Tofte Lake Center

Make Residency & Retreat Possible for Artists

At TLC we envision a world where all artists are recognized as the meaning-bearers of our culture and are equitably supported and sustained in their artistic voice and vision. Each year move closer to the day when all individual residencies at TLC are fully funded. We know we can achieve this with your help!

Our Give to the Max goal of $4,800 ensures support for one individual artist's week-long residency. We have secured a generous matching gift for every dollar that you give, doubling your impact.

We hope that you share our belief that art is essential and that you will continue to support our important work. In 2024 we provided approximately 100 resident artists the opportunity to center their work and nurture their spirit. You can help us support 100 additional artists by making a gift to TLC this Give to the Max Day. When artists thrive, we all thrive! 

Who We Are

Tofte Lake Center (TLC) is a nature-based retreat center providing space and time for artists to experience community, nature, play and rejuvenation — all in support of their creative lives and work. TLC is open to individual artists seeking growth through guided workshops and/or retreats, arts organizations that want to make time to re/focus on their goals or mission, and arts leaders seeking to exchange ideas and thoughts with colleagues in their field. 

MISSION / We're committed to supporting artists by providing a nurturing experience rooted in nature where artists of all disciplines and backgrounds feel safe to take a break from the "work" of art to play, feel inspired, and be rejuvenated.

VISION / We envision an interconnected world in harmony with nature, where artists are supported and celebrated and where taking a break is recognized as integral to the creative process.

What We've Done

Who We Serve

Thank You!

It takes a community to continue our important work, and we are so glad that you are a part of it. Will you join us in reaching our goal? Every gift, no matter the level, means the world to us. Together we can make a difference in the lives of artists – and through them, in our lives as well. Thank you for your support of TLC!

- Liz Engelman, Executive Director 

In 2021 former TLC board member Bernadette Christiansen established the Birch Fund as a legacy gift to TLC with the intention of subsidizing our individual artist residencies. Providing this level of financial support to artists is not easy – and it’s essential. 2024 Give to the Max Day gifts will contribute to the growth of Birch Fund. Click the tab at the top of this page entitled "Sid's Story" to learn more about this artist who directly benefited from our 2023 Give to the Max Campaign!