Here are some of the things people are saying about The Art Garden:
“I come to The Art Garden to find parts of myself which have no other place to grow. I discover a space with all the materials I could need, an atmosphere of permission and aesthetic passion, other people who also make art, and Jane, ready with enlightening assistance to encourage our free self-expression.”
John Hoffman, Charlemont, MA
“I have discovered The Art Garden to be a space where I can breathe the fresh air of aesthetic energy. It has provided a place which frees me from the demands and routine of my home and other preoccupations.
The choices and motivation for ideas are numerous at The Art Garden. By transitioning to this space I am allowed to immerse myself in the stimulation of unlimited materials or to relax into a time and place when I can experience a different and exciting modality of my Being.”
Laura Huff, Shelburne Falls, MA
“We are very grateful for Jane and The Art Garden! The weekly drawing class our daughter attends brings her so much joy. We love to see the smile on her face when we pick her up. She is a happier, more creative and confident kid because of it.”
Kristen, Conway, MA
“My children and I found The Art Garden two years ago while vacationing in western MA and now we visit as often as we can. The unique space is comfortable and welcoming and just brimming with creativity. Jane and her staff offer a wealth of experience and inspiration to young and old alike and there is a wonderful feeling of “possibility in the air.” The important work and play that happens here reflects this community’s commitment to green living and sustainable practices. I wish Jane and her team all the best and look forward to our next visit!” Becky Paul, Pembroke, MA
“The Art Garden is a wonderful place to let loose and just go with the flow of your creativity! They have all kinds of art supplies you could need, from paints and papers to leather and chess pieces and it isn’t hard to find inspiration around the studio. There is always someone nearby ready to share ideas and give encouragement.”
Jordan Paul, age 13
“The Art Garden is such an encouraging place to work. When I take my grandsons, one is very prepared and task oriented and Jane sets him up with everything he requests. The other boy is very different. When Jane asks what he would like to do the answer is always “I have no clue.” And Jane’s reply is “That’s a very good place to start.” She gives him room, gently and only occasionally, pointing out materials, or someone else’s project. She gives him time and space to think, trusting that he will come up with something unique. And he always does.”
Pat Leuchtman, Heath, MA
“The Art Garden is a Treasure Box. Open it and you will find corners and cubbies filled with bits of this and pieces of that. Whether you are 6 or 66, its magic will ignite your imagination and set your talents a fire. We love the place.”
Nancy Argeris and Michael Naldrett, Hawley, MA
“When I returned to western MA from four years at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston I was looking for artists who were cool, contemporary and had a social justice lens. Then The Art Garden opened. Just the right scale. Just the kind of out-of-the-box art I was looking for. And just up the road from where I live. Jane’s approach to art-making is aligned with mine, her sensibilities about community-building are right on, and the cross-pollination that happens at The Art Garden is needed now more than ever.”
Phyllis Labanowski, Conway, MA
“I discovered The Art Garden when I saw a note in the paper, asking for submissions for the Valentine’s show. I ended up contributing written & colored lyrics to a love song for my galfriend. Jane invited me to sing it at the reception, which I did, with the subject of the tune in attendance. I returned to more closely view the installation, and was ‘wowed’ by the variety, ingenuity and beauty of what was on the walls. I became fast friends with Jane (hard not to) and have since visited the space several times; to see other shows, take photos, see the children at work/play…
The Art Garden is a special and precious part of our community, where young and old can go to create, and view the efforts of their neighbors. Being there is a way to suspend our busy lives for awhile, and give ourselves over to the simple pleasure of being.”
David Fersh, Charlemont, MA
“I took my grandchildren to The Art Garden during their vacation last February. My 7 year old became totally engaged in making a sculpture with many intriguing things found in the myriad of cubbies. To my surprise I found myself getting pulled into this creative atmosphere and ended up creating a beautiful box, using an old cigar box, which I decorated with exquisite papers and beads and silk lining. Jane was in the background ready to offer support or ideas when needed. The supplies were abundant in every medium one could imagine. We will return again and again. There is no place like this at my grandchildren’s homes in Brooklyn or Vermont.” Pam Walker, Buckland, MA
“A few of us dancers who live together have talked about how much we love modeling for Figure Drawing at The Art Garden, because Jane creates a really safe emotional environment, and a space where artists truly respect and express gratitude towards the models. We encourage other dancers to model there too, because everyone is so sweet at The Art Garden, and it is a really pleasant and enjoyable experience. The Art Garden is a wonderful place full of support and personal empowerment.”
Rachel Schwartz
“The figure drawing sessions at the Art Garden are excellent. The models are able to do difficult and interesting poses, which makes the drawing both a challenge and fun. Poses start at 20 seconds for warm-up and go into longer poses up to 30 minutes at the end of the session. It is a friendly and supportive environment and is now a permanent addition to my “must do” calendar.” Bob Markey, Ashfield, MA
“The Art Garden is a place where the creative person is in heaven. It is beautiful. It is abundantly supplied with art materials that just call to you to be used, and unlike many studio spaces at home, it is joyously orderly! Jane Wegscheider is also the art student’s dream of an instructor. She inspires, encourages, and provides demonstrations with just the right amount of openness for your own explorations and creative imaginings. The Art Garden is a gift to this community. It gives me such hope in our world…to know that the Art Garden is there. Thank you!” Cara B. Hochhalter, Charlemont
“The Art Garden has been a terrific resource for us as homeschoolers. We’ve seen our daughter grow as an artist and gain a sense that she can have a broader audience for her work. The art shows, in particular, have been eye-opening for her – and us! Our daughter feels like she’s a part of a community of artists and sees Jane not just as a teacher, but also as a mentor.”
Anne and Drew C.,
homeschooling parents
“I think The Art Garden is good for any age. It’s also good for people who like any type of art.
IMAGINE!
CREATE!
INSPIRE!”
Julia C., homeschooler, age 10
“I’ll never forget Hudson’s expression the first time he walked into The Art Garden. Wide-eyed, he looked around to see all the possibilities before him. He slowly introduced himself to the tubes, the scissors, the paints, the wires, and then set about to create. At times there was gentle guidance from Jane, and always enthusiastic encouragement – but his own creative instincts were allowed to flourish on their own.” Hudson’s Nana, Hawley, MA
“Though I haven’t visited the Art Garden nearly often enough I’ve never failed to be impressed by the good nature, openness, and the atmosphere of this place. It is truly a community center in the best sense, gently encouraging and inspiring all who come to create something- whatever it may be. Art in all its many forms, just like a garden, rewards those who cultivate it!”
Christin Couture, painter,
Shelburne Falls & NYC
“The Art Garden has become more than a center to nurture children’s creative spirit. It continues to enable adult artists with a social conscience to mirror areas in our society that remain unjust. In the midst of what at first appears as a welcoming “play area”, one can often find a piece of artwork that raises serious questions about the current social fabric of our country.”
Peter J. Purdy, Hawley, MA (or New York City)
Past President of the U.S. Committee for the United Nations Population Fund
Testimonial from Eric Sanford Age 8:
The Art Garden is where I go a lot. I like it because when I get there Jane is doing something. She makes or sorts material sometimes I use the new material. I work on a project and she has no control over what I make. I can make whatever I want. I also like the Art Garden because when Jane sees what I’m working on she gives me ideas of what to do with it. Also she only charges a small price.