Testimonials

Thank you for providing such a beautiful place in the world. Lynn Miles, Singer song-writer and Juno award winner, Ottawa, Ontario.

I’ve never had an experience like it [on the heels of a four-day retreat at the Hobbit House]. Paula Shultz, Playwright, Toronto, Ontario.

Wintergreen brings so much to the lives of others. It was a magical time.  Lesley Pasquin, Poet, Montreal, Quebec.

My first visit to Wintergreen was all I had hoped it would be. A whole day in which one could lose – and find – oneself, a day filled with artistic exploration, with time to savour the ample creature comforts of the centre (including the gourmet organic lunch) and the wild beauties of the Canadian shield, with time for conversation and serene reflection. As refreshing and invigorating as its name suggests, Wintergreen offers a uniquely Canadian experience, a taste of both the civilized and the wild. Wintergreen is truly a feast for the senses. Sarah Gibson-Bray, Playwright, teacher, musician; Kingston, Ontario.

Being here opened up my eyes to many ways that we, without thinking, use energy, and to many ways we can cut back on energy use without compromising quality of life. The strawbale lodge is incredible. It is so warm. There is also a very wonderful aesthetic effect with the plastered walls. Artist-educator, Toronto, Ontario.

From the forest to the food to the fusing, we had so much fun that we want to come to Wintergreen again (and again)!! Kimberley Sanders, Artist, Ottawa, Ontario.

Wintergreen Studios is a remarkable facility in a remarkable setting offering the seeker of personal renewal the space to become more of who they are longing to be, especially if they crave engaging and meaningful experiences with the arts and the environment. Rita Irwin, Arts Education Professor, Vancouver, British Columbia.

The initial vision of creating a place like Wintergreen where the environment is a contributing partner to all programs is life inspiring. Believing that the land is our primary teacher, it is exciting to see this premise embodied in a building that lives on and through the earth. Brian and Jennifer Davis, Teachers and farmers, Stirling, Ontario.

I feel like I’ve started to put things back in proper perspective. I’m inspired and motivated to live more simply, less wastefully, and less selfishly. Artist-educator, Windsor, Ontario.

As you know, I have been unwell this past year. This experience was one of many firsts for me. It’s the first time I’ve ventured out to be with other people, especially strangers. And it’s the first time in over a year that I’ve felt hungry at meal time! Workshop participant, Ottawa, Ontario

I can’t describe how this experience has affected me. My days at Wintergreen have remained with me in ways that I never expected to be possible. Workshop participant, Toronto, Ontario.

When I first heard about Wintergreen, I was intrigued by the idea and impressed by the energy and vision of the Board members. In these difficult financial times, Wintergreen is just what we need to remind ourselves of ways to live more simply, more mindfully. Mary-Alice Thompson, Lawyer and poet, Kingston, Ontario.

Sunlight through glass in the Hobbit house, the woodstove in the morning…it was a panorama of little glistening jewels. Artist-educator, Niagara, Ontario.

This is the first time I have thought that I can build something myself. I’ve loved the emergent process, the sense of play. Workshop participant, Toronto, Ontario.

What can I say? Truly enjoyed your location. The lodge is quite amazing and I will be spreading the news about your work. Enjoyed your presentation as well. My husband and I are becoming quite interested in alternative energy sources and solar and wind or on the “learning list.” Also, your food was fabulous. I could have eaten the entire spinach salad. Business Officer, Valley Heartland, Ontario.

Wintergreen is a place to connect soul, earth, and community. It restores a sense of wholeness, of earth inspired art, architecture, and beauty. It is an anchor to who we are and why we are here. It is a place for sweet conviviality between kindred soul. An antidote to the frenetic fragmenting pace of modern life. A place to breathe among friends. Wintergreen is a cure for “nature deficit disorder.” Lynn Rainboth, Teacher, Ottawa, Ontario

“It is not the language of painters but the language of nature which one should listen to, the feeling for the things themselves, for reality, is more important than the feeling for pictures.”

- Vincent van Gogh