Find your inspiration along the Cowpasture River at Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm
May 3 – 7, 2026
The Cowpasture River Preservation Association and Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm invite artists of any medium to join us for The Fifth Annual CRPA Artist Retreat at Fort Lewis. Offering over 3,300 acres of open fields, mountains, forests, wildflowers, and birds, and featuring 3-miles of the scenic Cowpasture River, Fort Lewis is the perfect place to gather with fellow artists and create in a beautiful outdoor setting. This 4-day event includes a nightly social hour which will offer participants an opportunity to mingle and discuss their art over a glass of wine or beer. The event is non-juried and open to the first 30 artists who register.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
Registration: Sunday, May 3, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Arrive and pickup registration packet, including property map, event schedule, and list of participating artists.
Welcome Social Hour: Sunday, May 3, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Meet and learn about the interests of fellow artists over a glass of wine or beer at Buck’s Bar.
Lunch: Monday, May 4, 1:00 pm
Lunch will be available for pickup in the Mill anytime after 1:00 pm.
Artist Social Hour: Monday, May 4, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
A chance to learn and engage with fellow artists over a glass of wine or beer at Buck’s Bar.
Lunch: Tuesday, May 5, 1:00 pm
Lunch will be available for pickup in the Mill anytime after 1:00 pm.
Informal Critique: Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Bring your artwork to Buck’s Bar and enjoy this informal opportunity to review and discuss the work that you are creating during the retreat. Beer & wine served.
Lunch: Wednesday, May 6, 1:00 pm
Lunch will be available for pickup in the Mill anytime after 1:00 pm.
Informal Critique: Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Bring your artwork to Buck’s Bar and enjoy this informal opportunity to review and discuss the work that you are creating during the retreat. Beer & wine served.
Final morning at Fort Lewis: Thursday, May 7
For participants staying on the property – checkout is 11 am. While all are welcome to stay on the property to continue painting, you must be out of your room and checked out with hotel staff before 11 am.
FURTHER EVENT DETAILS
LOCATION
Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm
811 Millstone Lane
Millboro, VA 24460
LODGING
For those who wish to stay on-site and be totally immersed in the beauty of the Cowpasture River Valley, Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm is offering participating artists a special rate of $255/night for a single room, $300/night for a double room, and $315 for a suite for two. Breakfast and dinner are included in the rate.
Contact Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm at info@fortlewislodge.com or (540) 925-2314 to book at this special rate.
* Artists are not required to stay at the Lodge to participate in the event.
RAIN PLAN
There are covered areas for artists to work in the event of inclement weather – therefore no rain date.
THE COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION (CRPA)
Interested artists are encouraged to become a member of the CRPA ($25 annual membership fee) and apply for the retreat at a reduced rate. Membership offers annual social events, group hikes, field and float trips, a subscription to the quarterly newsletter, and waterway explorations. The Cowpasture River, being one of the two tributaries forming the James River, is an important Virginia resource and our members are dedicated to protecting it.
Questions: Contact director@cowpastureriver.org
APPLICATION:
Deadline is February 16, 2026
Three different payment options available for applicants:
- Artists Application Fee: $180
- Application Fee for Current CRPA Members: $140 (must have paid for CRPA membership dues within the 2025/2026 annual campaign cycle)
- EVENT SPECIAL – Application Fee & 1 Year CRPA Membership for New or Renewing Members: $165
Application fee covers permission to work on private property at Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm, access to Lodge facilities, Monday lunch, Tuesday lunch, Wednesday lunch, and drink tickets to be used at the nightly social hour.
Complete the form below to begin the registration process.
After submitting your information, you will be redirected to a secure payment page.
Please note: Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.
Prefer to pay with cash or check? Email director@cowpastureriver.org.
The application process will close once the maximum number of participating artists is reached.
Applications will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. Artists may request to be added to a
waiting list. Application fee is non-refundable.
Artists will receive more details via email in early March.
CRPA reserves the right to take photos of you and your work during the May 3 – May 7 event,
and to have unlimited use of these images for CRPA materials, communications and promotions.
Artist’s name and title of work will be featured. Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm and CRPA reserve
the right to cancel or postpone due to unforeseen events.