NorCAL Wax Mini-Retreat 2026

NorCAL Wax is hosting its first Mini-Retreat at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, CA

on February 7 & 8, 2026.

The NorCAL Wax (NCW) Mini-Retreat offers a focused escape for wax artists of all levels to nurture their creativity, learn new techniques and connect with other artists in a supportive environment. In addition to a wonderful line up of instructors, we've packed the NCW Mini-Retreat with activities that will spark your imagination including: hot and cold wax demonstrations, art product giveaways, designated time for hands-on play, creative exercises to jump start your studio time, an optional art exchange, community building and more! 

Dive into Mini-Retreat demonstrations with our fantastic line-up of instructors:

• Cold Wax and Oil Paint with Diane Williams

• Working Sculpturally with Fosshape and Encaustic with Helen Dannelly

• R&F Pigment Sticks and Drawing Oils with Sara Post

• Encaustic Monotype with Ruth Kedar

• Toolbox Rebels: Mark Making with a Twist with Karen Buttwinick & Melissa Stephens

• Special Virtual Guest Presenter: Dietlind Vander Schaaf

Open registration for members and non-members is October 30 - December 31, 2025.

Overall, the NorCAL Wax Mini-Retreat will introduce and expand people’s knowledge of encaustic and cold wax techniques, materials, tools, substrates and resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to play with a handful of the materials presented and receive tips, tricks and resources from knowledgeable instructors. We look forward to connecting with you and your art.

Learn more, and register for the Mini-Retreat on our Frequently Asked Questions page.