• Hewnoaks is an artist residency on the shores of Kezar Lake in rural western Maine. Our historic, wooded property offers a peaceful setting for creative work, learning, and community building.
• While duration varies, workshops typically run between 5 and 7 nights and combine structured instruction with time for participants to pursue their own creative work, explore the property, and connect with one another.
• A note about the setting: Hewnoaks is a historic Maine camp, not a modern retreat center. Accommodations are rustic, charming, and occasionally quirky. The property has steep hills, unpaved paths, abundant wildlife, and very dark, quiet nights. Workshop leaders should be comfortable embracing a genuine camp experience: immersed in nature with limited internet access and unlimited fresh air.

• Workshops accommodate up to 10 participants to maintain an intimate and focused atmosphere
• Programs should include a formal instructional component, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the subject and grow in their craft
• Leaders create and facilitate the workshop curriculum
• Daily schedules typically balance group instruction, individual creative time, and informal gatherings
• Participants and leaders stay on-site in Hewnoaks’ rustic cabins
• Each participant has a private bedroom, though some cabins have shared common spaces
• A note on connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in the Main Lodge and on the front lawn, but does not reach the cabins. To ensure a seamless experience for participants, workshops requiring internet access during independent studio time cannot be accommodated.

• Lodging – Rustic cottages and cabins, from single-occupancy cabins to multi-bedroom cottages.
• Creative Spaces – Indoor and outdoor spaces for instruction, making, gathering, and individual work. Note: Hewnoaks does not currently have specialized studio space on-site (e.g. dark room, ceramics studio/kiln, wood shop, etc.)
• Meals – Staff can provide communal dinners, while breakfast and lunch are generally self-catered in cabin kitchens.
• Marketing Support – Promotion through the Hewnoaks website, social media, and other channels.
• Administrative Support – We manage applications, registration, fee collection, payments, and participant logistics.
• Local Knowledge – Our team can help participants navigate nearby hiking, swimming, dining, groceries, and other local resources.
• Limited Wi-Fi & Connectivity – There is wi-fi and a landline phone in the Main Lodge accessible 24/7; there is no wi-fi or cell reception in any other cabins.

• Developing and delivering workshop content
• Creating the schedule and curriculum
• Providing necessary materials, tools, and equipment
• Recruiting participants through their own networks
• Reviewing applications and selecting participants in collaboration with Hewnoaks
• Communicating workshop-specific information to participants
• Participating in meal planning
• Covering or coordinating any additional program costs, such as guest speakers or field trips

• Participant fees cover lodging, meals, staffing, administrative support, and the workshop itself. Pricing is developed collaboratively with Hewnoaks based on the workshop structure, lodging, and other program needs.
• In exchange for leading the workshop, workshop leaders receive a percentage of the participant tuition.
• Hewnoaks handles participant registration, fee collection, and payment processing, while leaders play an active role in recruiting participants.

• All workshop proposals are reviewed for alignment with Hewnoaks’ mission to support creative practice, artistic exploration, and community engagement. We prioritize programs that foster creative growth and provide artistic educational opportunities.
• We’re looking for experienced practitioners with a strong connection to their field and a genuine interest in teaching, mentoring, and building creative community.
• Your workshop might be rooted in: Writing, Visual Art, Craft, Music, Performance, Eco-Art, Design, Interdisciplinary Practice…or something we haven’t thought of yet!
• We’re especially interested in proposals that create space for experimentation, exchange, and meaningful connection.

1. Tell us about your idea – Submit a proposal outlining your workshop concept, instructional approach, sample schedule (if available), and relevant experience.
2. We review your proposal – We’re looking for strong ideas, experienced leaders, and programs that align with Hewnoaks’ mission and setting.
3. We build the program together – If it’s a fit, we’ll work with you to determine dates, pricing, lodging, meals, application materials, and other logistics.
4. We open applications – Hewnoaks manages registration and administration, while you help spread the word and select participants.

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, but workshop dates are limited, so early submission is encouraged.