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The Artist in Residency program at The Lodge at Sweetwater Studios offers artists the time and space to deepen their creative practice while becoming part of the life of Sweetwater. In exchange for contributing to the care of the property and helping create a welcoming experience for our guests, artists live on site, dedicate time to their craft, and share their work and creative experience with the surrounding community.
About the Artist
Sam Mitzner | My art journey began in 2020 when I tried to learn figure drawing on a whim. What began as a way to pass the time quickly became an obsession. I spent every free moment trying to understand how to translate what I saw into something beautiful on the page. I found online classes and committed myself to daily practice.
After becoming seriously ill for several years, my life changed in ways I never expected. Lying in bed sick, drawing was my escape from a difficult reality. My drawings evolved from studies meant to improve my craft into works of art that explored ideas and feelings I was struggling with. Making art gave me a new purpose.
Today, I work primarily in charcoal and oil painting. I see art as an ongoing conversation between myself and the world around me. Pursuing the craft of art has changed my life, and I want to share what I’m learning by helping create a community where people can experience both the struggle and joy of making art and find deeper connections with nature, themselves, and each other.
Experience the Residency
Five Wednesday evenings of drawing from life in the studio at Sweetwater.
A casual evening of art, conversation, and community.
Four fall Sundays of making art outdoors.
Open Studio
Life Drawing
Five Wednesday evenings of drawing from life in the studio at Sweetwater.
Join us Wednesday evenings at The Lodge at Sweetwater Studios for an open figure/life drawing session with a live model.
This is an informal, self-guided studio practice rather than a class or workshop. There is no instruction or critique. Artists are invited to bring their own materials, settle in, and spend the evening practicing alongside others in a relaxed and welcoming studio environment.
All experience levels are welcome, from those new to figure drawing to experienced artists looking for regular practice.
When
Wednesdays, September 2–30, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Details
Ages 18+
Walk-ins welcome
All experience levels welcome
What to Bring
Bring your preferred drawing materials and supplies. Don't have your own? A limited selection of drawing supplies will be available for an additional charge.
Cost
$15 per evening
$65 for all five sessions
Cash or Venmo
Call or Text to secure your spot. 601.300.2150
Creative Social
Sip & Sketch
A casual evening of art, conversation, and creative community.
Join us at The Lodge at Sweetwater Studios for an easygoing evening of making, sharing, and connecting with other creative people.
Bring something you're working on, your favorite materials, and a drink or snack to enjoy. Throughout the evening, we'll make art together, share what we're working on, and even take turns sketching one another.
Sip & Sketch isn't a class or workshop. There are no lessons, assignments, or critiques. It's simply a place to gather, create, exchange ideas, and enjoy the company of other creative people.
And you don't have to be a painter or illustrator to join us. Painters, photographers, sculptors, potters, printmakers, woodworkers, fiber artists, musicians, writers, dancers, and makers of all kinds are welcome. Whether you've been creating for years or are just beginning to explore your creative side, there's a place for you at the table.
Stay for an hour or spend the whole evening with us. And if you'd rather not head home afterward, book a tent and make a night of it at Sweetwater.
When
Friday, September 18, 2026
6:00–9:00 PM
What to Bring
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Something you're working on
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Your favorite art or creative materials
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A drink or snack, if you'd like
Cost
$15 per person
Come make something. Meet someone. Spend an evening among creatives at Sweetwater.
Call or Text to secure your spot. 601.300.2150
Outdoor Practice
Plein Air Days
Four fall Sundays of making art outdoors.
Join us for a four-part plein air series at The Lodge at Sweetwater Studios. Bring your favorite drawing or painting materials, find a place that inspires you, and spend a Sunday afternoon making art in the landscape alongside fellow artists.
Explore the woods, pond, fields, gardens, and quiet corners of Sweetwater at your own pace. This is not a class or workshop. There are no demonstrations, assignments, or critiques. It's simply an open practice and an opportunity to slow down, observe, create, and enjoy the company of other artists.
Whether you're an experienced plein air artist or trying it for the first time, all experience levels are welcome.
Dates + Time
Sundays | 3:00–5:00 PM
October 11
October 25
November 8
November 22
Come for one afternoon or join us for all four.
What to Bring
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Your favorite drawing or painting materials
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A portable chair or easel, if you use one
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Water
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Weather-appropriate clothing
Please plan to work outdoors and dress for the weather.
Cost
$15 per evening
$50 for all 4 sessions
Cash or Venmo
Call or Text to secure your spot. 601.300.2150
A Few Things to Know
This is a self-guided gathering rather than an instructional class. You're welcome to work in whatever medium and style you prefer.
Arrive ready to explore the property, choose your spot, and make yourself comfortable. We'll gather as artists, then head out into the landscape to create.
Come spend a fall Sunday slowing down, looking closely, and making art at Sweetwater.