The lure of SQUAM

Growing up in Maine and living in New Hampshire as a kid has for me been a life-long lesson in nature. We were lucky to have parents and grandparents who liked to camp, boat, garden, rent cottages on the ocean and lakes. As I've often written about here, nature is my muse. The water, the woods, wildlife & even my garden has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

I have the fondest memories of weekend treks spent under tall pine trees and floating over crystal clear lakes. To this day, I'll rake the pine needles from under my own trees and have an instant sense of nostalgia. All it takes is a wiff, and I am instantly brought back to hunting for pine cones and needles. I can head to the ocean, smell the salt air and I'll remember two little sunbathed girls collecting shells, toting barbies and art supplies in their little bags along the ocean's edge. It's almost like a 70's movie reel playing in my mind. That's the only way I can explain it.

So I want to tell you a little of what I know about SQUAM. For those of you that haven't heard of this down~to ~earth, back to nature art retreat, all I can ask is where have you been?

 I am ever-so dissapointed that I will not be able to attend this year! We are going to a wedding that just can't be missed. I do not plan on missing it next year as it looks like I might be teaching a workshop or two in 2009.  I do however want to hear EVERY little detail from those of you who will be able to make it this fall!

SQUAM starts Weds. Sept. 10th and goes until Sun. the 14th.

The Rockywold-Deephaven Camps are on Squam Lake, located in central New Hampshire, just south of the White Mountains.

If I was able to make it these are the classes I would attend:

PRINTMAKING WITHOUT A PRESS by Susan Schwake

EXPRESSIVE FACES IN MIXED MEDIA by Judy Wise

KEEPSAKE BOOK by Misty Mawn

I have my own personal reasons for being drawn to each of these classes. Years ago, Misty and I blogged back and forth, and though we have lost touch, I still try to view her art when I can. I've always felt her work was true to who she was, and well, she just seems so down to earth. Susan actually came up in converstaion when Leah, myself and Tammy got together last weekend. We all just LOVE her! I think she is someone to look up to in the art community, and she's got to be one of the nicest bloggers out there! There is something about Judy that makes me smile. I don't know her well, just her name and art, but again she feels very real to me. And knowledgable. I tend to seek out people who are grounded with their craft and that's what I love about SQUAM! Wait till you see the other teachers participating this year!

The opening ceremony promises to be a blast! To kick off the event, Gracey Bonney of design*sponge will be there. Then there will be live music with Jonatha Brooke around the campfire.

The long weekend just gets better from there.

I am just so jealous. I really, really want to go.

So if you are a reader of this blog, and do attend SQUAM .... please give me a shout and let me know how it went! I can try and live vicariously through your experience, at least for this year.

xoxoxo

posted by: sweetpeas at June 12, 2008 15:01 | link | comments (4) |

Comments:

#1  12 June 2008 - 15:38

 

Wish I could meet you in September; I know we'd have so much in common. Thank you for the compliment; I'll be back to visit the blog. xo

Anonymous

#2  12 June 2008 - 16:37

 

i too have a wedding on that same weekend that i simply can't miss and i'm so bummed that i can't attend. waa! i would have taken a class with judy wise, lisa occhipinti, and andrea scher if i'd had the chance to. well, we'll both have to plan on being there next year.

this year we'll just have to be jealous together. ;-)

and hee! i'm glad that you didn't get the bag in kennebunkport!

xo
-leah

Anonymous

#3  14 June 2008 - 14:30

 

It looks beautiful. I have a special place in my heart for New Hampshire. I spent looks of time there in my early 20's. I'll come next year if you're teaching!

Anonymous

#4  15 June 2008 - 22:34

 

I love your shop! I had a nannie jog on Squam Lake one summer eons ago the Valentines summer home ..like 20 bedrooms huge lodge don't know if it is still there?! I have relatives from Millinocket Maine too!

Anonymous

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