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{{short description|Artists' colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire, United States}}
{{Short description|Artists' residency program and campus in Peterborough, New Hampshire, United States}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox NRHP
{{Infobox NRHP
| name =MacDowell Colony
| name = MacDowell Colony
| nrhp_type = nhld | nocat = yes
| nrhp_type = nhld
| nocat = yes
| image = MacDowell Colony.jpg
| image = MacDowell Colony.jpg
| caption = Colony Hall and Sigma Alpha Iota Cottage
| caption = Colony Hall and Sigma Alpha Iota Cottage
| location= 100 High Street, [[Peterborough, New Hampshire]]
| locmapin = New Hampshire#USA
| location = 100 High Street, [[Peterborough, New Hampshire]], U.S.
| locmapin = New Hampshire#USA
| area =
| area =
| built =1907
| built = 1907
| designated_nrhp_type= December 29, 1962<ref name="nhlsum">{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=28&ResourceType=District|title=MacDowell Colony|accessdate=2007-10-22|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606064136/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=28&ResourceType=District|archivedate=2011-06-06}}</ref>
| designated_nrhp_type = December 29, 1962<ref name="nhlsum">{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=28&ResourceType=District|title=MacDowell Colony|access-date=October 22, 2007|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606064136/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=28&ResourceType=District|archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref>
| added = October 15, 1966<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2007a}}</ref>
| added = October 15, 1966<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2007a}}</ref>
| governing_body = Private
| refnum=66000026
| refnum = 66000026
}}
}}
{{coord|42|53|24|N|71|57|18|W|type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Coord|42|53|24|N|71|57|18|W|type:landmark|display=title}}
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'''MacDowell''' is an artist's residency program in [[Peterborough, New Hampshire]]. The program was founded in 1907 by composer [[Edward MacDowell]] and his wife, pianist and philanthropist [[Marian MacDowell]]. Prior to July 2020, it was known as the '''MacDowell Colony''' or "The Colony", but its board of directors shortened the name to remove "terminology with oppressive overtones".<ref>[https://www.nhpr.org/post/calling-it-natural-evolution-macdowell-colony-drops-colony-its-name NHPR: "MacDowell Colony drops colony from tis name 7 July 2020]</ref><ref>[https://www.macdowell.org/news/macdowell-removes-colony-from-name MacDowell.org: "MacDowell Removes 'Colony' from Name" 7 July 2020]</ref>


⚫
After Edward MacDowell died in 1908, Marian MacDowell established the artists' residency program through a nonprofit association in honor of her husband, raising funds to transform her farm into a quiet retreat for creative artists to work. She led the organization for almost 25 years.
⚫
The '''MacDowell Colony''' is an [[artists' colony]] in [[Peterborough, New Hampshire]], United States, founded in 1907 by composer [[Edward MacDowell]] and his wife, pianist and philanthropist [[Marian MacDowell]]. In July 2020 the board of directors voted to remove "colony" from the name because it wanted to remove "terminology with oppressive overtones."<ref>[https://www.nhpr.org/post/calling-it-natural-evolution-macdowell-colony-drops-colony-its-name NHPR: "MacDowell Colony drops colony from tis name 7 July 2020]</ref>


⚫
Over the years, an estimated 9,000 artists have been supported in residence with nearly 16,000 fellowships, including the winners of at least 102 [[Pulitzer Prize]]s, 33 [[National Book Award]]s, 31 [[Tony Award]]s, 34 [[MacArthur Fellowship]]s, 18 [[Grammys]], 9 [[Oscars]], 969 [[Guggenheim Fellowship]]s, and 122 [[Rome Prize]]s.<ref>[http://www.macdowellcolony.org/about/faqs MacDowell Colony FAQ]</ref> The artists' residency program has accepted visual and interdisciplinary artists, architects, filmmakers, composers, playwrights, poets, and writers, both well-known and unknown.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7686354|title= Artists Retreat into Solitude at MacDowell Colony|author=Silverman, Art |work=All Things Considered|date= March 6, 2007}}</ref> Since January 2020, [[Nell Irvin Painter|Nell Painter]] has served as chair of MacDowell, the first woman to hold the position.<ref name="Painter">{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Best-selling Author and Visual Artist Nell Painter Appointed Chair of MacDowell Colony Board of Directors |url=https://www.macdowell.org/news/best-selling-author-and-visual-artist-nell-painter-appointed-chair-of-macdowell-colony-board-of-directors |website=MacDowell |date=January 22, 2020 |access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
⚫
After Edward MacDowell died in 1908, Marian MacDowell established the Colony through a nonprofit association in honor of her husband, raising funds to transform her farm into a quiet retreat for creative artists to work. She led the colony for almost 25 years.

