Creator’s Week
September 15 - 18, 2025
Ignite your creative spark and be part of an unforgettable community experience!
There is often a level of uncertainty that comes with learning a new craft. You might have an idea of what you are trying to achieve but aren’t sure how to get started or what tools you may need. That is why TMI Creators Week was conceived!
Why Creators Week is an experience you won't want to miss:
Nurturing Natural Environment: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Three Mile Island in the Fall and let its beauty fuel your inspiration.
Expertly Crafted Classes: Unlock your creative potential under the guidance of skilled instructors passionate about helping you succeed.
All Skill Levels Welcome: From beginners to experienced artists, our craft communities cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to expand your horizons or a novice seeking a creative outlet.
Unleash Your Inner Artist: Experience the joy of creating and expressing yourself freely in a supportive environment.
Foster Meaningful Connections: Forge friendships that last a lifetime with fellow crafters who appreciate the transformative power of art and nature.
2025 CREATIVE COMMUNITIES
There are eight offerings this year: Basket Weaving, Collage Art, Watercolor, Writing a Memoir, Crocheting, Art Everyday, Jewelry Making, and Hand Sewing. Please let us know your top three choices when filling the registration form.
Introduction to Basket Weaving
Creating a carrier basket
Learn the art of basket making using natural materials while relaxing with fellow creators in a stress-free environment. You will go home with a new skill and a beautiful basket. Together we will learn about basket making materials and basic techniques including weaving, “upsetting” the sides, and applying a rim. With the information we provide about basket making resources and the confidence you gain from making your own carrier basket, you will be ready to create other styles of baskets at home. Eventually, you can experiment with your own designs.
Artisan Instructor: Holly Tanguay
Holly first began making baskets many years ago on the dock at Three Mile, teaching herself by using basket making kits. Over the years, she has attended basket making workshops and created a variety of ribbed, woven, and handled baskets, occasionally experimenting with new shapes and native materials. Basket making, like knitting, quilting, and other handcrafts, is ideal for a social setting like Three Mile. Your hands and your heart are both engaged!
Collage Art
Using painted tape and creating a book for display
Creating a Composition With Painted Tape
Many people are familiar with collage art - cutting out images, words, or shapes from printed matter and using glue to create artistic compositions. Scissors and glue keep the process simple and clean. You are probably familiar with painting as well - mixing pigments and applying them with a brush or other mark-maker to create a painting. The painterly effects can be stunning, but it takes practice to master the tools and techniques.
What if you wanted to create art that has the rich color and texture of acrylic paints and also the simplicity of cutting shapes and assembling them - and not even get sticky using glue?! Without needing to master techniques first, you can experiment, play with the colors and shapes, and learn (by doing) the principles of design and composition in the process.
We will be using art forms invented and painted by your workshop leader, Kathy Parsonnet. You can choose from hundreds of swatches of colors - painted on masking tape - that you can cut out and stick down when you're ready to commit. There is no such thing as a mistake, because whatever you discard will likely be picked up and used by someone else. Kathy's teaching style is to call attention to the elements in your design that work, and then explain why.
The compositions can be as simple or as complex as you choose. Most participants in the previous TMI Art Week workshops created between four and eight compositions. One of the sessions will be devoted to creating an accordion-fold hard-cover book that you can put your art in for both storage and display.
Artisan instructor: Kathy Parsonnet
Watercolor Workshop
Have you always wanted to try watercolor painting but believe that it’s too hard? Or, have you tried it but been disappointed with the results? Do you love to be in a “creativity zone” where all thoughts quiet down and there is only color and shapes? Or, do you wish you could play around with watercolor while in a gorgeous setting?
Join us for a fun experiential watercolor workshop where there will be several exercises to learn about the watercolor medium and how to have it work for you rather than the other way around. There will also be two (or three depending on interest) guided compositions: an island inspired by Nabby island and an abstract composition with birch trees. You’ll have an opportunity to crop and mount your pieces. We may also have the opportunity to create a 5” x 7” book to showcase your pieces and anything else you’d like to include, e.g writings.
You’ll go home with not only memories of Three Mile Island and a new understanding of watercolor painting but also your creations mounted into a frame or 5” x 7” book.
The focus of the workshop will be on beginners but those with experience are welcome to join and share their knowledge.
Artisan Instructor: Amanda Cooley Barry
I’ve been painting watercolors for the past 10+ years. I’m not formally trained as an artist but have run workshops for small groups that have been very popular.
Me, Myself, and I: Writing a memoir
This session demonstrates that you not only have sufficient - and interesting - subject matter for a memoir, but that you also have the ability to write your own.
