Local Artist's Retreat

Have you ever heard of an

American Sculptor and Artist

named Sylvia Shaw Judson?




Probably not, but you may have seen her work.

This is the summer house
of Sylvia and her family.
Her father, Howard Van Doren Shaw,
a famous Chicago architect built it.

Although you may never have heard

of her, you may have seen her very famous

sculpture called "Bird Girl".

This sculpture was used for the cover

of the book titled

"Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"

Do you recognize it?

This is a copy of Sylvia's original sculpture that sits on the property of this lovely estate.

This may be  a gorgeous old home,

but now it is something much more.

Sylvia's sculptures are all over the property grounds.

One sweeter than the next.

Sylvia Shaw Judson

(1897 -1978)

You can visit Sylvia's home, Ragdale,

and the quiet forest

and prairie lands that is sits upon.

It is now an artist's sanctuary.

Visual artists, writers, composers,

and interdisciplinary artists

from every state and around the globe find

what they need to create new work:

time and space.

The property is comprised

of many buildings, barns and cottages.

You can rent a room (for a very nominal fee)

and use the art and music facilities

throughout the compound

during your stay there.

It is peaceful haven

that will inspire your

inner artist.

A magical place to visit

or to stay when you

are in need of a quiet

artistic retreat.

For more information,

you can link to their site:

www.ragdale.org