Welcome to the most intimate art-making experience of your life. My work is like a page out of my journal... we’re going to make a painting that is a page out of yours. No prior artistic experience required. Stay at The Sanctuary, and while you enjoy your visit we will schedule time for some co-art-making fun. Hunterdon County boasts so many outdoor activities like nature, shopping, relaxing, antiquing, eating, and exploring, so you won't be at a loss for things to do between art sessions. The first floor holds the studio and is where we will work on the art you're going to take home with you. The longer you stay the larger the painting we can work on. The Sanctuary is a 1920s duplex with classic details and modern appeal, the home of artist Erika Rachel and an Airbnb. Originally built for the executives of the old paper mill, it has old-world elegance but is jam-packed with today's comforts like an updated eat-in kitchen, jacuzzi soaking bathtub, front-end loading washer/dryer, a home gym, a cozy front porch, and a backyard fire pit. You'll feel right at home. Mi Casa es Su Casa. We share the home respectfully and comfortably. While you're here I want you to feel at home. If your pillow feels too flat I have others to choose from. Blanket too heavy? I have lighter ones. Do you like baking and want to make a pie? Go for it. Feel like spending the evening fireside in the backyard? Be my guest. This is your home away from home. I will be here to greet you and guide you around the house so you have a comfortable lay of the land. After that, you can choose to relax quietly, explore the area, or we can begin working together. The choice is yours. We will have spoken plenty prior to your arrival, but expect a few happy surprises when you get here. This area has charm and history to spare. If you like boutiques, award-winning restaurants, hiking, biking, antiquing, art galleries, farmers' markets, tubing, nature, scenic views, and more, you've found it all. There will be so much for you to explore and experience between art-making sessions. The easiest way to enjoy the area is by car, but people love to bicycle around here too. Bikes can be rented in Frenchtown. The Sanctuary is a shoe-free house, so bring a pair of house slippers if you'd like or an extra pair of cozy socks. We have two friendly feline mascots here. Genesis is an old but happy, and food-motivated, girl who always gets complimented for looking half her age. Clea, short for Cleopatra, is a 2022 addition with bubbly playful energy, born on 2/22/22! A housekeeper comes every other week but we are meticulous about putting things away and cleaning up after ourselves in between.