The Silvermine Story

For 84 years, the Silvermine Guild Arts Center has been a gathering place,
a place where artists and art lovers come to appreciate, enjoy and learn about the arts. Milton Avery, Helen Frankenthaler, and Jacques Lipchitz exhibited here. Merce Cunningham taught dance in our school. The New York Philharmonic performed on our grounds.

The Guild

In the early 1900's a colony of artists settled in the Silvermine area, lured by the picturesque countryside. The artists gathered around noted sculptor Solon Borglum, whose barn was the meeting place where these artists, the so-called "Knockers Club" came to socialize, exchange ideas and critique each others' work. Eventually, the group outgrew the barn and purchased a larger one, on the present site of the Silvermine Guild Arts Center. The Guild of Artists was formally incorporated in 1922.

Education

The Guild began offering a few classes in the early 20's, and in 1924 the School of Art offically opened. Over the years, the school offered not only classes in the visual arts, but dance, filmmaking, and acting classes as well. The first school building was constructed in 1948, paving the way for expanded classes. In 1962, the Silvermine College of Art received accreditation as a two-year college. The college, acclaimed for its innovative approach to art education, was in operation for ten years until it was closed for financial reasons.

Performing Arts at Silvermine

Begun in 1927, the Silvermine Sillies started a long tradition of performances at Silvermine. These hilarious, original musicals were performed outdoors each summer well into the 1940's. In 1937, the New York Philharmonic performed their first outdoor concert on a specially built platform over the pond. The Silvermine Chamber Music Program, started in 1958, continues to this day, presenting an annual series of performances each summer. For a time, in the late 60's and 70's the Silvermine String Quartet was our resident company, performing not only at Silvermine, but throughout New England.

The New England Exhibition

Begun in 1948, the New England Exhibition was the first juried exhibition held at Silvermine. Renamed the Art of the Northeast, this annual exhibit remains our most prestigious show. Over the years, this exhibit has featured the work of many prominent artists including Louise Nevelson, Elaine de Kooning, and Milton Avery

Silvermine Today

Today, