The MOA recently had the privilege of hosting leaders from the Weir Farm and National Historic Park in Wilton, Connecticut, where 3 of our featured artists in the From the Vault exhibition once lived. They gleamed with happiness to see pieces from J. Alden Weir, Dorothy Weir Young, and Mahonri Young hang in our gallery. Kristin Lessard, the Chief of Interpretation at the Weir Farm, shared connections they made between items in their own collection and their appearances in the paintings they saw in our collection. One of these connections was the chalice that is found in Silver Chalice with Roses and Flora (Carrie Mansfield Weir). Linda Cook, the Superintendent of the Weir Farm, described the chalice as not being very large. Despite the size of the chalice, it was a vital part of J. Alden Weir’s collection due to the way he could bring out the shine of the item with just his paint.
Another connection was made between old photographs of the Weir Farm found in our collection and Dorothy Weir Young’s painting Ladies at Dinner. The Weir Farm’s Curator, Jessica Kuhnen, described the differences in the painting and what the mantle of the kitchen looks like now. It was fascinating to feel the history that was captured in the paintings and what still exists on their farm today.
When asked if the group enjoyed their visit, Linda responded by saying “How could we not?” She shares a similar sentiment with everyone who visits the Museum of Art. Just as Linda, Kristin, and Jessica were able to make personal connections, you too can find meaningful connections, especially in the From the Vault exhibition.
