Art Nest Quilt Retreat – Quilt, Connect and Create
Welcome to the Art Nest Quilt Retreat, a spacious barndominium nestled in the serene Missouri countryside. This 12,000-square-foot venue is designed with makers in mind, blending bold decor, open spaces, and cozy corners perfect for relaxation. Art Nest’s inviting, mid-century modern style is the perfect backdrop for quilters to unwind, find inspiration, and lose themselves in creative time with others who share their passion.

Mark Your Calendar – February 6-9, 2025
The Art Nest Quilt Retreat is more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a memorable, creative journey with others who share your passion. Imagine days filled with laughter, inspiration, and endless quilting time in a welcoming space that’s thoughtfully designed for both relaxation and productivity. With so many opportunities to connect, learn, and create, this retreat offers the perfect balance of community and personal time to focus on your projects.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure yours early! This is the ideal retreat to bring your favorite Quilty friends along, adding even more joy to the experience. Sleeping accommodations are assigned on a first-come basis, so you can choose the setup that best suits your needs. Both ground-floor and upstairs rooms are available, but please note that there is no elevator access, so book with your preferences in mind. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, this retreat promises to be a quilt-filled escape that rejuvenates and inspires.
Open Sew, Open Hearts
This retreat is all about freedom and flexibility, designed in an open-sew format so you can dive into any project that sparks your creativity. Time to work on that UFO list! Bring along your sewing machine and favorite projects, or rent a machine onsite for added convenience. You’ll have plenty of space and support to make this retreat a rewarding, creative escape.
Here’s what’s included:
- Handcrafted Swag Bags filled with thoughtful surprises and Exciting Door Prizes to add even more excitement to your experience.
- Daily games and a Show & Tell session, where you can connect, laugh, and showcase your beautiful work among friends who share your passion.
- A Handmade Pin Cushion Swap that offers a fun way to exchange a bit of personal creativity with fellow quilters—a unique keepsake from your retreat.
- All meals included from arrival to departure, giving you more time to focus on quilting. Lunch and dinner will be served on Thursday, followed by breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and finally, breakfast and lunch on Sunday before check-out at 1 PM.
Everything is set up to allow you to focus on what matters most—quilting, relaxing, and connecting with a fantastic group of fellow quilters.
A Space to Quilt and Explore
Set in the peaceful town of Agency, Missouri, Art Nest Retreat Center is a creative haven designed with quilters in mind. The center’s decor is inspired by a vibrant mid-century modern style that brings an artistic flair to every corner, from the plush, inviting lounges to the carefully curated common areas. With several cozy lounging spaces, you’ll have plenty of room to relax, brainstorm, or simply enjoy some downtime with other quilters.
For quilting inspiration and relaxation, Art Nest Quilt Retreat offers more than just a place to sew. You can unwind in the Crows Nest Lounge, catch up on a quilting book from the Quilt Library, or enjoy a quiet moment on the sun porch. At the end of a productive day, head outdoors to the fire pit for stargazing or take a relaxing dip in the hot tub or the relaxing massage chair!
Nearby, the Sew Enchanting Equine Quilt Shop provides all the supplies you may need, while the famous Missouri Star Quilt Company is less than an hour away, making it a perfect day trip for some serious quilting retail therapy. With two full-service kitchens and a spacious dining area, Art Nest makes mealtime easy and enjoyable, leaving you free to focus on what you came for: quilting and connecting with your passion.
Your Dream Sewing Space Awaits
The sewing space at Art Nest Quilt Retreat is designed with every detail a quilter could ask for. Each workstation features spacious, fully adjustable tables, perfect for customizing to your ideal height and layout.
Swivel chairs with plush ergonomic support keep you comfortable for long stretches, while each table is equipped with dedicated power outlets to keep your personal devices—mini iron, cell phone, or sewing lights—charged and ready. You’ll find multiple ironing stations, convenient cutting stations, and thoughtfully arranged workspaces to maximize both comfort and efficiency. This retreat offers what may be the finest sewing setup you’ll ever experience, all tailored to make your quilting time as enjoyable and productive as possible.
