Ridgefield Press
ARTS: Weir Farm gets anniversary grant for artists' studio

May 9, 2008

Weir Farm National Historic Site has been named one of only 76 national parks and sites across the country to receive money to kick off the National Park Service’s Centennial in 2016.

The nationwide centennial is planned as an eight-year celebration of programs and projects leading up to 2016. The Weir Farm grant of $141,000 will match funds raised by the Weir Farm Art Center, the park’s private partner, to create an artist in residence studio sometime in late 2009.

Weir Farm was the country residence of American Impressionist J. Alden Weir, 1852-1919, who with many of his contemporaries, including Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent and John Twachtman, painted at the site. It is among the most important landscapes in the history of American art.

The National Park Centennial Initiative aims to reinvigorate America’s national parks and prepare them for a second century. It includes a focus on increased funding for park operations plus a President’s Challenge of up to $100 million a year in federal funds to match $100 million a year in philanthropic donations to the National Park Service.

The artist in residence studio will be located next to the Caretaker’s Cottage on Nod Hill Road. The artists will continue to live in the house, but will now be able to create their work in the studio instead of in the cottage attic. The new building will be part rehabilitation and part new construction, and is based on the barn that originally stood there.

Designed by the local firm Faesy-Smith Architects, the studio incorporates elements inspired by drawings of artist Mahonri Young who lived and worked at the farm for 30 years, as well as photographs from the 1940s. Like the Weir and Young studios on site, the new studio will draw in northern light to create an ideal and inspiring work environment. The construction is expected to cost close to $400,000.

Artists in residence are selected by professionals from the art museum and academic arenas. To date, they have awarded residencies to artists applying from throughout Europe and the U.S., India, Japan, Tunisia, Ireland, Africa, and Iceland. Weir  artists in residence have responded to the beauty of the site with work in a wide variety of media, including, painting, sculpture, lithography, fiber, collage, drawing, photography, digital video and installation art.  

 “We anticipate more expansive art that will reflect the improved resource.” said Weir Farm Art Center executive director, Daphne Deeds.

The new studio will also enhance the Art Center’s monthly Open Studio program. The larger, more discreet studio will allow for larger audiences, and give artists new opportunities to interact with Park visitors.  

For a complete list of the 2008 National Park Service Centennial Challenge projects and programs   visit nps.gov/2016.

© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers