SQUAMADU 2027

Are you ready to drop off into a world where there is time to breathe? Lie in bed and listen to birdsong? Watch the stars come out while a bonfire sends sparks up into the night sky? Discover a place to walk barefoot, take a swim morning noon or night and gather with a group of creatives who are also craving a place to pause and unwind?

If yes, join us for what feels like a bit of magic. This small retreat (just 20 people) is happening at a vintage lakeside compound. We like to say, it’s

as if Squam + Into the Mystic had a baby:  Squamadu

Called The Hideaway at Xanadu Island (you can learn more and watch videos at the website) we are so grateful to be invited to hold a gathering here as the camp belongs to longtime Squammy Niki Reinan who, together with her husband, purchased this charming property in 2018 and has been lovingly restoring it ever since.

If you are not familiar with this enchanting area of the Midwest, it is part of the ancestral lands of the Dakota as Minnesota is centered within Dakota creation stories and this region holds an important place in traditional Ojibwe history. Along with the Dakota and Ojibwe, the Ho-Chunk, Cheyenne, Oto, Iowa, and the Sac & Fox tribes also acknowledge Minnesota as important to their tribal histories.

Built in 1917, the compound consists of a great lake house plus a handful of vintage cottages that is nestled on its own private island—okay, technically an isthmus, but it feels like an island because it is surrounded by water and we have it all to ourselves. Such an ideal setting for a creative getaway. Located in central Minnesota’s “lakes country,” the tiny town of Battle Lake is a bustling little community due to the high popularity of its arts community, restaurants and nearby lakes.

With the place to ourselves, there is so much room to sprawl out. A most beautiful barn will host our workshops. Because everyone’s summer plans are different, we have created TWO sessions. Each session is all inclusive so you don’t need to choose classes as you will get to jump into ALL that is on offer.

SESSION I :: Wednesday AUGUST 18th – Sunday AUGUST 22nd

BOOK MAGIC REDUX + PLAYFUL LAYERS

photo: Elizabeth Wade

This week Ali Manning returns to guide us through her fabulous approach to making books. And, she is joined by MaryBeth Shaw who will help you take the gorgeous book you just created and bring in all the layers of play, collage, mixing colors + patterns, layering stencils and so much more.

Together these two teachers renowned for their gentle and fun approach to creativity will help us experience all the best parts of making: meditation, exploration and laughter.

Best of all, the Art Barn where the classes are held is available 24/7 as ongoing studio space so you can continue to work on your piece(s) in and around class time. To get a glimpse of last year’s gathering with Ali, take a look at the stories posted at @squamlove: here and here

SESSION II :: Wednesday AUGUST 25th – Sunday AUGUST 29th

WHAT WE CARRY + INTUITIVE PLAY

If slow stitching and gazing at the night sky is your jam, then you will love what we have on offer our second week: KZ Stevens has created a most wonderful project for us to settle into. And in typical fashion, it offers not one but TWO pieces to make—both are beautiful and functional.

Then, wrapped in around the stitching of our bags, Elizabeth Duvivier will be sprinkling a bit of mystical whimsy into the mix with her offering.

photos above: Shirley Kung

MEALS + ACCOMMODATIONS

We are in SUCH luck. Local chef EVAN BURKDOLL has created and launched several wildly popular restaurants will be catering our entire event. And there are a range of rooming options including private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. If you want to room with someone in particular or share the same cottage with friends, there is a place on the registration form to call that out.

Register