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Testimonials
Leslie Jamison, NY
“It was an absolutely enchanted week--from early mornings with coffee and the first bird songs, watching dawn break through the lush greenery of the backyard;to writing amidst the bright lizards in the back; i was able to make progress on the new novel that absolutely needed this kind of secluded and protected time"
Sofya Levitsky-Weitz,
Isabelle Platt,
Courtney Ulrich &
Lola Price Kelly, CA
“so many gifts of space, of time, of devotion to ourselves as artists, of peaceful nature. Here, we have been able to dedicate ourselves to our projects with attention and faith. This residency gave us just that.”
Barbara birge & ann glover, va
"i had no idea how helpful it would be to look at what i've written from a literally different vantage point. in the quiet there with hard copy in my lap, i saw problems i am now solving. you also gave me an opportunity i did not know i needed."
Asha Thanki, NY
“writing in this home, on this island, just flowed. what a special place you have created & with such care."
V. V. Ganeshananthan, MI
“the tremendous gift of this space -- a refuge! -- will stay with me for the years to come."
roohi Choudhry, MI
“this land is so special and im completely enthralled by it. I know my time here will continue to reverberate through my work for years to come.”
Janelle Lynch, NY
"The house is incredible -- nestled in a jungle with the coqui song! Divine. I love the soft, calming light inside."
Vu Trans, IL
"I was so grateful for the writing time and also for the time I got to spend with four very good friends of mine. I also know that all of us were deeply grateful for all the care and generosity you showed us."
Mina Mohtasham, PA
“Thank you again for having us, our time here has been such a productive reset, I feel so inspired by the landscape here, and how clear headed it has felt.”
Ross Raisin, UK
"Artist residencies will often require something of their attendees: a certain stipulation of productivity of use of their time. This, however, was a residency that asked nothing of me other than to immerse myself in my work and in the life of the island. it was this lightness of touch that enabled me to enter a creative flow that I haven't had for many years."
Jessica Granger, CA
"it's hard to leave a place that has been such a site of artistic energy and natural beauty, where we have been creatively productive beyond our wildest aims. yet we will carry this momentum forward, even as we say goodbye to this incredible haven in Hawaii."
Dao Strom, OR
" The Kona arts retreat is a gift of space, time, care, not to mention the rich natural beauty and special energies of the island that grant inspiration and nourishment of an immeasurable kind."
Hoa Nguyen, Can
"The Kona Arts Retreat achieves an extraordinary equilibrium: it offers the support of delivered meals, transportation, and local insight alongside absolute creative freedom and independence. it is a vital, powerful haven, and its impact will undoubtedly reverberate through my work for years to come'"
Sloane Crosley, NY
"Home safe and sound. Mahalo. Indeed, an exhausting journey (what day is it? what time is it?) but "worth it" does not begin to describe it."
Orna Guralnik, NY
" Ive spent many mornings during my stay writing pieces independent from my usual body of work, which I would seldomly get the chance to focus on anywhere else. and besides focusing on my literary pursuits, i have had many outdoor adventures, treks which are absolutely unique to the island. I am grateful beyond words."
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