Squam Art Workshops

My fear of flying has been frustrating and limited me in lots of ways, and this summer I am so sad to have had to turn down an invitation to teach at Squam Art Workshops in New Hampshire. What an amazing place Squam looks to be — nestled at the edge of the White Mountains on the shores of a crystal-blue lake, these workshops are held at the century-old Rockywold-Deephaven family camp, whose two lodges and 60 cabins, complete with fireplaces, screenporches, and ice-boxes, are scattered along the shore.

This year, there are two sessions at Squam, one in June focusing on textiles, and one in September exploring visual arts and writing. Elizabeth MacCrellish, the director of the programs, describes them:

If you are looking for an experience that will provide you with the time, space, and inspiration to  recharge your creative spirit, this might be just the ticket. Join us for an event that is designed to foster a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore a range of mediums. There are a whole range of classes to choose from that include: painting, printmaking, journaling, doll making, writing, knitting, sewing, photography, crochet, sculpture, felting and some classes that combine several of those elements into one workshop.

To see slideshows and read what former participants have had to say about Squam, click here.

Elizabeth has offered two cool books for a giveaway here on the blog: There is one copy of Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller explores ways we can celebrate creativity in everyday life, and three copies of Roots and Recollections: A Century of Rockywold-Deephaven Camps by Megan Thorn recounts the history of the RDC camps in archival photos and stories of this special place, which is steeped in tradition. Leave a comment here by 10 a.m. PST tomorrow (February 3) and we'll randomly pick some winners for those, and Elizabeth will send you the books directly.

Sigh. I want to go! Stupid phobia!!!

Comments

[Teri]

Wow- I never dreamed I could be first! I say a long road trip for you.

See the country and get to go to one of the sessions

[Melissa Crowe]

Um, road trip? Or atavan?

I know how you feel, though--I'm afraid of flying, too. :-(

[Katie]

I want to go to Squam too - but I have no way of knowing what my life will look like in Sept. (my husband finishes grad school in August). These photos make me want to go, though. And the books sound lovely!

[leanne]

i promise you'll be ok...promise. do it...GO FOR IT!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS ALICIA!!! everything will be fine.......promise.

[Aileen]

I have heard such fabulous things about Squam...wish I could go too! The books sounds great!

[Ellen]

Thanks for posting this.
I'm in the Northeast now and am going to check this out and see if I can go!
Also thanks for the giveaway. Hope I get lucky!

[jess]

Yeah, a road-trip sounds like the solution.
What a beautiful place!

[Amy Hodge]

I really hate to see someone miss a wonderful opportunity like this, but I understand that a fear of flying is very real for some (my to-be-husband once flew to see me from KY to CT and then took a train back because he could NOT get back on another plane). That said -- think about the train! I'm sure you can get on in Portland and see some beautiful countryside without the hassle of all that driving (though I guess it could be kinda pricey). But I encourage you to think creatively and find a way to make it there. I doubt very seriously that you'll regret it if you do, but you may regret it if you don't! (After treatment for panic disorder my husband has now flown with me to Europe, India, and Vietnam from the US, so things can change!)

[Puanani]

As I have gotten older, I am more and more scared of flying. I wish the trains were still romantic, and well inexpensive...A train ride could be fun. Sorry you have to miss it.

[Amy Hodge]

Me again already :). I had another idea -- if you drove I bet you could find lots of blogging friends and blog readers that would be willing to put you up for a night along the way. Wouldn't that be fun to meet lots of folks in person? I would volunteer but I don't think the SF Bay Area is on the way between Oregon and New Hampshire....

[Michael A Wurm Jr]

The easiest way to overcome a fear is to face it head on! You have conquered so much in your life already. This should be a cinch. Don't let fear hold you back. Don't let anything hold you back. Go for it!

[creativevoyage]

Alicia why don't you go by train? I took the train from LA to SF last year and it was a fantastic way to travel and see the countryside at the same time. (I live in Scotland) its also greener with less carbon used.

[sophiefair]

looks so very lovely. count me in for the book give-away please!

[April]

Think of all the lovely photos there are between here and NH. Road trip is the way to go. I do understand your fear of flying. Rockywold-Deephaven camp looks like a great place.

[Cruz]

Oh Alicia,
The train is a fabulous idea. I took Amtrak from LA to Chicago just for fun one vacation. It was so relaxing. We had a sleeper; it is like a hotel on wheels and includes meals in the dining room.Ten years later, my children still remember our train trips fondly.

[Allison]

Maybe the best way to confront a phobia is to have a stronger desire to do something than the fear?

I hope you find a way to get there since it sounds like a wonderful opportunity in a beautiful place.

[Joanne @ The Simple Wife]

I hate to fly to. So I'm right with you!

[RJ]

WOW....a trip to connect with my inner creativity that has since long been buried for the longest time...I will wish upon a star for a wonderful book to give me the jolt that I need to create once more...THANKS

[Lorrie]

It looks like a great place. And a great giveaway.

I'm sorry about your phobia. Flying isn't one of mine, but I have another. It's infuriating to me and I've had to push past the fear in order to do some of the things I've wanted to do in my life. The phobia doesn't go away but I can say that my life is richer because of pushing through.

Lorrie

[Ramona]

sounds fascinating.

gosh. I don't know what to say about the fear of flying.

[AmyDe]

How do you feel about the train? Thanks for the give away and I'm sorry about flying and the imposition that must be.

[gaia]

Thanks for posting! I've been thinking about something like this...
I 2nd Amy Hodge's idea re roadtrip and staying with fellow bloggers. You'd have a place to stay in Providence, RI!

[Samantha]

I agree that a roadtrip seems in order!

The Christine Mason Miller book looks especially compelling.

[betz]

*sniff* I will miss you, too! :) I'll skip a few stones for you!

[shasha]

Sounds like an amazing experience! You should go, Alicia! You could contribute so much!