Tofte Lake Center

Help Us Make Residency & Retreat Possible for Artists

At Tofte Lake Center (TLC) we believe that art is essential. In this frighteningly divisive time, art and artists create the healing, understanding, cross-pollination, and connection we crave. They too need rest and healing. Tofte Lake Center (TLC) offers this - and more - by providing artists of every discipline, identity, and career stage the opportunity to prioritize their work, find community, and be restored by nature and beauty. When artists thrive, we all thrive. When their work is supported, we all reap the benefits

It costs us $2,800 to provide a residency for 6 nights to one artist. Our Give to the Max goal of $5,600 ensures support for two individual resident 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. We intend to build upon that vision, to continue to create more space for artists who have not had access to our programming, and to move closer to the day when all individual residencies each year at TLC are fully funded. This is a big goal, and we believe it is achievable with your help.

What Artists are Saying About TLC

What is Tofte Lake Center?

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.

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

Two years ago, thanks to the legacy gift of former TLC board member Bernadette Christiansen, we made a commitment to fully subsidize our individual artist residencies with the creation of the Birch Fund. Providing this level of financial support to artists is not easy – and it’s essential. All 2023 Give to the Max Day gifts will contribute to the Birch Fund. Click here to learn more!