Wisdom Wednesday New Hampshire Humanities Programs Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the Cornish Colony

By the early 20th century, Cornish, NH, in the shadow of Mount Ascutney, had become a summer haven for artists, writers, architects, musicians and other creative people. At the center of it all was renowned American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. While the respite from city life and the area’s natural beauty was appealing, even more so was the opportunity for creative people to enjoy each other’s company, to share their ideas, to work hard and play hard, all within a days journey to New York and Boston. This presentation will explore the art and life of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and introduce some of the creative artists, writers, architects and others who were drawn to the area.

Inez McDermott has been teaching art history and curating art and history exhibitions in New Hampshire since 1986. In her classes and research she explores the ways that art can play a role in social engagement, participatory democracy, and activism. Her specific research interests focus on historical and contemporary New Hampshire art and artists, with a particular focus on 19th-century photography.