Memoir, like all written texts, requires at least two things: subject matter and, often less obvious to the reader, a design or a strategy for organizing the subject matter. This session will introduce various strategies for organization as well as periods of writing that will allow you to discover whether you enjoy this kind of writing.
You will be introduced to memoir and will be invited to begin one of your own. We’ll write for periods of twenty minutes each morning, break for discussion and then begin to write again. You’ll be invited (not required!) to read aloud each morning - never for evaluation but always to hear the shape and sound of your own words, as well as to hear listeners say ‘Yes! We want to hear more!’
You’ll leave with self-contained fragments of story that can be expanded or left untouched; a reading list of memoirs, and a method for organizing a writing group if you want to continue writing with others.
Artisan Instructor: Eunice Scarfe
I started writing in a degree course that required us to write fiction and never encouraged or even allowed us to write anything that looked like memoir. How times have changed!
Crocheting – Creating a market bag
Crocheting is a very versatile and useful skill, with the ability to adapt to many situations and creative useful items! Once a few basic skills are learned, the sky is the limit. Crochet is a great way to connect and create, and a project can go anywhere with you! Express your creative side and end up with a function item to wear, use or gift.
During the week, we will be making a functional item that supports sustainability: a bag to go to the market or carry your next project. We will have several styles from which you can choose. Use one color or combine several to express your creativity.
This will be the perfect project for someone new to crochet or someone with experience with the craft. Instruction will include all stitches needed for the project as well as guidance following a crochet pattern.
Artisan Instructor: Rebecca Smith
Rebecca has been knitting and crocheting for over 20 years, and owns a local yarn shop Sun Dragon and & Fiber in Brevard, NC where she teaches classes and lessons. Her shop has been open for eight years, and her YouTube channel, Sun Dragon Tips & Tricks, has provided instruction and inspiration for over four years. She combines her love for the craft with her years as a secondary school teacher to adapt her instruction to everyone’s abilities and learning styles.
A Little Art Every Day
Indoors and out, we will build a habit of making art everyday. Each participant will be given two sketchbooks, a lap size for indoor and a small one to carry around outdoors. A variety of drawing, painting, printmaking and collage materials will be available to try out to see what feels good as we develop our daily habit. Each day will end with preparation of the next day's pages so we are never starting with a blank page. Our sessions will be indoors and outdoors and filled with a series of activities and prompts where all can feel successful no matter their level of experience.
Artisan Instructor: Sharon Santillo
Sharon Santillo taught art in public school for twenty-seven years. In 2011, she was named Massachusetts Art Educator of the Year. Research is showing how making art every day, even scribbling, helps us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Santillo has a repertoire of art and art making activities to jumpstart anyone on this journey to making art every day.
Jewelry Making – Creating a necklace bracelet & earring set
In this workshop participants will have fun working with natural gemstones and findings to create a beautiful necklace, bracelet and earring set. This is a beginner's basics of design with different stringing techniques and hand knotting. You will be learning what threads work best for what types of beads. Also, learning about secure, professional clasps and closures to create new, or repair your own treasured pieces. A variety of gemstone beads and findings are provided, but we encourage everyone to bring along your treasured broken pieces for restringing or adding to your creations!
All tools will be provided
Artisan Instructor: Anne Langlais
I grew up in Stockbridge Mass on the caretaker's property of Daniel Chester French (American sculptor). Every summer was exciting as the new group of Artisans in residents would settle in. They would have me collecting things from nature, acorns to bumblebees, that they would incorporate in their creations or use as models. Many of these artists would nurture my own creativity setting me off to the side in a clay stall or setting me up at a small table. The years of exposure to such a variety of artistic mediums has given me many avenues to express my art. 20 years ago I decided to open my shop where I sell my jewelry/creations and give classes. I also have several years of hosting classes at local community centers and residential schools.
Hand Sewing Circle – Creating a hand sewn t-shirt
Hand-sewing is a time-honored way to slow down and connect with your surroundings. This craft has been used to cloth ourselves, show our style, and build community for thousands of years! Join in on the fun by learning the basic of measuring, cutting, and sewing a garment for yourself in a group setting.
This is useful skill anyone can learn—no machine necessary! Crafting a simple boxy t- shirt with a modern fit and straight seams is an inclusive, gender-neutral project to practice this key heritage skill while providing the satisfaction of a finished project (and step by step instructions to finish at home for those who need more time.) This is also an opportunity to unlock your creativity through the choices you make while cutting and sewing your garment. We'll work together to build skills, troubleshoot together, and celebrate every person's individual hand and eye throughout the process.
