Unique Campus Locations. Exceptional Workshops.

Five Stunning Locations. One Inspiring Experience.

Madeline Island School of the Arts (MISA) is recognized as one of the nation’s premier art and craft workshop schools. Founded in 2009 on Madeline Island—the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior—MISA has become a destination for creative minds seeking world-class instruction in writing, painting, quilting, and photography.

Madeline Island Campus, Wisconsin (June – September)

  • Our flagship campus provides an unforgettable workshop retreat where creativity thrives. Spacious studios, comfortable on-site accommodations with meals, and a dedicated staff ensure an enriching experience. Whether you're capturing the island's golden-hour light, crafting a masterpiece, or refining your storytelling, inspiration is everywhere.

A Year-Round Creative Journey

To extend the MISA experience beyond the island’s summer season, we added four additional breathtaking locations across the country. Each setting offers its own unique atmosphere, designed to fuel your creativity and provide an unforgettable artistic retreat.

Tucson Campus, Arizona (January – February)

  • Start the year immersed in the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert at Tanque Verde Ranch. Nestled next to Saguaro National Park, this luxurious dude ranch offers expansive views of the Rincon Mountains and an inspiring landscape for artistic exploration.

Santa Fe Campus, New Mexico (March – May)

  • Immerse yourself in the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Santa Fe. Our campus at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza places you within walking distance of renowned museums, galleries, and the finest Southwest cuisine.

Bar Harbor Campus, Maine (September – October)

  • Experience the charm of New England’s coastal beauty at the Atlantic Oceanside Resort. Breathtaking ocean views, fresh lobster, and spectacular fall colors provide the perfect backdrop for creativity.

Pacific Grove Campus, California (October – November)

  • Experience the coastal magic of the Monterey Peninsula at Asilomar Conference Grounds, known for its breathtaking ocean vistas, rolling sand dunes, and historic architecture. Just steps from the Pacific, this location offers a serene yet invigorating environment, perfect for artistic growth.

Find Your Inspiration and Unlock Your Creative Potential: Join Our Five-Day Workshops

Whether you find inspiration on the shores of Lake Superior, the vast beauty of the Southwest, the charm of New England, or the dramatic cliffs of California’s coastline, MISA offers a creative home for every season. Come experience the magic of Madeline Island School of the Arts—where creativity flourishes across five remarkable campuses.

Student Testimonial

Fantastic Opportunity

"MISA is a fantastic opportunity to meet and make friends for life!!"

- Alex

Student Testimonial

Helpful Staff

"MISA staff are so kind and helpful. The sign up process was smooth and communication was clear. They go above and beyond to check in on you and help make you have a great week."

- Susan

Student Testimonial

Top Notch

"The MISA crew are top notch! Staff are so efficient, calm, friendly, and have a can-do attitude about all our random requests! The financial transactions are smooth and predictable, and the team learns from each year. The shipping of USPS flat rate boxes this year was made seamless All in all, I would highly recommend MISA to any artist - well done!"

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Student Testimonials

Truly Inspirational

“Your school is my destination of choice. You far surpass any other location that I have visited. The level of artistic talent in your teachers is truly inspirational. I always leave with renewed confidence in pursuing my interests.”

Mary Wolfersberger

Student Testimonials

The Best

"MISA certainly ranks near the top of art workshops. Might even be the best. Considering locations, organization and staff."

-Barbara