Join us at the DeKoven Center for Kathi Wilson’s 2027 Sketchy Friends Retreat, February 18–21, featuring “Basics of Ink & Watercolor” with watercolor artist and sketcher Kar-Keat Chong!

This three-night creative getaway includes two mornings of class instruction with Kar-Keat, two afternoons of sketching practice, plenty of time to connect with fellow artists, and opportunities to sketch throughout DeKoven’s beautiful historic campus. The weekend also includes six meals at DeKoven, along with outings to local Racine favorites including Wells Brothers and Red Onion.

Stay in historic Taylor Hall and enjoy a relaxed weekend devoted to learning, practicing, and simply making art—all just a short walk from the shores of Lake Michigan.

The full retreat is $450 per person and includes three nights lodging, six meals, instruction, and scheduled sketching sessions. A limited number of commuter spaces are available for $225 and include meals, instruction, and scheduled sketching sessions.

Space is limited to 30 participants, with very limited availability for commuters.

The deadline to register is November 18, 2026. This retreat is currently sold out. Fill out the form below to join the waitlist.

Prices

  • Full Retreat - $450

  • Commuter - $225

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Download our workshop brief & supply list

Register for Waitlist

This retreat is currently sold out. If you would like to join the waitlist, please complete the form below.

Please note: your registration is not complete until payment is received.

All retreat payments will be handled through Kathi Wilson, organizer of the Sketchy Friends Retreat. Payment instructions will be provided after you submit your registration form.

The Artist

Kar-Keat Chong

Kar-Keat Chong is a Minneapolis-based architect and watercolorist trained in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, and mentored by renowned watercolorist Cheng-Khee Chee. A signature member of the National Watercolor Society and Minnesota Watercolor Society, his work has appeared in juried exhibitions nationally and internationally. He teaches watercolor at his own studio and other institutions, and is active with the Urban Sketchers group.