Enjoy this space as a classroom, breakout space, or quiet area for the full day, half day or as an add on to the exclusive building rental package.*
Available for Art & Writing Retreats Only.
Print Room with Printing Press Use:
$125/day
$65/half day
Print Room as Class or Meeting Room with No Printing Press Use:
$60/day
$40/half day
Art Galleries
Four floors of inspiration
All four floors and public spaces feature original art, photography, or textile art. We showcase seasonal art exhibitions in the 1st floor galleries, and our permanent art collection and long-term loan exhibitions throughout the building. This unique historic property filled with creativity is the perfect and one-of-a-kind setting to host creative retreats.
Space featured: Post Gallery & Parlor with artwork by Pam Brekas
