ART HOUSE TOUR

3 HISTORIC ARTISTS’ HOMES & STUDIOS TO VISIT IN THE BERKSHIRES

BY JENNIFER HUBERDEAU

You need not travel far to view these three historic artists’ homes and studios, all of which can be found in the Berkshires.

Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio

92 Hawthorne St., Lenox

413-637-0166, frelinghuysen.org

Artists: Abstract artists George L. K. Morris and Suzy Frelinghuysen.

What you’ll see: Abstract artist George L.K. Morris, with the help of Boston architect and Yale classmate George Sanderson, built the Bauhaus-style studio on his family’s estate, Brookhurst, in 1931. It was the first modern structure in New England. The house, added in 1941, was designed by John Butler Swann. Tours are self-guided but knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer questions and provide information.

The house remains as it was during George and Suzy’s lifetimes. In the foyer, the bright colors of the fresco painted by the couple welcomes visitors. Guests can see rooms filled with modernist furniture crafted by Gilbert Rhode, Donald Deskey and Alvar Aalto — names just as important as those attached to the paintings hanging on the walls – Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Frescoes by George and Suzy can also be seen in the dining room and living room, which has a leather floor. Tours end in the studio, where a special exhibit about Suzy’s dual careers as an artist and an opera singer is on display.

When to visit: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 10.

Norman Rockwell’s Studio

Norman Rockwell’s studio at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.

PHOTO BY BEN GARVER

Norman Rockwell Museum

9 Glendale Road/Route 183, Stockbridge

413-298-4100, nrm.org

Artist: Norman Rockwell

What you’ll see: Originally located in the backyard of Rockwell’s home on South Street in Stockbridge, the studio was cut in two and moved to the museum grounds in 1986. Although the famed illustrator created art in some 20 studios over the course of his career, this one — his last — is the one he called his “best studio yet."

The studio is designed to appear as if Rockwell had just stepped out for a moment.

When to visit: Rockwell’s Studio is open during museum hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Tuesday, through early November. Important to know: Advanced timed tickets are required. The studio tour, which lasts 20 minutes, is not included in the price of the museum ticket. An additional ticket is required.

Chesterwood

Daniel Chester French’s Stockbridge estate, Chesterwood, is home to his summer cottage and his studio, where visitors can view his model for the Lincoln Memorial.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER HUBERDEAU

4 Williamsville Road, Stockbridge

413-298-2023, chesterwood.org

Artist: Sculptor Daniel Chester French

What you’ll see: Chesterwood’s 26-foot high white stucco studio and white stucco Colonial Revival house were designed by architect Henry Bacon, who would go on to design the Lincoln Memorial, which houses French’s sculpture of the 16th president.

Although French only lived on the estate from May through October, it’s where he did a majority of his studio work, including the design work for the Lincoln Memorial’s statue. A small exhibit in the museum’s welcome center elaborates on French‘s process.

Visitors are able to take a guided or a self-guided tour of the studio or a self-guided grounds-only tour to view a contemporary sculpture show. The main house is not available for tours, as it is being updated to meet ADA and safety building codes to accommodate an artist-in-residency program. Of note is that the grounds were landscaped and designed by French himself.

When to visit: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday through Oct. 24.