Retreat to Discover the Intersection of Art, Innovation, and Investment

Invest in Creativity

JULY 17–19, 2026 | OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL, VICTORIA, BC

The Art of Investing Differently

Step outside traditional frameworks of investing and immerse yourself in a world where creativity meets capital.

Over three transformative days, The51 Art & Investment Retreat brings together women investors, creators, and thought leaders to explore how art, intuition, and innovation can shape sharper investment perspectives and expand your way of seeing value itself.

Guided by acclaimed Canadian artist Laura Harris, this intimate experience invites you to embrace risk, release perfectionism, and reconnect with your creative intuition — the same qualities that define visionary investors.

Between moments of artistic creation, engage in exclusive sessions on alternative investments with Leah Bennett, Chief Investment Strategist at Concurrent Asset Management and President at Elevate Family Partners.

Surrounded by a curated circle of women investors and art-world leaders, you’ll forge connections that last far beyond the retreat — enriching both your portfolio and your perspective.

The Experience

Curated Journey

A thoughtfully coordinated hospitality experience. Enjoy preferred rates at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, shuttle transportation, and concierge-level coordination.

Investment Insights

Join Leah Bennett and guest experts for sessions on alternative investments and wealth creation, blending financial insight with creative strategy.

Meaningful Connection

From an intimate luncheon and group discussions to a curated cocktail reception and private investor dinner, each gathering is crafted to foster meaningful conversations among women investors and creators.

Artistic Exploration

Paint alongside Laura Harris in an immersive studio environment. Explore techniques that inspire boldness, creativity, and innovation — skills that mirror successful investors and innovators.

Retreat Features


The Collector’s Edit:
A limited-edition welcome gift featuring art-inspired keepsakes, investment insights, and premium goods from women-led brands.


The Investor’s Table
An intimate dinner experience that bridges art and capital — designed to inspire conversation, reflection, and meaningful connection among women investors and creators.


The Evening Collective
A curated cocktail reception that invites authentic connection, creativity, and conversation in a relaxed and elegant setting.

Speakers

Shelley Kuipers (Host)

Shelley is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The51, a financial ecosystem built to activate women’s capital and shift the narrative around who gets to invest.

With more than 20 years of early-stage investing experience—starting in energy and expanding into tech, innovation, and community-driven ventures—Shelley brings both breadth and depth to the intersection of finance, art, and social impact.

Before The51, she co-founded Chaordix, Stormworks, and IOVIA, and now co-leads her family office, Adventure Capital, with her partner and sons.

Shelley’s vision for the retreat aligns deeply with her life’s work: she believes in creating spaces where women’s voices and capital are centered, where investing becomes an act of creativity and agency—and where connection and purpose drive value.

At the retreat, she will be present not only as a host, but as a co-creator, helping participants bridge intuition, capital, and creativity in ways that transform both portfolios and mindsets.

Laura Harris (Retreat Lead)

Laura is a contemporary Canadian painter whose work navigates the tension between abstraction and figuration, exploring emotional resonance through colour, form, and gesture. Her paintings evoke intuitive responses, bridging the visible and the felt.

A recognized artist and educator, Laura leads immersive painting retreats — guiding participants through creative discovery, risk-taking, and self-expression. Her retreats (such as her Salt Spring and Victoria sessions) include all materials, meal-planning, communal experiences, and opportunities to deepen practice and perspective.

In the space of The51 Art & Investment Retreat, Laura brings more than technique — she offers a well-honed process of translating intuition into creative action. As your guide, she anchors the artistic dimension of the retreat, facilitating moments where art, reflection, and investing intersect.

Leah Bennett (Investment Session)

Leah is the Chief Investment Strategist at Concurrent Investment Advisors and President of Elevate Family Partners, bringing over 30 years of experience in asset management, wealth strategy, and financial leadership.

Throughout her career, Leah has led private wealth divisions, served as Chief Investment Officer at multiple firms, and built customized investment portfolios for high-net-worth individuals and institutions. She is a recognized thought leader in finance, regularly featured on Bloomberg, CNBC, Reuters, and Fox Business, and has previously served on the CFA Institute’s Global Board of Governors.

At The51 Art & Investment Retreat, Leah will lead the Investment Masterclass & Capital Session, helping participants decrypt alternative investments, understand portfolio construction, and navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. She will also share her expertise on building a portfolio of art that aligns with your personal interests while offering opportunities for financial performance—weaving together the creative and financial worlds through informed, intentional frameworks.

Program

Friday, July 17 – Arrival & Welcome

  • Check-in at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

  • Afternoon leisure (spa, ocean walk, or personal reflection)

  • Evening: The Evening Collective — Curated cocktail hour

Saturday, July 18 – Creativity, Capital & Connection

  • Creative workshop with Laura Harris

  • Lunch & presentation of The Collector’s Edit

  • Investment & innovation session

  • The Investor’s Table — Dinner that bridges art and capital

Sunday, July 19 – Reflection & Departure

  • Group reflection & closing discussion

  • Departures

Your Stay

Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria BC

Enjoy luxurious oceanside accommodations with spa amenities, seaside mineral pools, and world-class dining. The perfect environment to relax, reflect, and reimagine your investment mindset.

Booking & Payment

Fee: $2,950 per person

Reserve your place today with a non-refundable deposit — the remaining balance is due February 2025.
This retreat is limited to just 13 participants to ensure meaningful connection and dialogue.

For inquiries, please contact —
Courtney Dragani, Chief Growth Officer
courtney@the51.com