⚫
Over the years, an estimated 8,300 artists have been supported in residence with nearly 15,000 fellowships, including the winners of at least 86 [[Pulitzer Prize]]s, 31 [[National Book Award]]s, 30 [[Tony Award]]s, 32 [[MacArthur Fellowship]]s, 15 [[Grammys]], 8 [[Oscars]], 828 [[Guggenheim Fellowship]]s, and 107 [[Rome Prize]]s.<ref>[http://www.macdowellcolony.org/about/faqs MacDowell Colony FAQ]</ref> The colony has accepted visual and interdisciplinary artists, architects, filmmakers, composers, playwrights, poets, and writers, both well-known and unknown.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7686354|title= Artists Retreat into Solitude at MacDowell Colony|author=Silverman, Art |work=All Things Considered|date= March 6, 2007}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Star_Studio.jpg|alt=Star Studio in the woods, showing the side with the chimney and the side with a window with curtains|left|thumb|Star Studio at MacDowell, donated by Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity<ref>{{Cite book |last=Siller |first=Mabel Harriet |title=The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity (1885-1916) |last2=Armstrong |first2=Florence A |publisher=George Banta Printing Co |year=1917 |location=Menasha, WI |pages=270-275 |chapter=XXII The MacDowell Colony Studio}}</ref>]]
In 1896, pianist Marian MacDowell bought Hillcrest Farm in Peterborough, New Hampshire, as a summer residence for herself and her husband, composer [[Edward MacDowell]]. She had always been careful to give him a quiet room for his work. They found that the New Hampshire landscape enhanced his work of composing music.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |last1=Rausch |first1=Robin |title=The House That Marian Built: The MacDowell Colony of Peterborough, New Hampshire |url=https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/awhhtml/aw08e/aw08e.html}}</ref>
In 1896, pianist Marian MacDowell bought Hillcrest Farm in Peterborough, New Hampshire, as a summer residence for herself and her husband, composer [[Edward MacDowell]]. She had always been careful to give him a quiet room for his work. They found that the New Hampshire landscape enhanced his work of composing music.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |last1=Rausch |first1=Robin |title=The House That Marian Built: The MacDowell Colony of Peterborough, New Hampshire |url=https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/awhhtml/aw08e/aw08e.html}}</ref>


The couple formulated a plan to provide an interdisciplinary experience in a nurturing landscape, by creating an institutionalized residential [[art colony]] in the area. In 1904, Edward MacDowell began to show signs of an illness that ended his composing and teaching career. He died in 1908.<ref>{{cite web|title=Library Of Congress|url=http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/loc.natlib.ihas.200035715/default.html|website=Library Of Congress}}</ref>
The couple formulated a plan to provide an interdisciplinary experience in a nurturing landscape, by creating an institutionalized residential [[art colony]] in the area. In 1904, Edward MacDowell began to show signs of an illness that ended his composing and teaching career. He died in 1908.<ref>{{cite web|title=Library Of Congress|url=http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/loc.natlib.ihas.200035715/default.html|website=Library Of Congress}}</ref>


In 1907, Marian MacDowell deeded their farm to the Edward MacDowell Association and founded the MacDowell Colony. The first guests arrived that year: sisters [[Helen Farnsworth Mears]], a sculptor, and [[Mary Mears]], a writer. Mears wrote about the colony for [[The Craftsman (magazine)|The Craftsman]] in July 1909.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> MacDowell began by inviting applicants personally, but by the 1920s had consigned the admission process to a committee.
In 1907, Marian MacDowell deeded their farm to the Edward MacDowell Association and founded the MacDowell Colony. The first guests arrived that year: sisters [[Helen Farnsworth Mears]], a sculptor, and [[Mary Mears]], a writer. Mears wrote about her time on site for ''[[The Craftsman (magazine)|The Craftsman]]'' in July 1909.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> MacDowell began by inviting applicants personally, but by the 1920s had consigned the admission process to a committee.


