SANCTUARY WORKSHOP

Each January, artists Lynne Millar and Claire Tollstrup lead Sanctuary, an immersive 4-day small group workshop (in the most beautiful location we can find!) focused on oil painting, floral design, creative connection, and restoration. 
Our intention is to create the ultimate creative pause—a space where you can slow down and fill your artistic well. Each day includes foundational oil painting instruction—designed for both committed beginners and experienced painters—with thoughtful exercises, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback. 
We also gather for a hands-on flower session led by our favorite floral designer Marianne Bates, where participants create arrangements mirroring the natural beauty surrounding us. Together, we explore what it means to live artfully.
2026 Workshop - January, Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs (filled)
Please join my email list to be notified when we open registration for 2027. Spots are limited and fill quickly.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Join artists Claire Tollstrup and Lynne Millar in beautiful Palm Springs for 4 immersive days of oil painting, floral design,  creative connection, relaxation and restoration at the enchanting Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs.
Our intention is to create the ultimate creative pause—a space where you can slow down, fill your artistic well, and become inspired. Each day will include foundational oil painting instruction—designed for both committed beginners and experienced painters—with thoughtful exercises, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback. Each artist will have individual support from Claire and Lynne as they paint everyday.
We’ll also gather for a floral design session led by floral designer Marianne Bates, creating arrangements that mirror the natural beauty surrounding us. Together, we’ll explore what it means to live a creative life—and how to make space for painting and creativity in our daily life.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

:: 4 nights at Korakia boutique hotel January 19-22 (check out on 23rd)
:: Oil Painting instruction everyday, demonstrations, thoughtful exercises and group creativity discussions
:: Floral design class, with fresh fruit and flowers to paint from as we create our still life scenes
:: Breakfast everyday at Korakia Resort in Palm Springs Desert
:: Private group yoga session on the grounds of Korakia Resort
:: Welcome dinner on our first night, and a formal celebration dinner on our last evening together
:: 2 Zoom classes before the workshop to help familiarize participants with their supplies and traveling with oil paints

MEET THE ARTISTS

LYNNE MILLAR

Lynne lives in Tracy, California, and brings her academic foundation with a degree in art history to the workshops. She showcases her work through Anthropologie, Minted, and Artfully Walls, describing painting as her way of “paying attention to and processing the beauty and complexity of the world around me through color, brushstroke and texture.”

CLAIRE TOLLSTRUP

Claire is based in Salt Lake City and contributes two decades of oil painting experience to their teaching partnership. She actively participates in shows and galleries throughout Utah and surrounding states, believing that “artists should not try to be factories but instead intentional and thoughtful creators—each painting deserves its own individual thought, composition, theme and meaning behind it.”

MARIANNE BATES

Completing their creative trio is Marianne Bates, a professional and highly sought-after floral designer whose elegant work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and Style Me Pretty. Marianne brings her vibrant personality and energy to the group, making each workshop both educational and lighthearted.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

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  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.