Chesterwood, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announces the opening of its 55th season on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Located in Stockbridge, MA, the historic home, studio and gardens of sculptor Daniel Chester French will be open to the public every day except Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through October 21.

New educational programs this season include “Evening Explorations” which will offer deep dives into specific topics; and “Mold a Memory” a staff led art making activity on the weekends. Other family activities include the “Art Lab”; scavenger hunts, and “Drag Story Hour Berkshires.” The popular “Arts Alive!” performance series begins on June 8th with choreographer and dancer Ian Spencer Bell who will recreate Isadora Duncan’s piece, “The Many Faces of Love” in the garden with live music. (plan your visit)

“Birth of a Shadow” is this year’s site-specific contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibition, guest curated by gallerist Lauren Clark of Lauren Clark Fine Art and Childs and Clark Gallery. Clark has chosen 7 regional sculptors whose work serves as an evocative exploration of the intersection between light, space, and form – thoughtfully placed throughout Chesterwood’s woodland walks and grounds. The artists include Peter Barrett, Peter Dellert, DeWitt Godfrey, Wendy Klemperer (2022 Newmark Grant recipient), Michael Thomas, Natalie Tyler and Joe Wheaton. “Birth of a Shadow” opens with a free community reception on Saturday, June 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and remains on view with General Admission through October 21st. Check Chesterwood’s calendar for artist-led tours on Sundays at noon.