Art, Writing & Creative Retreat Venue
The Virginia Range Mountains Are Waiting
Host your next creative retreat at St. Mary's Art Center, perched high in the Virginia Range mountains. We offer breathtaking views and exceptional amenities in Nevada's historic Virginia City.
The Ultimate Destination for Creative Retreats
Where Creativity Thrives
Since 1964, creative groups have gathered at St. Mary's Art Center to stay, learn and create alongside fellow artists. This tradition continues today, as we welcome retreats centered on watercolor, plein air painting, writing, scrapbooking, yoga and many other art forms.
Each retreat rentals include access to 15 spacious guest rooms and various art-making spaces. Feel inspired in our studios, darkroom, print room and many other distinctive spaces suited to your class or workshop.
If you are looking to attend a retreat, check our Retreats and Workshops for upcoming offerings.
Discounted Rates
We offer special discounted rates for creative retreats, nonprofit organizations and artists. Contact us for more details.
Art Studio
Our Largest and Most Flexible Space
Formerly a public hospital ward, this sunlit third-floor studio has southern, eastern and western exposure and holds up to 53 people, making it the largest room in the building. An art studio sink, folding tables and chairs, and open floor plan make it easy to tailor the room to your group, and customizable party lights add a festive touch for evening events.
Available by the day, half day, or as part of the exclusive building rental package.
Creatives & Nonprofit Rate:
$75 Half Day (4 Hours) • $100 Full Day (8 Hours)
Standard Rate:
$125 Half Day • $175 Full Day
Louise Curran Theatre
A Multipurpose Audio-Visual & Lecture Space
This charming space is dedicated to Louise Curran, who first envisioned transforming the hospital into an art center. Once a hospital ward, it's located on the fourth floor at the north end and furnished with vintage 1938 movie theater seats from the old Virginia City Movie Theater, once located where Grandma's Fudge stands today. The seats were donated by the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum and lovingly restored by our caretaker, Beth Gambrall Day.
With a projector, screen, podium, and 19 vintage seats, the theatre is well suited to full- or half-day rentals, or as part of the exclusive building rental package. Watch a film, host a poetry reading, hold an art critique, and more.
Pricing varies by use and duration. Contact us for more details.
Mimi Patrick
Library Lounge
A Cozy, Comfortable Space
This former hospital ward on the fourth floor features a southern gable view, angled ceilings, original rustic floors, a sofa, a library table, an 1876 handmade quilt, and an eclectic collection of arts, culture, and instructional books. Guests are welcome to use the library, and some titles may be checked out.
The space is dedicated to Mimi Patrick, a former director of the art center who led many of its major restoration efforts in the early-to-mid 2000s. A potter, printmaker, and sculptor herself, her work is on display throughout this warm space.
Creatives & Nonprofit Rate: $100 Full Day (8 Hours)
Standard Rate: $150 Full Day
Print Room
A Charming Space for Classes & Printmaking
Tucked beneath the main porch on the first floor, the print room stands out with its exposed brick wall and concrete floor. It includes an Elgin printing press, rollers and other printmaking tools. Artists are recommended to bring their own inks, cleaners and additional supplies.
Use the space as a classroom, breakout area, or quiet retreat corner for a full day, half day, or as an add-on to the exclusive building rental package.
The Print Room is available for art and writing retreats only.
Standard Rate With Printing Press Use:
$125 Full Day (8 Hours) • $65 Half Day (4 Hours)
Sandard Rate With No Printing Press Use:
$60 Full Day • $40 Half Day
Art Galleries
Four Floors of Inspiration
Original art, photography, and textile work fill every floor and public space in the building. Seasonal exhibitions rotate through the first-floor galleries, while our permanent collection and long-term loan pieces are on view throughout. It's a one-of-a-kind, art-filled setting for any creative retreat.
Space featured: Post Gallery & Parlor, with artworks by Pam Brekas.
