Hewnoaks features Rambling Timbers, the main lodge, which serves as a common space for artists to convene and share, and five individual cabins named Sans Souci, Viking Court, Pine Clad, Alpine Hut, and Charming Retreat. All offer expansive lake views and serenity.

LOVELL — In the late 19th century, Douglas Volk, a renowned portrait and landscape painter, and his wife, Marion, a textile weaver, arrived in Lovell for a summer visit and ended up settling on 25 undisturbed acres on the eastern shore of Kezar Lake. The Volks renovated a house on the property and called it Hewnoaks, eventually building four more cottages and an artist’s studio. Over a century later, the pristine views and peaceful surroundings continue to provide an extraordinary setting of inspiration and beauty for artists worldwide.

“During the summer of 2012, thirteen artists were invited to come to Hewnoaks to pursue their creative endeavors. In 2013, in response to the success of the previous summer, Hewnoaks was formalized into a non-profit organization and initiated its current independently-juried application process and its mission to give artists time and space to create within a natural, rustic environment,” said Marc Mewshaw, Executive Director of the Hewnoaks Artists Residency. “In a world that celebrates artistic output yet so often underinvests in the creative process, true appreciation of art means nourishing its roots.”

The residency is funded by in-kind contributions from the University of Maine Foundation, grants, and donations from individuals and businesses that appreciate the spirit and mission of Hewnoaks like Norway Savings Bank, which has supported the residency for years including $1,500 in donations since last summer.

“Hewnoaks encourages emerging and mid-career artists who benefit from the time and space away from their daily lives to create and grow,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings. “NSB is humbled and honored to be able to assist such an historic venue and the incredible work it inspires.”

Hewnoaks features Rambling Timbers, the main lodge, which serves as a common space for artists to convene and share, and five individual cabins named Sans Souci, Viking Court, Pine Clad, Alpine Hut, and Charming Retreat. All offer expansive lake views and serenity.

“Providing this opportunity for artists to focus on what’s important to their practice so they can find ways to express themselves and develop their own unique voices is so important,” said Mewshaw. “Norway Savings Bank’s contributions enable these artists’ unencumbered thinking and experimenting. We depend on support like this to be able to achieve our goals. We are immensely grateful for NSB’s belief in the value of our work.”

Everyone is welcome to apply for residency, with Maine artists given preference. Participants are invited for one- to two-week sessions from June until early October.

“After the residence, it’s great that most participants stay in touch and keep us informed on how they’re sharing their work in the world, whether it’s performance, exhibition, publishing, screenings, public engagement or other means,” said Mewshaw. “It’s amazing to celebrate this place and the work that emerges from it.”

For more information about the Hewnoaks’ residency program, email info@hewnoaks.org or visit www.hewnoaks.org/apply. To donate to Hewnoaks and support its mission, visit www.hewnoaks.org/donate.