Monday, August 29, 2011

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:


11 comments:

Rebecca said...

Oh, I shall go straight to the website. What a wonderful place to visit, roam and rest.

Blondie's Journal said...

This estate is just lovely, Alison! I'd love to have a few of the sculptures in my garden! I promise to visit the website...thanks so much for sharing this!

XO,
Jane

Janette - The2Seasons said...

What a fabulous estate.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Such a lovely and peaceful looking place. Love the sculptures. Hugs, Marty

Divine Theatre said...

I sold my Bird Girl reproduction statue on Craigslist and the woman who bought it lives near the former Judson estate. She was so excited!
I had to get rid of a few statues, lest my yard take on the appearance of a cemetery! LOL!
I am not a huge fan of the artist but I did love my statue while she was here.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

What a beautiful estate! I will go to the web site and look around! Thanks!!!! XO, Pinky

Elizabeth and Gary said...

How beautiful! I love the gravel walkways and all the trees. I bet its an amazing place to see and stay in. Very peaceful indeed.
Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

Amy Chalmers said...

Yes I recognized it, and it is interesting to learn the background.

Our Hopeful Home said...

What a really beautiful place, Alison. I could definitely use some quiet meditative time there, ha! Ain't gonna happen! At least not anytime soon, I'm afraid. :D By the way, stop on over at Club G.W. No. 10, you've been featured girl!

xoxo
Kathy

Privet and Holly said...

LOVE this!
I remember the
first time that
I saw the Bird
Girl in Savannah...
so haunting but
in the most beautiful
way. I am going
to visit this site,
right now....
xx Suzanne

Ricki Treleaven said...

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a great book. I love it, so I love this post because I always wondered about the little statue. Remarkable post, Alison!