Sessions with Chesterwood Artists-in-Residence

Free for the Public: Artist Open Studio and Discussion

Fri, June 26th, 5:30 pm
Instructor: Stephen Saxenian

Join Stephen in the Morris Center for a free disussion and review of works in process.

Short Pose Figure Sculpture (Limited Availability)

Tuesday, June 30th, 9 am-noon
Instructor: Steve Saxenian

Join us for this figure sculpting workshop using clay to create small scale figure studies, or clay sketches, based on a live model. Through demonstrations and individual guidance, instruction will focus on establishing proportions, understanding essential anatomy, and capturing gesture in a pose. Sculpting tools will be provided; if you have your own tools, please bring them. Beginners as well as experienced sculptors are welcome. We will be working in water based clay so come in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (Members: FREE, Non-members: $50).

Classes in partnership with Berkshire Art Center

Discovering the Landscape through Pastel at Chesterwood

Sunday, June 7th, 10 am-1 pm
Rain Make-Up Date: 7/14/26
Instructor: Jim Shantz

Students will explore the Chesterwood landscape and nature using the pastel medium. The classes will begin with smaller compositional studies leading to larger scale compositions.There will be discussion and demonstration of the medium and its application with depicting the light, form and atmosphere of landscape subjects in the surrounding area.

Guided Watercolor Plein Air at Chesterwood

Sunday, July 5th, 10 am-12 pm
Rain Make-Up: 7/12/26
Instructor: Jill McLean

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. 

Human/Nature: Live Figure Drawing at Chesterwood

Four Tuesdays, July 7th to 28th, 9 am-12 pm
Rain Make-Up: 8/4/26
Instructor: Natalie Tyler

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.

A Photographic Walk at Chesterwood

Sunday, August 9th, 10 am-12 pm
Rain Make-Up: 8/16/26

Walk the trails, paths, gardens, and landscapes that are the heart and soul of Daniel Chester French's Berkshire studio - Chesterwood. While on this walk you will use all your current photographic knowledge and learn some new photographic modes, techniques and tricks.

Photography at Daniel Chester French’s Studio (tickets go on sale in July)

Sunday, September 20th 10 am-12 pm
Rain Make-Up: 9/27/26

Feel the creative energy that lives within the studio used by Daniel Chester French. Convert that energy into creative, designed and fine art photographs. While in the studio, we will utilize depth for field, contrast, shadows and filters as part of our creative palette.