special guest

A very special guest will be staying at the Sugar Tree Cottage for a few weeks this summer: we are delighted that MJ Clifford (and one of her cats, Willow) will be using the cottage while MJ is performing in the first two plays of the Lakewood Theater season!

MJ is very well known at Lakewood, as one of the founders of Curtain Up Enterprises and a member of the Cornville Players, taking the stage during more than thirty seasons! When she wasn't on the stage, she was quite often the one taking your tickets and welcoming you as you entered the theater. 

She will be reprising her role in But Why Bump Off Barnaby? during an encore run of the 2020 production, and also appearing in Four Old Broads, and Who's in Bed with the Butler? at Lakewood Theater this season. 

"Wee Willow" is the name under which MJ creates colorful cross stitch, and you'll find a selection available for sale in the Lakewood Theater lobby,  through the Wee Willow facebook page and some will be gracing the walls of these cabins on Olive Street!

My current personal project is turning the little artist room into a temporary bedroom, and then the Sugar Tree Cottage will be able to say a Lakewood Theater legend "slept here!" 

April on Olive Street

Blossoms are out, grass is greening, we've had rain so puddles abound... this all means that the ducks are very happy!  Hayden Brook rushes by the Sugar Tree Cottage, antique dishes are being sorted at the Perkins House, and Swampy is being made less swampy... this is our springtime on Olive Street!

the how of making it work

The mission statement goes like this: to gently support the historic Lakewood Theater & its people along with local artists & the community; and to be an ongoing self-sustaining project.

So how is that done? The hope is that by giving folks the space to create, that they will give back. The goal is that there will be no rent, but through personal revenue generated by individual artists [actual art, gigs, and/or lessons] things such as electric bills, taxes, insurance, and water association fees will be paid. Through individuals donating their time and skill, gardens will be tended, buildings will be painted, grass will be mowed. [and all residences will have things like beautiful pottery, wooden tables, stunning paintings... all by local artists and a few friendly bees]

It has been put before me that I may be a little too optimistic, and I should also look into crowdfunding

on Olive Street: in pandemic

It was a long winter, and springtime goes towards summer, but the world around us is still moving slowly, finding it's way.

At this time walls are being painted, flowers planted, tea cups and furniture are being organized at the Sugar Tree Cottage. With many variables to consider in deciding in what capacity we be will open, if at all, we are quite sure there will be no artist openings or live music events, and we are also not scheduling any classes or tea tastings, but may later offer occasional "porch front" pick up of pre-packaged teas and other items.

We find ourselves continuing to also paint and plan in the Tower House, and Swampy, and we are very proud to say that a garden has now been planted and is growing well (thanks to helpful volunteers) at the Tower House, and two raised beds have gone in elsewhere on Olive Street!

We also have been gifted an upright piano, so by the 2021 season we hope to connect with someone who would be interested in offering lessons, and perhaps someone for voice.

Painting, planting and planning indeed, as in addition to the piano we've done a little extra procuring too... and have made the purchase of two more camps on Olive Street!! This is very exciting, as the vision for Olive Street is being expanded! There will be more space available for artists to use as studio space or retreat, more instructional workshop space, and more flower and vegetable gardens!

Indeed more painting, planting and planning, but we don't mind! Thrilling to think that with hard work it may be as soon as next year that we may be able to begin an "in residence" programs for writers, artists, theater people & their families at our camps!

great blue

This Great Blue Heron was seen fishing in Hayden Brook during a "Tuesday Tea Tasting" at the Sugar Tree Cottage yesterday. Another example of the wonders to be found on Olive Street! 

artist search

Here on Olive Street - or more particularly the Sugar Tree Cottage - we are officially looking for artists for small events! From solo exhibits to musical performances, host an open house for your work or talent at our place alongside Hayden Brook! Tea would be provided of course, but if you wanted wine and cheese et cetera you would have to bring that in. The Sugar Tree Cottage would do it's own social media advertising and any other would be on you. No rental fee, no commission, we are not a business venue... but you may sell your works or busk your talent! 

If you have an art or talent to teach, we have space for that as well!

Please contact us with anyquestions or suggestions, or to request a date!  createonolivestreet@gmail.com

Sugar Tree Cottage

Down the hill from the Tower House, around the curve of Olive Street, was this cottage for sale, number 26. Painted red, it may be mentioned, like a ripe apple. And attached to the porch/deck area, a lovely long bridge, right over Hayden Brook, landing on the farthest end of the Lakewood Theater parking lot. How perfectly placed! This will be the tea house. A welcoming place to do all of the Sugar Tree sort of things, and it will also have one room set aside specifically for artist use.