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CHESTERWOOD

Dear Friends,

Do you recall your first encounter with Chesterwood and what inspired or impressed you about it? Do you wonder what we can still learn here as we move Chesterwood into its 126th year as a site of creativity? I am excited to share some of what you will see when you visit in 2024.

First and foremost, the house has reopened for tours after a four-year hiatus during construction. I encourage you to return to see the four first-floor museum rooms. Not only will you see them reinstalled, but you will get a rare behind-the-scenes look at how we are documenting period wallpaper to complete our restoration of these public spaces, for which we are still seeking funds.

Margaret French Cresson originally envisioned Chesterwood as an artist’s colony along the line of the American Academy in Rome as a way to continue and promote the family legacy. When that didn’t materialize, she settled on the well-established model of a historic house museum. In 2024 we have brought to fruition Margaret’s long-held dream. The second floor has been transformed into three artists’ studios for the first participants in the Daniel Chester French Artist Residency program.

At a time when society is questioning the appropriateness of certain public statues and works of art, Chesterwood will engage in a conversation about several of French’s works that at the time represented acceptable stereotypes, but even then raised concerns from the racial and ethnic groups portrayed. It turns out that what we think of as a 21st-century sensitivity actually has its roots in the early 20th century, and Chesterwood will boldly bring to the fore a discussion long obscured by the predominant cultural elite.

While that is what’s new, we are not abandoning those things you already love about Chesterwood. 

·       Guided and self-guided tours of the property will continue

·       Contemporary Sculpture at Chesterwood is in its 46th season

·       A dozen Arts Alive! programs representing poetry, dance, music, and spoken word

·       Wine tastings, weddings, seasonal gardens, and more.

Surely there is something among this cornucopia of offerings that you want to support. We welcome your gift that is 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. And for those who qualify, remember that a required minimum distribution to Chesterwood even reduces your tax liability.  If you are interested in a naming opportunity for one of the new studios, please contact me directly.

When you send your check, please include a note or send me an email about what at Chesterwood inspires you. I love to hear how this place touches people in so many different ways. I know why I love Chesterwood and have been returning ever since I came to my first antique car show here in the late 1970s. What’s your story?
Looking forward to our future together,                                                    

Michael F. Lynch                             
Interim Director
mlynch@savingplaces.org
413-298-2029