Marian and friends raised funds among a wide variety of people for the colony, which was supported by industrialist and philanthropist [[Andrew Carnegie]], former [[U.S. President]] [[Grover Cleveland]], financier [[J. P. Morgan]], other prominent people, as well as many others across the country. MacDowell said the most consistent support came from women's clubs and professional music sororities (see, for example, the [[MacDowell Club]] of New York). At the age of 50, MacDowell began lecturing to women's groups to raise funds, resumed her performing career, and became a noted interpreter of her husband's work.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Parker |first1=Gail Underwood |title=More than Petticoats: Remarkable New Hampshire Women |date=2009 |publisher=Morris Book Publishing}}</ref>
Marian and friends raised funds and found support from industrialist and philanthropist [[Andrew Carnegie]], former [[U.S. President]] [[Grover Cleveland]], financier [[J. P. Morgan]], other prominent people, as well as many others across the country. MacDowell said the most consistent support came from women's clubs and professional music sororities (see, for example, the [[MacDowell Club]] of New York). At the age of 50, MacDowell began lecturing to women's groups to raise funds, resumed her performing career, and became a noted interpreter of her husband's work.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Parker |first1=Gail Underwood |title=More than Petticoats: Remarkable New Hampshire Women |date=2009 |publisher=Morris Book Publishing}}</ref>

[[Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge]] organized an effort in 1916 to build and name a studio at MacDowell in memory of her teacher [[Regina Watson]]. It was renovated in 1993 and became McDowell's first barrier-free studio that was accessible to everyone.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Watson - Studios|url=https://www.macdowell.org/studios/watson|access-date=October 31, 2020|website=MacDowell|language=en}}</ref>


By 1918, 31 of [[Isabelle Sprague Smith]]'s students funded the creation of the Isabelle D. Sprague Smith studio.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Musical Monitor|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DnpFAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA357|year=1918|publisher=Mrs. David Allen Campbell, Publisher|page=357|chapter=Studios}}</ref> Through the years more separate studios were built. The program continues in 32 studios scattered over {{convert|450|acre|sqkm}} of land.<ref>[https://www.macdowellcolony.org/studios MacDowell Colony: Explore our studios]</ref>
By 1918, 31 of [[Isabelle Sprague Smith]]'s students funded the creation of the Isabelle D. Sprague Smith studio.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Musical Monitor|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DnpFAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA357|year=1918|publisher=Mrs. David Allen Campbell, Publisher|page=357|chapter=Studios}}</ref> Through the years more separate studios were built. The program continues in 32 studios scattered over {{convert|450|acre|sqkm}} of land.<ref>[https://www.macdowellcolony.org/studios MacDowell Colony: Explore our studios]</ref>


On March 13,2020, the colony shut in the face of the [[COVID-19]] outbreak and sent artists and fellows home. It was the first time the colony shut since the [[1938 New England hurricane]].<ref>[https://www.ledgertranscript.com/Covid-19-33313166 Monadnock Ledger: "Colony announces temporary COVID-19 closure" 13 March, 2020]</ref>
On March 13, 2020, MacDowell shut in the face of the [[COVID-19]] outbreak and sent artists and fellows home. It was the first time the site had shut since the [[1938 New England hurricane]].<ref>[https://www.macdowell.org/news/macdowell-announces-temporary-covid-19-closure "MacDowell Announces Temporary COVID-19 Closure" 13 March, 2020]</ref> MacDowell reopened its doors in October of 2020.


== Medal Day ==
== Medal Day ==
Every year, the colony presents the [[Edward MacDowell Medal]] to an artist who has made a significant cultural contribution. Residency at the colony is not a requirement. In 2019, the 60th Medal will be awarded to a visual artist. Medal Day is one of the rare occasions when the colony is open to the public. The ceremony includes a keynote speech, after which the artists open their studios to visitors.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.macdowellcolony.org/md.html| title=Medal Day| publisher=The MacDowell Colony| accessdate=2008-03-17| url-status=dead| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407060154/http://www.macdowellcolony.org/md.html| archivedate=2008-04-07}}</ref>
Every year, MacDowell presents the [[Edward MacDowell Medal]] to an artist who has made a significant cultural contribution. Residency at MacDowell is not a requirement. Medal Day is one of the rare occasions when the site is open to the public.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/18/metro/macdowell-private-artist-retreat-to-open-public/ |title=This secluded property in rural N.H. has hosted some of the world’s greatest artists |first=Amanda |last=Gokee |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |url-access=limited |date=July 18, 2024 |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref> The ceremony includes a keynote speech, after which the artists open their studios to visitors.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.macdowellcolony.org/md.html| title=Medal Day| publisher=The MacDowell Colony| access-date=March 17, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407060154/http://www.macdowellcolony.org/md.html| archive-date=April 7, 2008}}</ref>


