New: Kids Summer Sculpture Studio
A 5-day studio: August 17 -21, 2026
Morning (9 am - noon) and afternoon (1 pm - 4pm) sessions
Join Chesterwood for a one-of-a-kind Summer Sculpture Studio for kids ages 8-14, designed specifically by artist Jody King Camarra for Chesterwood. ($175/cohort, full scholarships are available; please email chesterwood@savingplaces.org).
Students will discover how sculptors transform ideas into three-dimensional works of art by observing nature, experimenting with materials, and creating sculptures inspired by the historic Chesterwood campus and the creative process of Daniel Chester French. There will be flexibility to follow the interests of the students and take advantage of the unique setting at Chesterwood.
Day 1 – Seeing Like a Sculptor
We'll begin with a guided walk around the Chesterwood grounds with biologist Laura Rogers-Castro to gather ideas and record observations. Depending on time, we may begin creating small sculptural studies in clay or other materials.
Day 2 – Building Form
Students will explore structure, balance, and scale while experimenting with cardboard, wire, natural materials, and recycled objects. Projects may be individual or collaborative and will encourage imagination as much as technical skill.
Day 3 – Nature as Art
Students will use the landscape as both inspiration and material. We'll create temporary environmental sculptures, explore texture through casting or impression-making, and work together on collaborative pieces using natural and found materials.
Day 4 – From Model to Monument
Students will build on ideas developed earlier in the week to create a more ambitious mixed-media sculpture using a variety of materials, including clay, wire, cardboard, natural objects, and other sculptural media.
Day 5 – Curating Our Sculpture Garden
Our final day will focus on completing artwork, installing sculptures, and celebrating the creative process.
Throughout the week, students will also contribute to one or more collaborative sculptures that reflect the spirit of Chesterwood. These may take the form of a community sculpture assembled from individual pieces, a nature-based installation, or another collaborative artwork inspired by the site.
Ice Cream Socials for Children
June 28, July 12 and August 9
3-4pm
Mary and Daniel Chester French were known to host ice cream socials at Chesterwood. In partnership with High Lawn Farm, this popular tradition, reintroduced last summer, features story time with children’s book authors and lawn games. Free ice cream for all attendees and free Chesterwood Minute Man tricron hats for the kids!
Family Botanical Weaving at Chesterwood (Multigenerational Workshop)
Sunday, August 23rd from 9:30 am-12:30 pm
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). Tickets at berkshireartcenter.org