About

Squam is the Algonquin word for water. This lake and the land surrounding it is part of the region that the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People, people of the white pine, called Ndakinna, “our land.” We are honored to be able to gather here.

Squam is a lake, a gathering, a community.
Our Mission: to nurture and inspire creativity as a way of life.

We offer retreats and online workshops that are designed to nurture a creative life and, to provide respite from what can often feel is a busy, painful, stressful and overwhelming world. For when we have the time to ground into the gifts of our originality — to reconnect with our multidimensional and innovative spirit — it is far easier to navigate the challenges and heartbreak that are an unavoidable part of living in this messy, beautiful world.

Vision and Values: our goal is simple:
let there be more joy – more light – more ease.

We create an opportunity for transformation; a place for shucking off all that no longer needs to be a part of our lives and, the time and space necessary to gain clarity about what we do want most. Making time for ourself can be challenging. Allowing ourselves permission to be creative can be challenging. Traveling to join a group of strangers can be challenging. We want you to know we are committed to creating a space where you feel seen, honored and nurtured. Of course, not everybody wants to spend time devoted to creativity with a group of other makers, but if this experience does call to your heart and yet, you feel apprehension, please know:

We want you to know that you are welcome here. Everyone is welcome.
We celebrate the magnificent diversity of this world and whatever
your race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, size, or age is.
We are honored when you choose to bring your light and spirit to this community. Without you, there is a gap in the circle, a space only you can fill. 

Since we began in 2008, no one has ever been able to easily sum up the Squam experience as it is both ephemeral and unique to the individual. However, to get better sense of what it can feel like, we have collected a number of reflections from people over on our RAVES page.

People have traveled to Squam from over 47 States and 22 Countries, yet no matter where they come from or how different each individual’s daily life might look like, there is consistently a tremendous sense of connection and recognition for the people who gather together. Commonality includes a love of the natural world, a desire to feel good, curiosity, the intention to practice kindness and a passion for the beauty of handmade things.

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Mindy Tsonas is the Executive Director (beginning January 2020) for Squam Art Workshops. She is an embodiment artist and queer activist whose work in the world is to create more liberation and belonging; in the studio, in the body, amidst our communities and within our own lives. When not at the lake you’ll find her learning and adventuring amidst colorful subcultures, invoking Inner Alchemy while making meaningful creative messes, leading workshops and leadership trainings for the Embody Love Movement, and treasure hunting with her two boys. @mindytsonas

Elizabeth Duvivier founded Squam in 2008. She lives in Providence, RI with her dog Remy and spends most days taking long walks, reading, writing, practicing yoga and, on a really good day– painting. Her novel Stories for my Sister was published in September 2019. Elizabeth is a big believer in the importance of small things. @elizabethduvivier

pictured above: Mindy Tsonas (left) and Elizabeth Duvivier (right)
photo credit: Kathy Cadigan

Meg Fussell is the Event Coordinator for Squam Art Workshops. A graduate of the Anake Outdoor School and fierce lover of all things knitterly, Meg loves nothing more than walking barefoot through town whilst surreptitiously running her hands across the tops of the tall grasses. @prideofmice