develop your artistic eye at Chesterwood!

Offered in partnership with the
Berkshire Art Center

Registration through BerkshireArtCenter.org

Human/Nature: Live Figure Drawing

4 Tuesdays, July 1st to 22nd  from 9:00am-12:00pm
Rain Makeup: 7/29
Instructor: Natalie Tyler
(Model Dates for Reference: 7/1 & 7/15)

Description: In this 4-week class, we will experience drawing in Daniel Chester French’s studio from a live model (on the 1st and 3rd class), drawing from nature on the grounds of Chesterwood (on the 2nd and 4th class), and explore an art history component into the life and art of Daniel Chester French's. Students will create a drawing or watercolor painting inspired by the studies and drawings within the Chesterwood environment, where human and nature come together.

PAINT OUTSIDE: GUIDED WATERCOLOR PLEIN AIR

1 Sunday, June 20th from 10:00-12:00pm
Rain Makeup: 7/27
Instructor: Jill McLean

Description: Join Berkshire Art Center at Chesterwood for a workshop focused on the mindset and methods of painting outside on location. The workshop will balance instructor demonstrations and independent student application. This is a confident-beginner to intermediate + level class. Students should already be familiar with their paints and supplies. Use the suggested materials list just to see scope of what to bring. As we will be on location, dress appropriately for the day’s conditions (sunscreen/drinking water) and maybe stash a folding stool in your car!

BOTANICAL WEAVING (MULTIGENERATIONAL WORKSHOP)

1 Saturday, July 26h
from 9:30am-12:30pm (3 hours)
Make Up Date: 8/2/25
Instructor: Robert Cohen

Description: Botanical weaving using a stick loom is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create unique, organic art pieces. The art form involves foraging for natural materials, like leaves, flowers and grasses woven into your design. This workshop will take place at Daniel Chester French's historic artist retreat, Chesterwood, featuring its memorable garden and campus with woods encompassing the grounds. People of all ages are welcome to participate and families can work together to create their weaving. (All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Appropriate for ages 5 and up)

In the Shadow of Daniel Chester French: Photographic Chesterwood

4 Tuesdays, August 5th to 26th from 10:00am-1:00pm
(Rain Makeup: 9/2/25)
Instructor: Thad Kubis

Description: Join fine art photographer Thad Kubis to observe and capture the unique beauty of Chesterwood. Each weekly session will focus on a specific area including “The Studio”, “The Residence”, “The Berkshire Landscape”, and “The Collections” to create 2 (or more) solely individual, creative photographic interpretations of each area. Each participating photographer will leave this course with multiple "portfolio" pieces and engage in a lively review session for comments and group discussion in the final meeting. Smartphone/Tablet, DSLR or Mirrorless and film systems are all welcome.

Location Overview:
"The Berkshire Landscape"
"The Sculptor’s Studio"
"The Family Residence"
"The Chesterwood Art Collection"