Want to host a workshop at Hewnoaks? We’d love to have you. Read on to learn more about expectations, responsibilities, facilities, etc. and to determine if your workshop or retreat idea is a good fit.

Introduction to Hewnoaks

Hewnoaks is an artist residency located on the tranquil shores of Kezar Lake in rural western Maine. With a mission to provide artists with uninterrupted time to think, create, and collaborate, Hewnoaks offers a peaceful and inspiring environment for workshops and retreats. We invite experienced leaders to host weeklong (either 7- or 8-night) workshops, combining instructional sessions with opportunities for creative growth and community building.

An important note about the Hewnoaks campus and facilities: while situated on a magnificent overlook with direct shore access, Hewnoaks is not for everyone. Built over a century ago, Hewnoaks offers basic, Maine camp-style accommodations in charming, if quirky and somewhat ramshackle cottages. Like many seasonal properties, maintenance issues sometimes arise. For this reason, Hewnoaks caters to adventurous spirits who are unperturbed by close proximity to nature (read: bugs and woodland creatures), and comfortable in no-frills lodgings in rural settings. It is very dark at night and can be very quiet. Our historic property has steep hills and unpaved paths; participants with limited mobility may have difficulty navigating the property.

Workshop/Retreat Structure

At Hewnoaks, your retreat will offer a blend of structured instruction and free time for participants to focus on their own projects. A typical day might include group activities in the morning, followed by time for individual work, and conclude with evening gatherings or informal discussions.

  • Instructional Component: Each workshop is expected to include a formal instructional element, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the subject and grow in their craft.
  • Participant Cap: Workshops are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to maintain an intimate and focused atmosphere. Leaders and participants will be housed in Hewnoaks’ cabins, offering both private and shared accommodations.

Facilities and Accommodations

For an image gallery that provides an overview of the property’s amenities and ambiance, click here.

Click below for image galleries of each cabin, including photos of bedrooms.

Sans Souci Private queen bedroom in single-occupancy cabin1 available
Alpine Hut Private full-size bedroom in single-occupancy cabin1 available
Viking Court Queen private queen bedroom in 5-bedroom cabin4 available
Viking Court Twin private twin bedroom in 5-bedroom cabin1 available
Pine Clad private bedroom in 2-bedroom cabin2 available
Rambling Timbers private queen bedroom in a large, 3-bedroom lodge1 available
  • Lodging: Participants and leaders will stay in rustic cottages with views of Kezar Lake. Each cottage includes basic amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable sleeping spaces. Cabins range from single-occupancy to shared, multi-bedroom setups, but each participant has a private bedroom.
  • Instructional Spaces: Hewnoaks offers a variety of workspaces, from cozy indoor spaces to outdoor areas perfect for creative exploration and instruction. These spaces can be adapted to suit a variety of workshop needs.
  • Dining and Meals: While we look to retreat leaders to take the lead with meal planning, our staff can cater dinners, provide meals prepared and served in the main lodge. Typically, breakfast and lunch supplies are stocked in the cabin kitchens for self-catering preparation, while dinners are communal. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Costs and Compensation

  • Workshop Fees: The cost for participants includes accommodation, staffing, meals, and the workshop program curriculum. Specific pricing depends on the type of lodging selected and the nature of the workshop. Leaders will work with Hewnoaks to determine participant fees.
  • Compensation for Leaders: Leaders are compensated by receiving a percentage of the participant fees. Hewnoaks also provides marketing support, but leaders are expected to help recruit participants through their own networks.

Application Process for Leaders

  • Application Requirements: Prospective retreat leaders should submit a detailed proposal, including an overview of the workshop content, a sample schedule, and any relevant experience or qualifications.
  • Selection Criteria: We seek leaders with a strong background in their field, previous teaching or mentoring experience, and a clear vision for their workshop. Proposals are evaluated based on the quality of the content, the leader’s experience, and the workshop’s alignment with Hewnoaks’ mission.
  • Deadlines: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but spaces are limited, so early submission is encouraged.

The Hewnoaks Environment

Hewnoaks offers an extraordinary setting for retreats. Our property is nestled in a forested area on the eastern shore of Kezar Lake, providing a serene backdrop for creative work. Participants can enjoy the calm, unspoiled beauty of nature, with walking trails, lake views, and quiet spaces for reflection.

  • Community Building: At Hewnoaks, we emphasize the collaborative nature of creative work. The intimate setting fosters connections between participants and leaders, creating a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Logistics

  • Travel Information: Hewnoaks is located in Lovell, Maine, approximately 90 minutes from Portland. The nearest airports are in Portland and Boston, and we provide detailed driving directions. Carpooling with participants is encouraged to minimize transportation costs and environmental impact.
  • Health and Safety Policies: Hewnoaks follows current health and safety guidelines, including any COVID-19 regulations that may be in place at the time of your retreat. We ensure all participants are informed of these policies prior to arrival.

What Hewnoaks Handles:

  • Facilities and Accommodations: Hewnoaks provides and maintains housing for both participants and retreat leaders, including basic amenities like kitchens and bathrooms. All cabins are set on our serene lakeside campus, offering a quiet, natural environment for your workshop.
  • Studio and Gathering Spaces: We offer studio spaces and shared work areas to accommodate your workshop needs. These spaces are available for group activities, instruction, and creative work.
  • Meals and Dining: Hewnoaks staff (all excellent cooks with culinary services experience) can cater dinners, which typically include a vegetarian menu made with locally sourced ingredients and are served in the main lodge.
  • Marketing Support: We’ll help promote your workshop by featuring it on the Hewnoaks website and through our social media channels. However, we encourage retreat leaders to actively recruit participants through their own networks.
  • Administrative Support: Hewnoaks manages participant application/registration, fee collection, and payment processing. We also handle participant communications regarding accommodations, meals, and on-site logistics.
  • Local Knowledge and Resources: Our team provides information about local amenities, such as hiking trails, grocery stores, and nearby attractions, to enhance the experience for your participants.

What Retreat Leaders Handle:

  • Workshop Content: Retreat leaders are responsible for developing and delivering the workshop’s instructional content. This includes creating a structured curriculum and providing any necessary materials or tools required for the program.
  • Participant Recruitment: While Hewnoaks offers marketing support, retreat leaders are expected to take an active role in recruiting participants through their personal networks, social media, and other outreach efforts.
  • Participant Selection: Retreat leaders and Hewnoaks will co-design an application form (hosted and administered by Hewnoaks), but the retreat leader will read applications and make final decisions about which applicants are invited to participate.
  • Workshop Schedule: You will plan the daily agenda, manage all workshop sessions, and oversee participant interactions. This includes structuring time for instruction, individual work, and group activities.
  • Participant Communication: Retreat leaders handle all pre-arrival communications with participants, including sharing materials lists, pre-workshop assignments, and responding to workshop-specific questions.
  • Groceries, Supplies and Materials: Retreat leaders need to be intimately involved in meal planning, and typically purchase groceries, although with enough advance notice our staff can assisst with food shopping. Food will also need to be purchased to stock cabin kitchens with essentials for on-your-own breakfasts and lunches for participants. Any special materials, tools, or equipment needed for your workshop should be coordinated and provided by you. This includes securing additional resources as required by your program.
  • Additional Costs: If your workshop involves extra costs—such as guest speakers, special events, or field trips—these should be arranged and covered by the retreat leader or passed on to participants as necessary.

Contact Information

For inquiries or to submit a proposal, please contact us at info@hewnoaks.org. You can also visit our website for more information or follow us on social media to stay updated on our offerings.