What is a Sustaining Session? A Sustaining Session is a paid, open-access residency at Hewnoaks. For the first time, we’re offering a residency with no application, no jury, and no selection process — reserve a cabin, and it is yours. We’re offering two back-to-back sessions this fall, each bringing together a small cohort of artists on the shores of Kezar Lake during the height of Maine’s foliage season.

Who is this for? Anyone who wants dedicated, unencumbered time to focus on their creative practice (while also supporting the Hewnoaks mission!). There are no restrictions on artistic discipline, career stage, or medium.

Why is this one paid when the summer residency is free? Our summer residency is funded in large part through grants and donations, which allows us to offer it at no cost to artists. Sustaining Sessions are a way for us to extend the season and welcome more artists than our summer program can accommodate, while generating revenue that feeds directly back into the free programming we will continue to offer each year. We think of it less like a fee and more like a direct investment into Hewnoaks’ residency ecosystem.

Will there be Sustaining Sessions again next year? We hope so — but this fall is our first time offering this format, so we’ll see how it goes. Your participation and feedback will genuinely help shape what we do next!

How do I reserve a cabin? Fill out our registration form and rank your top three cabin choices. If your first pick is available, it’s yours. If not, we’ll reach out before confirming anything else (and if you only have eyes for one specific cabin, just let us know on the form). Once we receive your registration, we’ll send over an invoice shortly after — payment in full is due within 48 hours of receiving it, at which point your cabin is officially confirmed.

Is there a waitlist? No. Once a cabin is reserved and payment is confirmed, it’s gone. If you’re interested, we’d encourage you to book early! 

What’s included in the cabin price? The cabin price covers your accommodation and access to Hewnoaks’ shared facilities for the duration of your session. Please note: beyond the welcome dinner on arrival day, meals are NOT included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

• Cancellations received 30 or more days before your session start date will receive a refund, less a 25% non-refundable deposit.
• Cancellations received fewer than 30 days before your session start date are non-refundable unless we are able to fill the spot, in which case a refund less the 25% non-refundable deposit will be issued after we have secured a replacement.
• Hewnoaks reserves the right to cancel a session due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a Hewnoaks-initiated cancellation,  all fees, including deposits, will be fully refunded. Travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.

How are cabins priced? Cabins are priced individually, not per person. That means you can come alone or share the cost with another artist — it won’t change what you pay. Just make sure your group stays within each cabin’s listed occupancy limit.

Can I share a cabin with someone? Yes. You’re welcome to share your cabin with a fellow artist, a collaborator, or a partner, as long as everyone is over 18 and the total number of occupants doesn’t exceed the cabin’s listed limit. Please note: no pets are allowed.

Can I see the different cabin options and their prices before registering? Yes — all five cabins are listed with descriptions and pricing in the Registration Costs section above. You can also find more details and photos on our Facilities page.

Is there dedicated studio or workspace in the cabin? Every cabin at Hewnoaks is one of a kind, but all of them have space to work — we know because artists have been making things in them every summer for years! Layouts vary from cabin to cabin, and a few have features that are hard to beat: Viking Court and Pineclad have screened porches, and Charming Retreat has a deck right on the water.

Do I need to bring my own supplies and materials? Yes. Hewnoaks provides the space and the time — you bring whatever tools and materials your practice requires.

What does a typical day look like? Entirely up to you. Outside of the welcome dinner on your arrival evening, there is no programming, no schedule, and no obligations. Your time is your own from the moment you check in to the moment you check out!

What is the welcome dinner? On the evening you arrive, we’ll host a casual potluck dinner to welcome everyone in your cohort. It’s a relaxed, informal gathering — a chance to meet your fellow residents and settle in before the work begins— and we ask that all artists join us in order to get oriented on the property.

Are there any other organized events or activities during the session? No. After the welcome dinner, the agenda is entirely yours. We’ll be available on-site if you need anything, but we won’t be programming your time.

Can I go off-site during my session? While you are free to come and go during the day, overnight absences must be discussed in advance with the Residency Manager, as unexplained overnight absences can cause unnecessary alarm!

Where is Hewnoaks? Hewnoaks is located in Lovell, Maine, on the shores of Kezar Lake. The physical address is: 68 Hewnoaks Road, Lovell, ME 04051.

What is the area like in late September and early October? Peak fall foliage in western Maine typically runs from late September into mid-October, which means our Sustaining Sessions land right in the heart of it. Expect vivid color, cool temperatures, and a level of quiet that’s uncommon during the summer months.

How do I get to Hewnoaks? If you’re driving, Route 302 takes you through Bridgton, where you’ll find a Hannaford supermarket — a great spot to stock up on groceries before you arrive. From there, head north on Route 5 toward Lovell. 

If you’re flying, the closest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM). From there, take a cab or rideshare to the Metro Pulse bus stop in Portland, then board the Lakes Region Explorer bus to the Bridgton Community Center. From Bridgton, it’s about 18 miles to Hewnoaks. If you’re having trouble arranging a ride from Bridgton, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to help.

Is there cell service and Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is available in the Main Lodge and extends to the front lawn, but does not reach any of the cabins. Cell phone service is very limited — you will likely be unable to get reception on the premises. There is also a house phone in the Main Lodge available for use (207-925-6051).

For many artists, the limited connectivity is one of the best things about Hewnoaks. That said, if you need to let family or colleagues know how to reach you in an emergency, the house phone number is a reliable option.

What time is check-in? Check-in is between 10am and 12pm on your session’s first day.

What time is check-out? Check-out is by 11am on your session’s last day.

What should I bring? First and foremost, everything you need to create! Beyond that, we recommend packing for cool fall weather — mornings and evenings near the lake can get chilly in late September and early October, so layers are a good idea. Please also plan to bring your own bath and swimming towels and a set of sheets for each bed you’ll be using.

Is Hewnoaks accessible for artists with disabilities? Unfortunately, none of our cabins or buildings is ADA-compliant yet. Stairs are present in every building, with one partial exception — Viking Court has two ground-floor bedrooms (both queens), though the kitchen is down two stairs from the main level. Some cabins also require navigating a steep hill to reach.

If you have mobility or accessibility considerations, we encourage you to reach out to us at info@hewnoaks.org before registering so we can talk through the options honestly and help you find the best cabin.

Who can I reach out to with questions?
If you have any questions about Sustaining Sessions or the registration process, please reach out to the Hewnoaks team at info@hewnoaks.org, and we’ll be happy to help!