As a bonus, you'll learn about the history of the sewing skills you're developing, and the ecological relationships embedded in the materials you're using. As an optional addition to this class, we can embellish our shirts with basic embroidery skills, using natural motifs or whatever can be dreamed up! Here, your inner artist can shine bright, plus you'll come away with something you can wear home. We'll leverage wash away stabilizer and small embroidery hoops so even beginners can brighten up their work if they choose.
Artisan Instructor: Haley E. D. Houseman
Haley E.D. Houseman is a nature writer and textile educator based in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts. Her journalism work on sustainability and fashion has brought her all over the world and into some of the United State's most exciting textile exhibits. Now, she focuses. her work on the ties between local ecology and the materials we wear every day. As a lifelong sewist, Haley has sewn her wardrobe, upholstered chairs and even made her own wedding dress. She teaches basic sewing and dressmaking skills in and around the Boston area, as well as supporting local sustainable and vintage fashion companies through mending services.
Additional Activities
In addition to the Creative Communities, there will be time to participate in some optional activities. You don’t need to sign up for these on your registration, and the schedule will be announced during the week.
Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy is a trauma-informed practice that borrows elements from the Japanese practice Shinrin Yoku or forest bathing, mindfulness, yoga, qigong, and other modalities that support nature connection.
A forest therapy walk is a structured, guided walk where invitations are offered to help participants tune into their senses and experience a deeper connection with the natural world, including our natural selves. The practice has been shown to support every aspect of our well-being, including lower stress hormones, boosted immune function, attention restoration, improved cardiovascular and respiratory function, and more.
Guide: Andrea Z-Covey
A certified Forest Therapy Guide as well as a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide. Andrea received extensive training through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and the Kripalu School for Mindful Outdoor Leadership.
Open Studios
Various open studios will likely be available, for example making a small finger labyrinth like the one shown here and nature journaling.
2025 SCHEDULE:
| Monday | Tuesday & Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|
| 2PM Arrival to Island | 8AM Breakfast | 8AM Breakfast |
| 4PM Welcome & Program Overview | 9:30AM Creator Projects | 10AM Creator Projects |
| 5PM Social Hour | 1PM Lunch | 1PM Lunch |
| 6PM Dinner | 2:30PM Activity of Choice | 2PM Celebration of Creativity! |
| 7:30PM Meet Instructors | 5PM Social Hour | 3PM Departure |
| Free Time | 6PM Dinner | |
| Free Time |
Participants will have the option to help with clean-up after a few meals.
RESERVATIONS
Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until August 16, 2025. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
PROGRAM COST:
A.M.C. Member Rate- $525
Non-Member Rate- $545
Submit your reservation application here:
WHAT TO BRING AND WHAT TO EXPECT:
Three Mile Island Camp is camping in comfort with most of the work eliminated. Here are some things worth knowing to help you prepare for and enjoy your visit:
Dress is informal. Plan for outdoor living- sturdy shoes for walking on rocky paths, warm clothes for cool weather, and rain clothes.
Flashlights are essential! There is electricity in the community areas, but cabins are not equipped with lighting. A solar or battery-powered lantern for your cabin is nice to have.
Linens are not provided for fall programs. Bring a sleeping bag, towel, and pillowcase.
Solar showers are provided at each cabin. Please bring biodegradable soap.
Unlike the summer season, baggage will NOT be taken to your cabin. Please bring only what you can carry as it may be a long walk.
Meals are served promptly at 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. There will be a bugle call 15 minutes before each meal and a wake-up call at 7:30 AM. Please be on time for meals.
We cannot accommodate special diets during fall programs, but vegetarian meals are available if you let us know ahead of time on your reservation form.
There are no housekeeping services. On departure day, we ask that you sweep your cabin and empty wastebaskets in the barrels at the Main House.
Canoes, kayaks, and sailboats are available for use at no charge. We ask that you return boats to the main dock at the end of each day and do not keep any boats at your cabin overnight.
The launch to the island is at 2:00 PM on Monday from Goodhue’s/Shep Brown’s Boat Basin located at 31 Lovejoy Sands Rd., Meredith, NH.
Upon arrival at Goodhue’s/Shep Brown’s Boat Basin, please unload your baggage onto the grassy area next to the public docks and park in the Three Mile Island parking area. You will see it on your right as you come down Lovejoy Sands Rd.
Departure from the island is at 3:00 PM on Thursday.
Electronic equipment such as cell phones and laptops are strongly discouraged and limited to use in cabins only. Drones are expressly prohibited.
Please feel free to bring a cooler and beverages to enjoy during our social hours and at dinner. Ice is available. We have a “Carry In/Carry Out” policy for all bottles and cans.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sandy Brawders at: sgbrawders@gmail.com