Weir Farm NHP Announces 2026 Artists-in-Residence

News Release Date:
March 15, 2026

WILTON/RIDGEFIELD, Conn. - Weir Farm National Historical Park has selected seven artists for the 2026 Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program. Each artist will offer a public program at the park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the dates indicated below.

As a park dedicated to the history and pursuit of contemporary American art, the AIR program furthers the park's mission to inspire and educate visitors by fostering contemporary artistic expression on site. The next call for AIR applications will begin November 1, 2026.

More than 50 National Park Service sites host artist residency programs throughout the United States. Weir Farm has hosted more than 250 Artists-in-Residence.

The Weir Farm National Historical Park Artist-in-Residence program is supported by the Friends of Weir Farm NHP, the park's authorized philanthropic partner. This year, the Friends of Weir Farm received a grant from Tauck, a Connecticut-based business, specifically to support the AIR program.

A panel of three jurors, all experts in the field of art, selects these artists from an annual call for applicants. This year, the program received 60 applications in varied visual art mediums. Gratitude is extended to the three jurors, Stephen Henderson, Jane Davila and Mary Harold, for their expertise and time in the selection of this year's AIR cohort.

About the Jurors

S tephen Henderson is a sculptor, who holds a B.F.A. in sculpture from Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore and an M.F.A. in ceramics from the University of Cincinnati. As professor of art at Quinnipiac University, he directs the studio art program and teaches a variety of studio classes. His work has been exhibited nationally for more than 20 years and has won numerous awards. stephenbhenderson.com

Jane Davila is a fiber and mixed media artist, textile designer, editor, author, teacher, and serves as executive director at Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport, CT. Davila teaches surface design, mixed media, printmaking, art quilting and artist entrepreneurship around the US and internationally, most recently in South Korea and Australia, and online. HOME | janedavila

Mary Harold is a fine art photographer whose work has been exhibited extensively throughout the Northeast region. Presently, she is the vice president of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists and is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport, Rowayton Arts Center, The Meetinghouse, and the Carriage Barn. Mary Harold

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About the Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program
Weir Farm's AIR Program continues the creative legacy established by the Julian Alden Weir Family by supporting the work of modern day, contemporary artists. For over 140 years, Weir Farm has inspired thousands, including more than 250 past artists who have participated in the program. The park's enabling legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active artistic presence and the Artist-in-Residence Program plays a vital role in fulfilling that mission. This program is supported by the generosity of The Friends of Weir Farm.

About Weir Farm National Historic al Park
Weir Farm National Historical Park is the only National Park dedicated to American painting. Once the summer home of pioneering Impressionist Julian Alden Weir, it became a hub for creativity and inspired generations of artists. Its preserved landscape still echoes scenes captured in hundreds of paintings. Today, visitors can explore the stunning grounds, walk in the footsteps of American masters and create art. Learn more at www.nps.gov/wefa and visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeirFarmNPS, YouTube www.youtube.com/WeirFarmNHS, and Instagram @WeirFarmNPS.

About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.