==Property-tax dispute==
==Property tax dispute==
The colony, a [[non-profit organization]], enjoys the status of a [[charitable organization|charity]], entitling it to exemption from local [[property tax]]es, among other things. However, in 2005, the town of Peterborough's [[board of selectmen|selectmen]] (local-government executives) decided to challenge MacDowell's charitable status and billed the colony for a "payment in lieu of taxes". A lawyer for the town argued that "the colony certainly benefits its artists-in-residence, but that doesn't strike us as being the general public."<ref>{{cite web| author=Winkleman, E. |date=November 1, 2005|url=http://www.edwardwinkleman.com/2005_11_01_archive.html| title= Local Government: McDowell Not Advancing Spiritual or Intellectual Well-Being of General Public| website=EdwardWinkleman.com}}</ref>
MacDowell, a [[non-profit organization]], enjoys the status of a [[charitable organization|charity]], entitling it to exemption from local [[property tax]]es, among other things. However, in 2005, the town of Peterborough's [[board of selectmen|selectmen]] (local-government executives) decided to challenge MacDowell's charitable status and billed the organization for a "payment in lieu of taxes". A lawyer for the town argued that "the Colony certainly benefits its artists-in-residence, but that doesn't strike us as being the general public."<ref>{{cite web| author=Winkleman, E. |date=November 1, 2005|url=http://www.edwardwinkleman.com/2005_11_01_archive.html| title= Local Government: McDowell Not Advancing Spiritual or Intellectual Well-Being of General Public| website=EdwardWinkleman.com}}</ref>


The colony's board of directors paid the bill, then successfully challenged the charge.<ref>{{cite news|author=Brooks, Anthony (Author)|first=|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4956854|title=Town Demands Taxes from Long-Exempt Artists' Colony|date=October 13, 2005|work=All Things Considered|access-date=|url-status=live|publisher=NPR|last2=Inskeep, Steve (Host)}}</ref> A 2007 [[New Hampshire Superior Court|Superior Court]] opinion found that the MacDowell Colony, by promoting the arts, was a charitable institution, a ruling that was upheld by the [[New Hampshire Supreme Court]] in a subsequent appeal.<ref name=supcourt>{{cite web| url=http://www.courts.state.nh.us/supreme/opinions/2008/macdo024.pdf| title=Town of Peterborough v. The MacDowell Colony, Inc.| date=2008-03-14| publisher=The Supreme Court of New Hampshire| accessdate=2008-03-17}}</ref>{{rp|p13}} The appeal court found that "Contrary to the Town's assertions, MacDowell's articles of incorporation oblige it to use its property for its stated charitable purpose."<ref name=supcourt/>{{rp|p11}}
The then-Board of Directors paid the bill, then successfully challenged the charge.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Anthony |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4956854|title=Town Demands Taxes from Long-Exempt Artists' Colony|date=October 13, 2005|work=All Things Considered|publisher=NPR|last2=Inskeep, Steve (Host)}}</ref> A 2007 [[New Hampshire Superior Court|Superior Court]] opinion found that the MacDowell Colony, by promoting the arts, was a charitable institution, a ruling that was upheld by the [[New Hampshire Supreme Court]] in a subsequent appeal.<ref name=supcourt>{{cite web| url=http://www.courts.state.nh.us/supreme/opinions/2008/macdo024.pdf| title=Town of Peterborough v. The MacDowell Colony, Inc.| date=March 14, 2008| publisher=The Supreme Court of New Hampshire| access-date=March 17, 2008}}</ref>{{rp|p13}} The appeal court found that "Contrary to the Town's assertions, MacDowell's articles of incorporation oblige it to use its property for its stated charitable purpose."<ref name=supcourt/>{{rp|p11}}


==Awards==
==Awards==
In 1962, the colony was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref name="nhlsum"/><ref name="nrhpinv2">{{cite book|last=Bradford, S. Sydney|url={{NHLS url|id=66000026}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: MacDowell Colony|last2=Rettig, Polly M.|date=January 6, 1976|publisher=National Park Service|isbn=|location=|pages=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bradford, S. Sydney|first=|url={{NHLS url|id=66000026|photos=y}}|title=Accompanying 5 photos, from 1907 and 1975|date=January 6, 1976|work=National Register of Historical Places Inventory-Nomination: MacDowell Colony|access-date=|url-status=live|publisher=National Park Service|last2=Rettig, Polly}}</ref>
In 1962, the site and buildings were designated a [[National Historic Landmark]] District.<ref name="nhlsum"/><ref name="nrhpinv2">{{cite book|last1=Bradford, S. Sydney|url={{NHLS url|id=66000026}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: MacDowell Colony|last2=Rettig, Polly M.|date=January 6, 1976|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bradford, S. Sydney|url={{NHLS url|id=66000026|photos=y}}|title=Accompanying 5 photos, from 1907 and 1975|date=January 6, 1976|work=National Register of Historical Places Inventory-Nomination: MacDowell Colony|publisher=National Park Service|last2=Rettig, Polly}}</ref>


