About this Event
PLEASE NOTE: Cain's Creative Chaos is an Indiana-based art studio bringing a little creative chaos to California during our November Art Retreat!
You do NOT have to be part of the retreat to attend! Our California workshops are open to everyone, including locals and visitors. We'd love for you to join us!
This workshop will take place in the Oceanside, CA area. Exact meeting locations and details will be provided to registered participants.
WE ARE FINALIZING EXACT LOCATIONS - will update soon!
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Thrift, Beach & Create! 🎨🌊A little thrifting, a little beachcombing, and a whole lot of creativity!
Join artist Melissa Cain, owner of Cain's Creative Chaos in Indianapolis, Indiana, for a unique mixed-media art adventure in beautiful Oceanside, California!
We're taking creativity beyond the studio with an afternoon of treasure hunting, beach inspiration, and hands-on art!
We'll start with an optional visit to local thrift stores, where you can hunt for the perfect piece to transform. Think picture frames, trays, small decorative items, or anything that sparks your imagination!
Next, we'll head to the beach for a little coastal inspiration, taking in the scenery, exploring textures, and looking for creative ideas.
Then it's time to create!
We'll meet at a local restaurant for a fun, relaxed mixed-media workshop where you'll transform your chosen item into a unique piece of artwork using paints, textures, embellishments, and a variety of creative techniques.
No artistic experience necessary! Whether you're a seasoned artist or haven't picked up a paintbrush in years, this workshop is all about experimenting, having fun, and making something completely your own!
🎨 Two Ticket Options
$30 – Bring Your Own Base
Bring a frame, tray, small decorative item, or another thrifted treasure to transform! You can join us for the thrift-shopping adventure or bring something you already have at home.
$39 – Base Provided
Can't make the thrift-shopping portion or don't have anything to bring? No problem! We'll have a base ready for you to transform.
Both tickets include all workshop instruction, paints, adhesives, and a variety of mixed-media embellishments.
Food, drinks, and thrift-store purchases are not included in the ticket price.
🗓️ Our Creative Adventure
Sunday, November 8, 2026
1:00–2:15 PM | Thrift Shopping (Optional)
Meet us at Brother Benno's Thrift Shop and nearby Goodwill in Oceanside to hunt for something fun to transform!
2:45–3:45 PM | Beach Walk (Optional)
We'll explore the Oceanside coastline, enjoy some fresh ocean air, and gather creative inspiration. The beach walk is subject to weather, tides, and beach access.
Want to skip this part? No worries! Bring your beach finds you already have, or share some of ours!
5:00–7:00 PM | Mixed-Media Art Workshop
We'll meet at a local restaurant in the Oceanside area for our creative session!
Workshop location: TBD — Oceanside, California
The exact restaurant location and meeting details will be shared with registered participants once confirmed. We are hoping to meet at the Oceanside Harbor for the workshop/restaurant, waiting for confirmation.
✨ What to Expect
- A fun, beginner-friendly art experience
- Creative freedom to make your project your own
- All paints, adhesives, and workshop embellishments provided
- Guidance and inspiration from artist Melissa Cain
- A finished, one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home!
A Few Things to Know
The thrift-shopping adventure and beach walk are completely optional. You're welcome to participate in the entire afternoon or just attend the 5 PM workshop!
If you're bringing your own base, choose something small and easy to transport, such as a picture frame, tray, or decorative piece. We recommend keeping your thrift-store purchase around $5–$10 and around 11"x14"-16"x20" in size.
We'll provide the art supplies, but feel free to bring additional embellishments or small keepsakes you'd like to incorporate into your project.
For the beach walk, we'll follow local beach rules and respect protected natural areas. Collecting natural materials may be restricted.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase separately at the restaurant.
Space is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required!
Come explore, get inspired, and create a little chaos on the California coast!
Hosted by Cain's Creative Chaos
www.cainscreativechaos.com
You can also pay through any of these methods. (No ticketing fees with Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle!) Put "CALIFORNIA" in the memo if paying through any of these.
Event venue & nearby stays
Oceanside Harbor Beach, North Pacific Street, Oceanside, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.