Who is a good fit for Hewnoaks?
Hewnoaks is a great match for artists looking for quiet, unpressured time to focus on their work. We especially love supporting emerging and mid-career artists who haven’t had many opportunities for residencies or dedicated creative time.

Our shorter sessions are ideal for people who can’t step away for a month but still want meaningful, uninterrupted space to create.

We welcome artists across disciplines—visual art, writing, music, film, performance, curation, installation, interdisciplinary work, and more. While we don’t have traditional studios, most residents find the cabins and outdoor spaces easy to adapt to their process.

Do you give preference to Maine artists?
Yes! We’re committed to supporting Maine’s arts community, so typically 70–75% of invited residents live and work in Maine for at least half the year.

Artists outside of Maine are still warmly encouraged to apply—just know the process is a bit more competitive because we have fewer spots for non-Maine applicants.

Can students apply?
Current students (part-time or full-time) aren’t eligible. But if you finish your degree in the spring and will no longer be enrolled by the time the residency begins, you’re welcome to apply.

Can returning residents apply again?
Yes! There’s no limit to how many times you can attend. To make space for others, we do ask that anyone who attended two years in a row take a one-year break before applying again.

Is there an application fee?
Yes—a small fee helps support our jury process:

$30 for individuals
$45 for groups
There are no additional fees to attend Hewnoaks.

Do you offer fellowships?
Yes—currently two, and no separate application is needed for either one.

Warren Memorial Foundation Fellowship: Supports two Westbrook, Maine–based artists each year with a residency and a $700 stipend.
Joshua Bodwell Fellowship: Supports one emerging writer with a $500 award, selected in partnership with MWPA.
If your application is eligible for either fellowship, you’ll automatically be considered (there is no separate application process).

What are the cabins like?
Our cabins are rustic, historic, and charming in their own way, with bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Artists usually work inside their cabin, on the porch, or outside on the property. We don’t have formal studio buildings.

Please note a few things so you can decide if the environment works for you:

• The property is hilly with uneven paths. Unfortunately, none of our buildings are ADA accessible yet (improving this is a priority for us).
• Cabins are over 120 years old and can have mold or mildew, even with careful maintenance. Artists with environmental allergies or asthma should take this into consideration.
• Cell service is very limited. Fast WiFi is available only in the Community Room of the main lodge.
• Wildlife is part of the experience—mice, insects, and the occasional squirrel may show up despite regular pest management.
• Nights are quiet and very dark; some people love this, others find it challenging.

You can find more information about our facilities here. If you’re unsure whether the environment will be comfortable for you, please email us!

Can groups apply?
Yes! Collaborative groups are welcome, and we love hosting artists who are genuinely making work together.

Groups should apply with one shared application when they’re co-creating a project, researching or generating shared work, and/or gathering from different locations to move a collective project forward.

Groups that are not a good fit include individuals who want to work separately but critique each other’s work, and/or groups planning internal capacity-building or organizational development.

If you’re unsure whether your project is a “good fit,” please email us so we can help figure it out together.

Can my partner/friend and I apply together?
If you’re collaborating on the same project, apply as a group. If you’re working independently but want to be here at the same time, apply separately and let us know you’d like your sessions to overlap. If both applications are accepted, we’ll do our best to schedule you together.

Can I apply on my own and as part of a group?
Please choose one. Because our space is limited, we can only accept one application per person each year.

Can I apply with a group if I don’t know who all the members are yet?
Group members must be named so jurors can evaluate the application fairly. If you have a special circumstance, send us a note before applying, and we’ll talk it through.

How are artists selected?
Each year, a new group of independent arts professionals reviews applications. They look at the strength of your work samples (from the last 2 years), how you hope to use your time, and where you are in your practice. No two artists are compared directly—jurors consider your application in the context of your stage and goals.

How is the residency schedule determined?
On your application, you’ll indicate which sessions you’re able to attend. We start filling the calendar based on jury scores and the availability you’ve given us. More flexibility = more chances to find you a spot. Invitations go out in early April. Occasionally, a little rearranging happens afterward, but not often.

Is there a waitlist?
Yes, a small one. If there’s a chance we may offer you a waitlist spot, we’ll ask when we send notifications.

How long can I stay?
We offer one-week or ten-day sessions. Residents must stay for the full length of their selected session.

What’s expected of artists during the residency?
Very little beyond being present and treating the property and community with care. Our hope is that residents will use their time in a way that feels meaningful for their practice, arrive on time and stay through the end, and join in on optional gatherings (welcome cocktail, potluck, occasional studio visits) if they feel comfortable.

We also ask residents to avoid last-minute cancellations—less than two weeks’ notice makes it almost impossible to fill your spot. After your stay, we love hearing what you’re up to and celebrating your work from afar.

Can I bring friends, family, or pets?
Short visits during drop-off are fine, but overnight guests aren’t allowed—same for pets. We maintain a quiet environment so everyone can focus.

Do I need a car?
Not necessarily, but it can make things easier. Hewnoaks is in a rural area with very limited public transportation. Many artists bring everything they need with them for the week.

If you plan to use the Lakes Region Explorer bus from Portland to Bridgton, please let us know. We can help you plan from there. There is plenty of parking onsite for those driving.

Where is Hewnoaks?
Lovell, Maine—about 90 minutes from Portland. The closest town is Bridgton (about 30 minutes away and home to the nearest supermarket).