In 1997, the colony was awarded the [[National Medal of Arts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nea.gov/honors/medals/medalists_year.html#97 |website=NEA.gov |title=Lifetime Honors |author=National Medal of Arts |date=1997 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826194408/http://www.nea.gov/honors/medals/medalists_year.html |archivedate=2013-08-26 }}</ref>
In 1997, MacDowell Colony was awarded the [[National Medal of Arts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nea.gov/honors/medals/medalists_year.html#97 |website=NEA.gov |title=Lifetime Honors |author=National Medal of Arts |date=1997 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826194408/http://www.nea.gov/honors/medals/medalists_year.html |archive-date=August 26, 2013 }}</ref>


== Notable works ==
== Notable works ==
[[Image:PeterboroughNH MacdowellColony MainHouse.jpg|thumb|right|Bond Hall in 2012]]
[[Image:PeterboroughNH MacdowellColony MainHouse.jpg|thumb|right|Bond Hall in 2012]]
Notable works written, in whole or in part, by their authors at MacDowell include:

* [[Leonard Bernstein]] completed his ''[[Mass (Bernstein)|Mass]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/leonard-bernstein |title=Leonard Bernstein |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
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* [[Aaron Copland]] worked there on composing the orchestral suite ''[[Appalachian Spring]]'' (1944), a 1945 [[1945 Pulitzer Prize|Pulitzer]] winner.<ref>http://www.pulitzer.org/bycat/Music</ref>
* [[James Baldwin]] worked on ''[[Giovanni's Room]]'' and ''[[Another Country (novel)|Another Country]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/james-baldwin |title=James Baldwin |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
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* [[Spalding Gray]] worked on his novel ''The Impossible Vacation'' and later chronicled his experiences at MacDowell Colony in his extended monologue ''[[Monster in a Box]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.macdowellcolony.org/about-ArtistsWorks.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815093709/http://www.macdowellcolony.org/about-ArtistsWorks.html |archive-date=2015-08-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Willa Cather]] wrote parts of ''[[Death Comes for the Archbishop]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/willa-cather |title=Willa Cather |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Leonard Bernstein]] completed his ''[[Mass (Bernstein)|Mass]]''.
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* [[Michael Chabon]] wrote ''[[The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay]]'', a 2001 Pulitzer winner. Chabon served as chairman of the board from 2010 to 2020.<ref>Carolyn Kellog (December 7, 2010), "[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2010/12/michael-chabon-is-the-new-chair-of-the-macdowell-colony-board.html Michael Chabon named chairman of MacDowell Colony board]", ''Los Angeles Times''.</ref><ref name="Painter"/>
* [[Thornton Wilder]] wrote ''[[Our Town]]'' and ''[[The Bridge of San Luis Rey]]''.
⚫
* [[Aaron Copland]] worked there on composing the orchestral suite ''[[Appalachian Spring]]'' (1944), a 1945 [[1945 Pulitzer Prize|Pulitzer]] winner.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.pulitzer.org/bycat/Music| title = The Pulitzer Prizes}}</ref>
* [[James Baldwin]] wrote ''[[Giovanni's Room]]''.
* [[Jonathan Franzen]] completed ''[[The Corrections]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/jonathan-franzen |title=Jonathan Franzen |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Willa Cather]] wrote ''[[Death Comes for the Archbishop]]''.
⚫
* [[Spalding Gray]] worked on his novel ''The Impossible Vacation'', and later chronicled his experiences in his extended monolog ''[[Monster in a Box]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/spalding-gray |title=Spalding Gray |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
* [[DuBose Heyward|DuBose]] and [[Dorothy Heyward]] wrote ''[[Porgy and Bess]]''.
* [[DuBose Heyward]] and [[Dorothy Heyward]] wrote ''[[Porgy and Bess]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/du-bose-heyward |title=DuBose Heyward |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/dorothy-heyward |title=Dorothy Heyward |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Virgil Thomson]] worked on ''Mother of Us All''
* [[Alice Sebold]] wrote ''[[The Lovely Bones]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/alice-sebold |title=Alice Sebold |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>{{better citation needed |date=July 2024 |reason=work not stated as being written at MacDowell in source}}
* [[Alice Walker]] worked on her first novel and ''[[Meridian (novel)|Meridian]]''.
* [[Virgil Thomson]] worked on ''[[The Mother of Us All]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/virgil-thomson |title=Virgil Thomson |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
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* [[Michael Chabon]] wrote ''[[The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay]]'', a 2001 Pulitzer winner. Chabon became chairman of the Colony in 2010.<ref>Carolyn Kellog (December 7, 2010), "[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2010/12/michael-chabon-is-the-new-chair-of-the-macdowell-colony-board.html Michael Chabon named chairman of MacDowell Colony board]", ''Los Angeles Times''.</ref>
* [[Alice Walker]] worked on her first novel and ''[[Meridian (novel)|Meridian]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/alice-walker |title=Alice Walker |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>{{better citation needed |date=July 2024 |reason=work not stated as being written at MacDowell in source}}
* [[Alice Sebold]] wrote ''[[The Lovely Bones]]''.
* [[Thornton Wilder]] wrote ''[[Our Town]]'' and ''[[The Bridge of San Luis Rey]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macdowell.org/artists/thornton-wilder-1960-edward-macdowell-medalist |title=Thornton Wilder |website=macdowell.org |accessdate=July 18, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Jonathan Franzen]] completed ''[[The Corrections]]''.


