Art House: The Intersection of Creativity & Nature

Art House: The Intersection of Creativity & Nature

Art house: a week-long artist residency in the Berkshires, delivering a promise of spring with OpenSpaces.

Nested in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, Lenox carries a long-standing history of inspiring artists to complete legendary works, like Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The House of the Seven Gables," penned against the backdrop of this inspiring landscape. This artistic spirit has inspired the harmonious design of Life House Berkshires and serves as the foundation for our first-ever Art House: a week-long residency program, brought to you in partnership between Life House and OpenSpaces Magazine, to encourage creatives of all backgrounds to uncover inspiration in the nearby landscape.

Art House: The Intersection of Art & Nature

Art House was first introduced to the Berkshires in May 2024 as the first of many collaborations between Life House and OpenSpaces Magazine—a bi-annual print publication celebrating the intersection of creativity and nature. Born out of a passion for exploring art outside the confines of traditional galleries, OpenSpaces played a vital role in the development of Art House, forging a connection between five multidisciplinary artists and the areas surrounding Life House through a timely theme of "The Promise of Spring."

Glimpses of the Landscape from Edoardo Cozzani and Claire Buckley

The Promise of Spring in the Berkshires

This May, Life House invited artists Sean W. Spellman, Edoardo Cozzani, Claire Buckley, Zoe Yates, and Emma Singer to reinterpret the nearby terrain through their chosen mediums, guided through week-long programming that included guided hikes through the surrounding forests with Berkshires Camino and full-day grounding practices at the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. The picturesque landscape became their canvas.

Among the featured artists was Claire Buckley, whose abstract and colorful paintings evoked a sense of transcendence, capturing the ethereal beauty of the world around us. Sean Spellman's textile works added depth and texture to the exhibition, weaving a narrative of tactile exploration. Meanwhile, Edoardo Cozzani's experimental practices and works across mediums, encompassing sculpture, land art, and on-site installation, invited viewers to embark on a journey of discovery, blurring the boundaries between art and environment. From vibrant paintings to intricate textiles, each artist reflected the profound connection between art and nature.

The Promise of Spring as Seen by Emma Singer

Multidisciplinary Artist Curation

Leading into the event, OpenSpaces and Life House collaborated to hand-select a meaningful curation of artists, spanning from textile designers to sculptors and visual artists.

  • Edoardo Cozzani: An Italian visual artist who explores experimental photographic practices and works across mediums like sculpture, land art, and on-site installation. His work revolves around the interactions between humans and their environment.
  • Claire Buckley: A Brooklyn-based artist focusing on painting. Her work currently draws inspiration from grief and aims to connect our world with the spiritual.
  • Zoe Yates: A weaver, textile designer, engineer, and researcher based in Rhode Island. She utilizes woven textiles to express her artistic vision.
  • Sean Spellman: A multidisciplinary artist known for his abstract and mural work, using minimalist techniques to convey the subtle beauty of nature.
  • Emma Singer: Leans into fiber art mosaic, incorporating fabrics and found materials. Her work is drawn to the fantastical elements of nature.
Textiles & Stories by Sean Spellman

Each artist's work went on display inside Life House Berkshires' Club Room for purchase on May 2, 2024. Please contact for inquiries.

The Berkshires, As An Artist Hub

Venturing beyond the confines of Art House, the Berkshires beckons a wealth of artistic inspiration waiting to be discovered. From the renowned Mass MoCA, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art installations, to the historic Berkshire House—a cultural gem steeped in heritage and home to Jonathan's sculpture studio—and the musical performances of the beloved Tanglewood, the region abounds with cultural treasures.

A Look Inside Berkshire House

Guests of Life House Berkshires are invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at Berkshire House, a vibrant artistic sanctuary founded in 2020. It serves as a platform for fostering discussions and collaborations around art, digital technology, and architecture. Here, you'll find Jonathan's sculptural masterpieces, crafted over 18 years with passion and precision. You'll even find an original Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing (WD684C), on permanent loan from the LeWitt family—a testament to the owners' commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of contemporary art.

Sohn Fine Art: Contemporary Photography

For those seeking a taste of contemporary photography, Sohn Fine Art in Downtown Lenox offers a curated selection of local and international artists pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. As a leading gallery in the region, Sohn Fine Art is dedicated to promoting a broader understanding of art and fostering community through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

The Berkshires' creative scene is alive year-round. Speak to your House Manager, when onsite, to schedule one of the many private tours and experiences accessible throughout your stay.

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