At its annual fall fundraiser “Progression of an Idea,” guests gathered under the stars to sip on martinis and nibble on plated hors d’oeuvres, while perusing the works of local artist Geoffrey Myers and enjoying the music of Berklee College of Music alum Michael Telesmanick.
Quentin Walter, owner and artistic director, founded Stouthouse as a place “where artists create” in honor of her late husband, Weldon Joseph Stout, who designed and built the house.
The Thanksgiving weekend event was a way to raise funds to support the mission and operational expenses of the artist retreat.
Stout’s custom stained-glass works are a lovely complement to the STAF (Seth Theolonius Alvin Foster) Art Collection there, both serving as inspiration to future resident artists.
Artists are invited to stay and work at Stouthouse, taking advantage of the solitude to develop and explore a significant body of work. The artists in residence are given the gift of time, a place to work without distraction and a stipend to supplement their income.’
“Art is a rebellious endeavor,” says Myers. He notes that given the lack of benefactors, such as those that prolifically supported the arts during the Renaissance, Stouthouse helps to fill a vital void.
“There are distractions pulling you away from doing your work all the time,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Walter said she hopes to ensure the preservation of the home, its collections and surrounding environs in perpetuity, explaining that places like this are paramount.
“Art is life. Artists need time away from everyday life to focus on their art; time to create,” said Walter.
Cándida Rodríguez will be taking up residence at the Stouthouse studio from January through March. A graduate of the Matanzas’ Fine Art School and the National Art School, Cubanacán, at La Habana, Cuba, Rodríguez has applied her talents as an illustrator, graphic designer, art conservator, in art restoration and as an art professor.
Her work features the human figure, fairies and centaurs. Using mixed mediums and a variety of techniques, Rodríguez’s art is said to be fueled by emotion.
At the conclusion of her time there, Walter says they will host a gallery showing of Rodríguez’s work at Stouthouse in honor of Women’s History Month.
For more information, visit stouthousewhereartistscreate.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