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal|New Hampshire}}
*[[List of National Historic Landmarks in New Hampshire]]
*[[List of National Historic Landmarks in New Hampshire]]
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire]]
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire]]
Line 70: Line 75:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*{{cite web |author=Siegel J. |url=http://www.charitygovernance.com/charity_governance/2008/03/a-victory-for-c.html |title=The blood sucking vampires are circling: a victory for charity that should make all charities nervous |website=Charity Governance Consulting LLC |date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912054657/http://www.charitygovernance.com/charity_governance/2008/03/a-victory-for-c.html |archivedate=September 12, 2011 }}
*{{cite web |author=Siegel J. |url=http://www.charitygovernance.com/charity_governance/2008/03/a-victory-for-c.html |title=The blood sucking vampires are circling: a victory for charity that should make all charities nervous |website=Charity Governance Consulting LLC |date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912054657/http://www.charitygovernance.com/charity_governance/2008/03/a-victory-for-c.html |archive-date=September 12, 2011 }}
* [http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/marian-macdowell-founds-the-macdowell-colony/ New England Historical Society, "Marian MacDowell Founds the MacDowell Colony"]
* [http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/marian-macdowell-founds-the-macdowell-colony/ New England Historical Society, "Marian MacDowell Founds the MacDowell Colony"]


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|MacDowell Colony}}
{{Commons category|MacDowell Colony}}
*[http://www.macdowellcolony.org The MacDowell Colony]
*[http://www.macdowell.org MacDowell]
*[http://memory.loc.gov/service/mss/eadxmlmss/eadpdfmss/uploaded_pdf/ead_pdf_batch_27_July_2005/1996/ms996002.pdf Records of the MacDowell Colony, Library of Congress]
*[http://memory.loc.gov/service/mss/eadxmlmss/eadpdfmss/uploaded_pdf/ead_pdf_batch_27_July_2005/1996/ms996002.pdf Records of the MacDowell Colony, Library of Congress]
*{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/macdowell/ |title=Exhibits: The MacDowell Colony 1907–2007|website= [[Library of Congress]] |date=2007}}
*{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/macdowell/ |title=Exhibits: The MacDowell Colony 1907–2007|website= [[Library of Congress]] |date=2007}}
*{{cite journal |last=Hagedorn |first=Hermann |authorlink= |date=December 28, 1921 |title=The Peterborough Colony: "A Workshop, With A Wonderland Thrown In," For Creative Workers In The Seven Arts |journal=[[The Outlook (New York)|The Outlook]] |volume=129 |issue= |pages=686–688 |id= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sVroBrOJL64C&pg=PA686 |accessdate=2009-07-30 |quote= |publisher=Outlook Publishing Company, Inc. }}
*{{cite journal |last=Hagedorn |first=Hermann |date=December 28, 1921 |title=The Peterborough Colony: "A Workshop, With A Wonderland Thrown In," For Creative Workers In The Seven Arts |journal=[[The Outlook (New York)|The Outlook]] |volume=129 |pages=686–688 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sVroBrOJL64C&pg=PA686 |access-date=July 30, 2009 |publisher=Outlook Publishing Company, Inc. }}
*Robin Rausch, [https://guides.loc.gov/american-women-essays/macdowell-colony "The House That Marian Built: The MacDowell Colony of Peterborough, New Hampshire,"] ''American Women: A Library of Congress Guide for the Study of Women's History and Culture in the United States.'' December 2001. Last updated May 29, 2019.


