MacDowell, set amidst over 450 acres of New Hampshire woodlands, is a quiet, magical enclave where esteemed and select artists find their freedom to create unhindered by the worries of the world. While each season of fellows, as these select artisans is called, builds their own community as they share in the sacred spaces of creativity where other artisans became giants in their fields. It must be breathtakingly wonderful and, at the same time, bewilderingly humbling. Once you find out about MacDowell, you come to understand why the art culture of Peterborough seems to seep from every corner. A “typical” New England small town, but one with an art culture that is particularly systemic.

It's a story that begins with a dream, a promise, and a legacy - one that continues to this day with the looming deadline for next years fellows arriving next month. Join me as together we explore through the stories of MacDowell and discover the magic that makes it so special.

Edward MacDowell, a talented composer, came to the countryside with his wife Marian, a pianist, to recover from an ongoing illness. While staying with friends, they came upon the house that, even today, is the center of MacDowell. It was rundown and in need of care - but like all artists, Marian and Edward seemed to see its potential. They lived here until. tragically, his life was cut short, leaving the world in 1908 when he was just 47. But like the finest composers, his legacy was to continue to resonate.

Marian MacDowell purchased an abandoned farm, Hillcrest, about a mile from the Peterborough train station in 1896.
*(R.D. Carley photo)*

Marian MacDowell, was a woman whose love for her husband was only matched by her dedication to his dream to share the inspiration that they had found at their home. An inspiration for creation and introspection. She saw MacDowell not as a place, but as a living, breathing testament to Edward's belief in the power of art. She turned their New Hampshire farm into a haven for artists, a place where creativity wasn’t just encouraged; it was celebrated and nurtured. It began with a single sculptor and has grown to establish a legacy that is unmatched. Just take a look at a few of the artists that have spent time here, each

Over the years, MacDowell has welcomed a list of artists, each weaving their unique thread into its rich history in one of the 32 cottages that dot the wooded acres. Many of these artists have returned again and again for a season of creation.

Aaron Copland, the name itself evokes the spirit of American music. At MacDowell, he found the solitude and inspiration to compose pieces that would define a nation’s musical identity. Imagine him, strolling through the pines, the nascent notes of 'Appalachian Spring' floating in his mind.

Thorton Wilder, the playwright, was inspired while driving into Peterborough and while the play “Our Town” could be set in any town, it was the charming town of Peterborough that was its inspiration while he spent time at MacDowell. Wilder was celebrated for his talent with Pulitzer Prizes for not only the play “Our Town” but for his novel “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” as well, the only writer to achieve Pulitzers in both genre.

Then there's Alice Walker, whose words have the power to change the world. It was within the nurturing walls of MacDowell that she worked on 'The Color Purple', a novel that would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize, and more importantly, touch countless hearts.

And how can we forget Leonard Bernstein? The charismatic maestro, known for his dynamic energy and infectious passion for music, often spoke of the found solace and inspiration at MacDowell.

Marian MacDowell is seated outside her home, Hillcrest, with notable Fellows (from left) Paul Nordoff, Thorton Wilder, Nikolai Lopatnikoff, and Margaret Widdemer.

But MacDowell's magic isn't reserved for just the uber famous. For every Copland, Walker, and Bernstein, there are countless others, artists whose names might not be known in every household but whose creativity is just as vibrant and vital. These painters, writers, composers, and creators from all walks of life find in MacDowell a sanctuary where their art can take flight.

The impact of MacDowell on Peterborough and beyond is immeasurable. It's a beacon that draws artists from around the world, creating a mosaic of cultures, ideas, and artistry. This convergence of creativity enriches the town, making it more than just a spot on the map; it becomes a crossroads of global artistry.

Learn more about MacDowell

James Baldwin Library is framed by trees in the fading light of an early autumn evening.
(Ngoc Minh Ngo photo)

In the cafes and streets of Peterborough, you can feel the pulse of MacDowell. The town itself becomes a canvas, colored by the stories and experiences of those who have walked its paths. It's not uncommon to overhear conversations about a new art project or see a local business displaying work from a MacDowell fellow.

But perhaps the most profound impact of MacDowell is on the artists themselves. It's a place where they can disconnect from the noise of the world and connect with the whisper of their muse. It's a sanctuary where they can experiment, explore, and express without fear or favor.

The community of artists at breakfast (2017). @macdowell1907

In the quiet of their studios, surrounded by the natural beauty of New Hampshire, artists at MacDowell are reminded of the power of simplicity and the importance of listening – to themselves, to nature, and to each other. The solitude fosters introspection, and the community encourages expression, creating a perfect harmony that fuels creativity.

Even today we are reminded of Edward and Marian MacDowell’s enduring legacy. Their love story transcended the personal, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for artists everywhere. Marian is often held up as one of the most impactful women of her generation. She spent her life pursuing support for the artists and for the colony until she passed away just shy of 99 years of age. Her legacy, as well as Edward’s, continues today. MacDowell is more than a colony, retreat or residency; it's a testament to the enduring power of art and the unbreakable spirit of those who create it.

We can only wait to see the gifts that are unveiled within these rambling, quiet woods - in the days to come.

Learn more about Peterborough

So, this place really caught my attention. My great-grandfather was the first artist-in-residence at Amherst College. I have always been fascinated by artists who give it their entire lives, the community they build and the legacy they leave. Here are a few more links if you want to learn more:

Living at the Colony

Edward & Marian McDowell

The History of the Colony

All images courtesy of MacDowell