Artist Testimonials
"I came back from the Tofte Lake Center changed as an artist - with a renewed sense of my strengths and interests and with a powerful sense of direction for my future work…I didn’t expect to be so transported by the beauty of the area. I found inspiration in literally every direction. "
- Malinda Ray Allen, performer/playwright, NYC
"I cannot express how grateful I am for this experience. It was one of the best weeks of my life."
- Emily Conbere, playwright, Seattle
"The aesthetics of TLC inspired and motivated me to make what I consider my finest work yet."
- Tuckaghrie Hollingsworth, photographer, Minneapolis
"TLC is idyllic. It’s gorgeous. Breath-taking. Eye-catching. Heart-opening. Art-inspiring. TLC provides multiple ways of taking a breather in nature – ways of disappearing into the woods or on a kayak on the lake or by a fireplace in a cabin in order to open your heart, soul, mind, and lungs to the clean, wild expanse of nature and let it fill you."
- Lauren Feldman, playwright, NYC
"I feel like a totally different person: more relaxed, grateful, inspired and hopeful than I've ever been. I can't believe I got this lucky and really hope to keep this feeling going into the coming months of artistic practice."
- Steven Lang, visual artist, Minneapolis
"Basically, in 5 days at TLC, I learned more about myself as a writer than I did in three years of graduate school."
- Sarah Sander, playwright, NYC
"I felt independent, creative, inspired, at peace. It was such a gift to have to time and space provided by Tofte Lake Center. I would jump at the opportunity to go back to Norm’s Fish Camp… I feel like this trip gave me the opportunity to get in touch with the creative person I want to be all the time."
- Joanna Simmons, actor, The Living Newspaper, NYC
"It was valuable being able to share so many conversations, questions, thoughts, ideas, and artwork with Liz Engelman; and what I learned and realized in those conversations have and will go on to strengthen my work as a writer and theatermaker."
- Lauren Feldman, playwright, NYC
"This kind of creative “space” + an environment that feeds the soul = ideal conditions for growth…The profundity of the experience is just beginning to sink in."
- Kimber Olson, visual artist, Minneapolis
"Never before had I written a play and caught a fish all in the same day."
- Janet Allard, playwright, Greensboro, NC
"The beautiful environment at Norm’s Fish Camp somehow made reflection the opposite of a daunting experience. The mellow surroundings in combination with the rigor of the fellow artists were the perfect combination of inspiring and meditative."
- Krista Knight, playwright, NYC
"I wouldn’t change a thing about my residency. The experience of the surrounding nature, the focused studio time, and the company of some talented people are something I will cherish about my time at TLC."
- Laura Splan, visual artist, Minneapolis
"I came away with new pages, piece of mind, and many new friendships. If I could go back right this minute, I’d be back on plane to Minnesota."
- Peter Gil-Sheridan, playwright, NYC
"I can’t say enough about Liz’s unique abilities in enhancing our experience. Because she was so accommodating and flexible in facilitating activities as we requested, I felt that my creativity was all the more nurtured and stimulated…The environment, Liz’s leadership, support and positive spirit, was invaluable."
- Emily Bradley, visual artist, Minneapolis
"I’m back in my NYC life feeling more centered, rejuvenated, and blessed. This residency gave me a chance to work, but also gave me an experience of peace that will remain with me for a long time. I’m looking forward to continuing my work on the projects I worked on at TLC."
- Anna Moench, playwright, NYC
"My experience at TLC superseded my expectations: quiet, clean air, space, time, support and few expectations of me, besides to just be myself and do my work."
- Laura Silver, writer, NYC
"... the best part about staying at Lake Tofte is having space and inspiration to work. After a week at the retreat I always feel productive, refreshed and reconnected. Whether one wants solitude or camaraderie, Lake Tofte allows its guests to create the work environment that best suits each individual artist. I love it here! You will too."
- Lisa Arnold, visual artist, dramaturg, Minneapolis
"I’m proud and delighted to say we entered the residency as good friends, and we left the residency as great friends. And as a bonus, we left the residency making one extra great friend in Liz."
- Don Nguyen, playwright, The Living Newspaper, NYC
"I am a super emerging emerging artist and this residency, not to delve too completely into hyperbole, has launched my career."
- Sukari Jones, playwright, NYC
"I come away with a stronger sense of myself as an artist and an outline of my project. And a desire to return to TLC as soon as possible."
- Chantal Pavagaux, multi-disciplinary artist, MN