{{Laurel Leaf Award}}
{{Laurel Leaf Award}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in New Hampshire}}
{{NRHP in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire}}
{{National Medal of Arts recipients 1990s}}
{{National Medal of Arts recipients 1990s}}
{{Edward MacDowell}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Macdowell Colony}}
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Latest revision as of 21:20, 18 July 2024

MacDowell Colony
Colony Hall and Sigma Alpha Iota Cottage
MacDowell (artists' residency and workshop) is located in New Hampshire
MacDowell (artists' residency and workshop)
MacDowell (artists' residency and workshop) is located in the United States
MacDowell (artists' residency and workshop)
Location100 High Street, Peterborough, New Hampshire, U.S.
Built1907
NRHP reference No.66000026
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966[1]
Designated NHLDDecember 29, 1962[2]

42°53′24″N 71°57′18″W / 42.89000°N 71.95500°W / 42.89000; -71.95500 MacDowell is an artist's residency program in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The program was founded in 1907 by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, pianist and philanthropist Marian MacDowell. Prior to July 2020, it was known as the MacDowell Colony or "The Colony", but its board of directors shortened the name to remove "terminology with oppressive overtones".[3][4]

After Edward MacDowell died in 1908, Marian MacDowell established the artists' residency program through a nonprofit association in honor of her husband, raising funds to transform her farm into a quiet retreat for creative artists to work. She led the organization for almost 25 years.

Over the years, an estimated 9,000 artists have been supported in residence with nearly 16,000 fellowships, including the winners of at least 102 Pulitzer Prizes, 33 National Book Awards, 31 Tony Awards, 34 MacArthur Fellowships, 18 Grammys, 9 Oscars, 969 Guggenheim Fellowships, and 122 Rome Prizes.[5] The artists' residency program has accepted visual and interdisciplinary artists, architects, filmmakers, composers, playwrights, poets, and writers, both well-known and unknown.[6] Since January 2020, Nell Painter has served as chair of MacDowell, the first woman to hold the position.[7]

History

[edit]
Star Studio in the woods, showing the side with the chimney and the side with a window with curtains
Star Studio at MacDowell, donated by Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity[8]

In 1896, pianist Marian MacDowell bought Hillcrest Farm in Peterborough, New Hampshire, as a summer residence for herself and her husband, composer Edward MacDowell. She had always been careful to give him a quiet room for his work. They found that the New Hampshire landscape enhanced his work of composing music.[9]

The couple formulated a plan to provide an interdisciplinary experience in a nurturing landscape, by creating an institutionalized residential art colony in the area. In 1904, Edward MacDowell began to show signs of an illness that ended his composing and teaching career. He died in 1908.[10]

In 1907, Marian MacDowell deeded their farm to the Edward MacDowell Association and founded the MacDowell Colony. The first guests arrived that year: sisters Helen Farnsworth Mears, a sculptor, and Mary Mears, a writer. Mears wrote about her time on site for The Craftsman in July 1909.[9] MacDowell began by inviting applicants personally, but by the 1920s had consigned the admission process to a committee.

Marian and friends raised funds and found support from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, former U.S. President Grover Cleveland, financier J. P. Morgan, other prominent people, as well as many others across the country. MacDowell said the most consistent support came from women's clubs and professional music sororities (see, for example, the MacDowell Club of New York). At the age of 50, MacDowell began lecturing to women's groups to raise funds, resumed her performing career, and became a noted interpreter of her husband's work.[11]

Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge organized an effort in 1916 to build and name a studio at MacDowell in memory of her teacher Regina Watson. It was renovated in 1993 and became McDowell's first barrier-free studio that was accessible to everyone.[12]

By 1918, 31 of Isabelle Sprague Smith's students funded the creation of the Isabelle D. Sprague Smith studio.[13] Through the years more separate studios were built. The program continues in 32 studios scattered over 450 acres (1.8 km2) of land.[14]

On March 13, 2020, MacDowell shut in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak and sent artists and fellows home. It was the first time the site had shut since the 1938 New England hurricane.[15] MacDowell reopened its doors in October of 2020.

