Charles E. Burchfield's Gardenville Studio

"Let my studio be hallowed by large adventurous thoughts; and a feeling of security and isolation from the banalities of life; by dreams, and bold imaginings." Charles Burchfield,  November 17, 1933

A permanent evocation of Charles E. Burchfield’s Gardenville Studio was designed in 1998 to capture how it looked during the artist’s last years.  In the museum, it is positioned adjacent to the galleries that are dedicated to his artwork in order to provide insight into his private working environment and process.  Visitors are able to see inspirational objects, such as his stuffed snowy owl and samples of birch bark, situated within the modest front room lined with plywood shelves where he stored thousands of studies.  As well, they can learn about the unorthodox techniques that Burchfield used to create his own style which diverged dramatically from traditional watercolor painting methods.  For example, he preferred to work on an upright easel, building up layers more like an oil painter.

Objects on view include generous donations made by Joan Albarella, Mrs. John Albarella, The Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, Peggy Richter Haug, Hyatt’s All Things Creative, Edna M. Lindemann, David Pratt, Hank Sontag and Horsefeathers Architectural Antiques, Harriet and Mortimer Spiller, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Takats, Harold F. Truppner, Edward J. Wozniak, and an anonymous donor.

Explore a self-guided virtual tour of the studio here.