Chesterwood

05/31/2026

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/lincoln-memorial-undercroft-opening-2777118

The cavernous space beneath the Lincoln Memorial has been turned into a museum that explores how the monument was built.

05/28/2026

Detail images of French’s plaster model, “Disarmament”. Made 1918-19, this allegorical figure represents peace at the conclusion of WWI. French was one of several artists commissioned to sculpt figures that would be incorporated in to a larger, temporary monument centered around a large arch by design by Thomas Hastings. It was located in Madison Square Park in NYC.
View French’s full model in person in the new exhibit: Minute Man : Patriotism, Victory and Loss.

05/25/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, we are sharing a plaster working model of French’s Milton Memorial, currently on view in our Minute Man: Patriotism, Victory and Loss exhibit.
Chesterwood staff would like to give thanks to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.

05/23/2026

Gilded bronze working model of “Victory” for the First Division Memorial, President’s Park, Washington, DC, created by Daniel Chester French in 1923.

See her in person this season in the exhibit, Minute Man: Patriotism, Victory and Loss currently on view.

05/20/2026

It’s 2D Tuesday! 🖼️
Sharing works from Chesterwood’s exhibits and collection.

This week we are highlighting this contemporary painting by artist Kasha Cooper, who we were lucky to have as an Artist in Residence last season.

This painting is included in our new exhibit: The Minute Man: Patriotism, Victory, and Loss now on view in the gallery space in the historic residence.

Artist Statement:

“IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING, WHAT’LL YOU FALL FOR”...
These are the words by Alexander Hamilton written in the background of this painting. I changed the position of Lincoln’s stance to eye level to communicate better with the viewer. Both Hamilton and Lincoln were asking these questions. Do you stand complacent or do you have the conviction to take a risk with the hope for change? Lincoln may have had his flaws BUT in the end he Stood Tall.

Kasha Cooper (Jamaican-American, b. 1990)
Lincoln - Standing Tall, 2025
Oil on wood
Private Collection

05/16/2026

It’s a beautiful weekend in the Berkshires! Come explore our brand new exhibit in honor of the United States upcoming 250th anniversary: The Minute Man- Exploring Patriotism, Victory and Loss.
Then stroll our gorgeous grounds and gardens! 🪴 ⛲️

05/13/2026

It’s 2D Tuesday! 🖼️
Sharing works from the Chesterwood Collection of paintings & drawings!

This week we are highlighting a portrait of John Campion by Daniel Chester French. John was young man who lived down the road here in Stockbridge. He posed for French for his George Washington equestrian monument—the first project French completed in his beloved Chesterwood Studio.

Learn more about that sculpture and see this painting in-person in our brand new exhibition: The Minute Man – Examining Patriotism, Victory and Loss, when we re-open for the season, this Friday, May 15th!

05/11/2026

Opening this Friday: A New Season Begins at Chesterwood
New Exhibitions and Special Events you don't want to miss! - https://mailchi.mp/savingplaces.org/season2026
https://mailchi.mp/savingplaces.org/season2026

05/10/2026

Daniel Chester French called this the best “dry view” he had ever seen when he purchased an old farm in 1896 which he later named Chesterwood. The perfect view of Monument Mountain from his studio provided endless inspiration for his work over the next 35 years. There is an easement on this land so this view will never change 💚

05/05/2026

Daniel Chester French’s “Spirit of the Waters” in the Chesterwood Studio Reception Room. ⁠See in person soon when we reopen May 15th!