Medal Day

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Every year, MacDowell presents the Edward MacDowell Medal to an artist who has made a significant cultural contribution. Residency at MacDowell is not a requirement. Medal Day is one of the rare occasions when the site is open to the public.[16] The ceremony includes a keynote speech, after which the artists open their studios to visitors.[17]

Property tax dispute

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MacDowell, a non-profit organization, enjoys the status of a charity, entitling it to exemption from local property taxes, among other things. However, in 2005, the town of Peterborough's selectmen (local-government executives) decided to challenge MacDowell's charitable status and billed the organization for a "payment in lieu of taxes". A lawyer for the town argued that "the Colony certainly benefits its artists-in-residence, but that doesn't strike us as being the general public."[18]

The then-Board of Directors paid the bill, then successfully challenged the charge.[19] A 2007 Superior Court opinion found that the MacDowell Colony, by promoting the arts, was a charitable institution, a ruling that was upheld by the New Hampshire Supreme Court in a subsequent appeal.[20]: p13  The appeal court found that "Contrary to the Town's assertions, MacDowell's articles of incorporation oblige it to use its property for its stated charitable purpose."[20]: p11 

Awards

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In 1962, the site and buildings were designated a National Historic Landmark District.[2][21][22]

In 1997, MacDowell Colony was awarded the National Medal of Arts.[23]

Notable works

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Bond Hall in 2012

Notable works written, in whole or in part, by their authors at MacDowell include:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. ^ a b "MacDowell Colony". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
  3. ^ NHPR: "MacDowell Colony drops colony from tis name 7 July 2020
  4. ^ MacDowell.org: "MacDowell Removes 'Colony' from Name" 7 July 2020
  5. ^ MacDowell Colony FAQ
  6. ^ Silverman, Art (March 6, 2007). "Artists Retreat into Solitude at MacDowell Colony". All Things Considered.
  7. ^ a b "Best-selling Author and Visual Artist Nell Painter Appointed Chair of MacDowell Colony Board of Directors". MacDowell (Press release). January 22, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  8. ^ Siller, Mabel Harriet; Armstrong, Florence A (1917). "XXII The MacDowell Colony Studio". The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity (1885-1916). Menasha, WI: George Banta Printing Co. pp. 270–275.
  9. ^ a b Rausch, Robin. "The House That Marian Built: The MacDowell Colony of Peterborough, New Hampshire".
  10. ^ "Library Of Congress". Library Of Congress.
  11. ^ Parker, Gail Underwood (2009). More than Petticoats: Remarkable New Hampshire Women. Morris Book Publishing.
  12. ^ "Watson - Studios". MacDowell. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  13. ^ "Studios". The Musical Monitor. Mrs. David Allen Campbell, Publisher. 1918. p. 357.
  14. ^ MacDowell Colony: Explore our studios
  15. ^ "MacDowell Announces Temporary COVID-19 Closure" 13 March, 2020
  16. ^ Gokee, Amanda (July 18, 2024). "This secluded property in rural N.H. has hosted some of the world's greatest artists". The Boston Globe. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  17. ^ "Medal Day". The MacDowell Colony. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved March 17, 2008.
  18. ^ Winkleman, E. (November 1, 2005). "Local Government: McDowell Not Advancing Spiritual or Intellectual Well-Being of General Public". EdwardWinkleman.com.
  19. ^ Brooks, Anthony; Inskeep, Steve (Host) (October 13, 2005). "Town Demands Taxes from Long-Exempt Artists' Colony". All Things Considered. NPR.
  20. ^ a b "Town of Peterborough v. The MacDowell Colony, Inc" (PDF). The Supreme Court of New Hampshire. March 14, 2008. Retrieved March 17, 2008.
  21. ^ Bradford, S. Sydney; Rettig, Polly M. (January 6, 1976). National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: MacDowell Colony. National Park Service.
  22. ^ Bradford, S. Sydney; Rettig, Polly (January 6, 1976). "Accompanying 5 photos, from 1907 and 1975". National Register of Historical Places Inventory-Nomination: MacDowell Colony. National Park Service.
  23. ^ National Medal of Arts (1997). "Lifetime Honors". NEA.gov. Archived from the original on August 26, 2013.
  24. ^ "Leonard Bernstein". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  25. ^ "James Baldwin". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  26. ^ "Willa Cather". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  27. ^ Carolyn Kellog (December 7, 2010), "Michael Chabon named chairman of MacDowell Colony board", Los Angeles Times.
  28. ^ "The Pulitzer Prizes".
  29. ^ "Jonathan Franzen". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  30. ^ "Spalding Gray". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  31. ^ "DuBose Heyward". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  32. ^ "Dorothy Heyward". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  33. ^ "Alice Sebold". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  34. ^ "Virgil Thomson". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  35. ^ "Alice Walker". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  36. ^ "Thornton Wilder". macdowell.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.

Further reading

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[edit]
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