Who We Are

Amy and Meredith are two emerging writers, artists, and organizers who met in May 2022 via shared connections to folks in the Narrowsburg community. We developed a strong friendship trading  poems, philosophies, and laughter.

Before long, we discovered mutual values relating to lovingness and openness, individuality in life and art, and devotion to a vision of creativity that is serious, free, risk-taking, and above all, lived. The idea for Swift Waters evolved so organically from our time together that once it was articulated, it seemed inevitable. We hope to foster similarly invigorating connections with you, should you come stay with us.

The house and programming are currently run by Amy.

About the Project

Swift Waters Collective is a grassroots project originally launched by friends and collaborators Amy Milin, Meredith Magnolia, and Gideon Bontrager. In December 2023, we opened the Swift Waters House to writers, artists of any discipline, and more. Above all, the space is envisioned as a flexible community grounded in authentic connection and creativity, holistic health, and intention.

We are open to anyone who resonates with the project, and stays can be as short as a day or as long as a month. We request a suggested donation in turn for your stay to help us keep this house open to those who need creative or personal respite – but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

In the past year, we have hosted more than 55 writers and artists from cities, suburbs, and townships, aged 18 - 56, and from those securing book deals and showing in galleries to those who rarely get to take time for their creative side.