TESTIMONIALS

Hazey Acres is a refuge for me. I moved to Sarasota, FL in 2020 during the pandemic and in the wake of DeSantis’ culture wars. I’ve returned to Hazey and the surrounding land and fresh water springs time and time again to reset and heal from the stress and toxicity of regular society. Shoog has created an accessible, loving and caring space full of creative possibilities. Their sensitivity to the struggles of all oppressed people and their reverence for nature creates a sense of entering into an alternate reality while you’re in their space, one where safety, justice, love and liberation are tangibly present. -Osa Atoe

My times at Hazey Acres have been transformative. Transforming me from a burnt out person holding pressure in work, parenting, partnering and pandemicing into a well rested artist. I got to laugh with Shoog, and they encouraged and supported all my wild visions for dance and movement, film and photography above and below the water, for costume and body paint. What fun, what love for art and the earth. What a perfect oasis. ❤️
- Jennifer Turnbull

My partner & I visited Shoog & their amazing sanctuary at the perfect time I needed it, when it was winter in New York. During the winter months especially, I feel stuck in creativity & overall low. The hazey acres is a beautiful safe place that allowed me to be present, relax & indulge in creative adventures. Between spending time with Shoog & their friendly healing kitties plus so much land & space to make space outside! I can’t wait to come back.-J Lopez

Hazey Acres has been an important haven for our creative practice. The change of pace and ability to slow down & be in a natural setting is deeply inspiring. We’ve had the opportunity to make videos we never could have in the city we’re based in. Time and space at Hazey has also allowed for us to conceptualize larger projects that we couldn’t have imagined otherwise.
-Milagros Collective

Hazey Acres…. I spent most of the week nested on the porch making art and talking with Shoog. It was just me and that dear Gator for the week, aside from a couple visitors, but everywhere there were beautiful photos and other evidence of all the magical people-creatures that had come through there before me. My time spent dazed in the haze was one of inspiration and joy. It is a rare place. There are plenty of places where artists gather - but I’ve never been to one so comfortably unpretentious and welcoming. Truly a place you can freak what you feel. The neighbors shared their holiday sweets with us, and it was clear that Shoog is like this magical uncle to the kiddos next door. I had been feeling depressed, as usual, before I got there but by the time i left i felt the life and creativity flowing from my toes to the split ends of my hair again. We made a movie, had a photoshoot, made a map, listened to Mazzy Star, swam in the clearest water I’ve ever seen, ate good food, and just spent time enjoying moments of this brief and precious life together. I think about it all the time, dream of going back, and try to bring the flavor of Shoog’s Hazey Acres everywhere I go. -Ruby Doom

There is no place like Hazy Acres.  I immediately felt at home. Surrounded by artists, I was inspired by Shoog and their residents to create a snake mask, which was an entirely new medium of art for me.  I worked both on my own time and in tandem with Shoog and other artists, making their own art. I’m delighted with the mask I left for others to enjoy.  It was exciting to craft outside of my usual comfort zone, and everyone there fully supported me!  I enjoyed the spontaneous figure drawing class and the awe-inspiring sunsets. Also, it can be difficult for me to create a piece of art in just one sitting, but with limited time at the end of my stay, I made a painting in one sitting that I sent off to an incarcerated friend. Returning home, I was inspired by Shoog’s art set up to get a desk and chair in the sunniest spot of my living space to remind me to make art! I felt like I was living in a queer/trans utopia, a safe house down a long stretch of road with warming bonfires at night and meditative nature walks in the morning. I can’t wait to return! -Lore Elizabeth

I came for a brief day of hazey magic one spring break. Shoog and I hadn't met in real time, we had been insta admirers for a while. I wanted to gift shoog some art and share space but I didn't know how truly special that afternoon would be until it was gone like the seeds of a dandelion puff. We drove down a long road until we saw the pink flamingos and colorful murals on old campers. Shoog was on the porch looking mighty fine and we quickly got to chatting and swapping tales. Shoog needed some help building a massive fire to get rid of some detritus and helping them felt natural. We spent the afternoon making flames, photos, and laughs. Shoog directed hilarious tik toks where Lester and I became actors on the spot. We truly delved into the world of play and props via that old camper painted by their friend. I'll never forget the ease I felt with shoog that day. As a fat person there is nothing better than communing with another fat freak, who gets it, lives it, and makes this fatness transcend place and time. 

Hazey is a type of medicine crafted with good times and gay laughs. I've always wanted to return for more time to make some work and to give back to the land/Shoog. One day I hope to plant them a lil plot of flowers so they can make their own bouquets for their bedside. I don't garden at home but hazey makes me want to if that makes sense. It's a place that allows you to be open and free to the wind, while also allowing you to find ways to serve and give back. This combo of making time/serving time will heal hearts, allowing people the slow down and sink into what it means to be a steward of their work and community at the same time. It's pretty powerful! Not to mention this place is surrounded by the most mind blowing natural springs that will cradle you, float you, and allow one to realize the true raw power of Florida's natural world. The vibe of hazey acres is Pee Wee's playhouse but rural and more homemade with a layer of sand. I hope I get to hear the wind chimes again and lay on that big portable bed to watch the moon rise. I love you hazey... From the bottom of my crusty queer heartcore. -Olly Greer

Every time I go to Hazey Acres, I am reminded of why it is so important to have more spaces like it. A creative hub snuggled up in the Florida country, Hazey Acres really offers a sense of calm, freedom and inspiration. I look forward to returning and seeing more friendly faces! -Nina Yagual

As a frequent visitor at Hazey Acres, I often depart feeling that I am taking something new with me. Shoog has created a small utopia for fat queer and trans people, for artists, and all freaks in between. Whether we are dancing in front of the sunset, swimming in the blue of the springs, or singing songs under the stars, there is a certain magic that happens on this land that Shoog seems to summon up from where it is hiding in plain sight. Hazey Acres is a gift that I am so blessed to be able to experience, and I do not take this access for granted. - Autumn Rose Barksdale

I found Hazey Acres during a time when I desperately needed to reconnect with nature and chat with people over bon fires. While there I expressed myself through creation and design of butterfly gardens and various artistic forms of landscaping. I hope the land continues to prosper and I believe it should be invested in. -Sam Grasland

Being able to commune in nature with other artists is an irreplaceable aspect of taking a visit to Hazey Acres. And there are always artists from across the country and sometimes the world, passing through. I personally prefer the quieter times at Hazey where I can just hear the wind blowing through the trees and the chimes. I have filmed tons of things out there, including a music video and the opening shots of a short film I did for my thesis project. The best part to me is getting to lie naked in the sun, or maybe having a big fire at night, singing karaoke in a circle, with friends. You can focus on the bigger picture, when you are far from town, but close to Shoog. -Brooke Checkofsky

LIFE IS SO BEAUTIFUL HERE!!!!! I return to Hazey Acres in my mind very often. When I’m searching for a memory to help me rest, to inspire me. I’m immensely grateful for every day that I’ve spent at Hazey Acres. It’s both a refuge and a destination, a retreat and an act of service. It’s completely dynamic, a wholly unique space that holds infinite and heart swelling sacred memories for me. Tearing through loquats picked from the branch, sticky with spontaneity I am so glad that my life has brought me to this place. When I need to integrate, to bring myself to an intentional center of how I want to grow I return to the wind at Hazey Acres. To help yourself you have to help the others around you- a testament that’s woven into the patchwork of this home away from home. I could truly write endlessly about the magic of this space but instead I’ll just steep a little longer in my memories and allow my adoration to propel me even more beautifully into the worlds I want to be creating. UNTIL NEXT TIME. THANK YOU -Honey Pluton