Pamper Yourself – You Deserve It
This retreat is all about treating yourself. From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of—no cooking, no cleaning, just pure, uninterrupted quilting bliss. All meals are thoughtfully prepared, leaving you free to sew to your heart’s content in a space that’s both luxurious and creatively inspiring.
And when you’re ready for a break, indulge in some retail therapy with a quick trip to the nearby Sew Enchanting Equine Quilt Shop, stocked with everything a quilter could need. For a true quilting pilgrimage, Quilt Town USA is less than an hour away, offering an incredible shopping experience at Missouri Star Quilt Company. This retreat is a chance to spoil yourself, recharge, and focus on what you love most—quilting!
Settle Into Cozy, Comfortable Accommodations
At Art Nest Retreat Center, you’ll find rooms that make relaxation easy, with options for every preference. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom, giving you the convenience of privacy throughout your stay. With a mix of spacious setups, there’s the perfect space whether you’re joining solo or with a group of friends. Here’s a look at the bedroom layouts available:
- Bedroom 1: 1 full bed and 3 twin beds (629 sq ft)
- Bedroom 2: 3 twin beds (323 sq ft)
- Bedroom 3: 1 full bed and 2 twin beds (380 sq ft)
- Bedroom 4: 2 twin beds (220 sq ft)
- Bedroom 5: 2 twin beds (220 sq ft)
- Bedroom 6: 1 queen bed and 2 twin beds (330 sq ft)
- Bedroom 7: 4 twin beds (480 sq ft)
- Bedroom 8: 3 twin beds (364 sq ft)
These well-appointed rooms are designed with comfort in mind, including soft bed linens, ample outlets, and conveniences like luggage racks, fans, and hair dryers. With rooms available on both the ground floor and upstairs (note: no elevator access), you’ll have options to fit your needs. Just bring your favorite toiletries, settle in, and get ready to enjoy a restful stay. Art Nest Retreat Center combines modern amenities with a cozy, welcoming vibe—perfect for unwinding after a full day of quilting. Rooms 1 through 5 are conveniently located on the ground floor, while Rooms 6 through 8 are on the upper level, accessible by stairs.
Quilting Time Just for You
This retreat is an invitation to reconnect with what you love most, without the usual distractions or demands. Imagine stepping into a space that’s solely devoted to your creativity, surrounded by the hum of sewing machines and the laughter of fellow quilters who share your passion. Here, every moment is yours to embrace—whether you’re piecing a new quilt, finishing up an old project, or simply soaking up the energy of like-minded friends. The experience is both inspiring and rejuvenating, giving you time to bond, share stories, and learn from others.
Beyond the projects you’ll complete, you’ll leave with something even more valuable: memories of the connections and friendships formed over shared meals, late-night stitching, and those moments when everyone pauses to admire a beautiful quilt coming together. It’s a place where creativity and community meet, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to nurture yourself is through the things that bring you joy. This retreat is all about letting go of the everyday and diving fully into quilting, friendship, and the happiness that comes with doing what you love.
Art Nest Quilt Retreat – Join us!
This quilting retreat is an all-inclusive experience, covering every aspect of your stay—meals, activities, and accommodations—so you can fully immerse yourself in creativity and connection. From the moment you arrive, everything is set up for a seamless and rejuvenating experience. You’ll enjoy comfortable lodging, thoughtfully prepared meals, engaging activities, and ample sewing time without worrying about added costs.
Please note that transportation to and from the retreat center is not included. If you’re flying into Kansas City International Airport, we can assist by arranging a convenient shuttle to bring you directly to Art Nest Retreat Center and back to the airport at the end of the retreat. Please let us know if you need this service so we can share cost information, as it is not included in the overall price.
While the retreat fee is non-refundable, if you find you can’t attend, you’re welcome to transfer your spot to someone else. We’ll do our best to provide names from our waitlist if possible, though availability is not guaranteed, and arranging the transfer will be up to you. Secure your spot today for an unforgettable retreat filled with quilting, relaxation, and new friendships!