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2026 NorCAL Wax Mini-Retreat
The inaugural NorCAL Wax Mini-Retreat that took place February 7 - 8, 2026, at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, CA, brought together forty-two artists from California, Illinois and New Mexico. It was a full weekend of encaustic and cold wax art!
Participants dove into live demonstrations, dynamic presentations, and interactive, guided hands-on play. Attendees learned new techniques and bonded with wax educators while embracing their new supportive community.
The NorCAL Wax Mini-Retreat was a great time for sharing goals, experimenting with new tools, and getting energized by the group’s collective creativity. In addition to expanding their minds, those who attended had the opportunity to dine together, make new friends, and walk away with new artwork, creative materials and fresh ideas. Everyone left feeling inspired and reconnected to their art practice and fellow artists.
A very special thank you to all who volunteered - your time added value for everyone!
Thank you to the 2026 NorCAL Wax Mini-Retreat Presenters:
Encaustic Monotype
Cold Wax
Layers and Translucency
Fosshape Sculpture
Karen Buttwinick & Melissa Stephens
Toolbox Rebels: Mark Making with a Twist
R&F Pigment Sticks and Drawing Oils
SHARED EVENT QUOTE:
"This was one of the best run art retreats that I've attended."
Thank you to all of the Sponsors and Donors that helped make the NorCAL Wax Mini-Retreat possible!
Ampersand
Arches Papers
BLICK Art Materials
Encaustiflex & Leslie Giuliani
Enkaustikos
Golden Art Color, Inc.
International Encaustic Artists
R&F Handmade Paints
Melissa Stephens & Karen Buttwinick
SHARED EVENT QUOTE:
"I met lots of new artist friends and we're excited to create together!"
Artwork created or presented at the Mini-Retreat:
Don't miss out on the next NorCAL Wax event! Join today.