How can I see when there are upcoming events?
The absolute best way to stay in the loop is by joining our Discord community. We propose and vote on event dates and post announcements there first. You can also follow our Eventbrite page for calendar updates or subscribe to our mailing list for ticket discounts.
What makes Tactile Retreat "screen-free"?
Miniature painting is naturally a hands-on, screen-free activity that cultivates deep focus, patience, creativity, and concentration.
While we don’t prohibit phones—and we encourage using them to find reference pictures and take work-in-progress photos to track how our work improves over time—our events are intentionally designed as a refuge from digital spaces and a return to the real world, where you can unplug, drop into the flow state of painting, and enjoy genuine, face-to-face conversation.
Do I need to be an experienced painter to attend?
Not at all. Our events welcome every skill level—from total beginners dipping a brush for the first time to seasoned display painters. Everyone paints at their own pace in a friendly, zero-judgment atmosphere.
Tactile Retreat was originally intended for experienced painters looking to connect offline around a shared passion, and the community formed around a core of seasoned hands—we gladly welcome all old dogs with new tricks! But as the community grew, we discovered many beginners in our midst, and we made it our mission to help anyone pick up a paintbrush and get started.
For seasoned painters, guiding newcomers clarifies how you describe painting concepts and express ideas. For beginners, seeing real models in person—rather than through non-participatory social media feeds—and chatting with the person who painted them is genuinely transformative. Hanging out feels collaborative rather than competitive; it gives you the confidence to try new things while discovering your own unique visual voice.
Seeing really is believing when it comes to mini painting!
How are Workshops different from Meetups?
Our meetups are casual, unstructured social events where you bring your own materials and projects to work on. Our workshops are focused, instructor-led painting classes and challenges centered on specific painting techniques, where we supply everything for you.
If I'm an experienced painter, will I get value out of workshops and classes?
Yes, absolutely. Our classes are designed as multi-tiered studio sessions where veteran painters can actively expand their creative problem-solving and artistic intuition. Even when a class covers foundational techniques, they aren’t rigid, one-size-fits-all beginner lessons—they’re high-focus workshops where veteran painters naturally can also find deep value by joining in on optional room activities:
The Glow & Grow Fellowship: Practice the art of constructive feedback and encouraging mentorship. Learning how to break down complex painting concepts for a beginner forces you to articulate your own visual logic, test your understanding of color theory, and become a more analytical artist.
The Brush Rush & “Intentional Constraint” Challenges: Participate in targeted, time- or tool-constrained challenges designed to break your routine. Painting under strict constraints forces an immediate awareness of your “go-to” habits, challenges how you naturally see contrast and composition, and pushes you to make bold artistic decisions fast.
In-Person Peer Feedback: Working alongside other experienced painters gives you fresh eyes on active projects, immediate feedback on complex schemes, and an uninterrupted block of deep focus time away from digital distractions.
Combined with dedicated 95+ CRI daylight lighting at every workstation and an uninterrupted block of distraction-free studio time, workshops offer experienced painters a structured space to grow, experiment, and refine their craft alongside a supportive community.
What else is happening in the Discord?
Beyond our structured Meetups and Workshops, our Discord server is where our local St. Louis community stays connected throughout the week. Active community activities include:
WIP Progress & Showcase Channels: Share work-in-progress photos, ask for friendly critique, or get advice between events.
Painting Techniques & Composition Tips: Many of us are sharing videos and bookmarking guides and infographics that could be useful to others for self-paced learning.
Trading Post: A community exchange for buying, selling and swapping bits & bobs. Plus a lot of suggestions for gifts or bookmarking things that seem useful.
Informal Meetups at Hobby Stores: Community-organized trips to local game stores, hobby shops, and regional events across the St. Louis area. It’s never formally organized, more like, “I’m gonna be here at this time, if anyone wants to join,” but it’s always a great time.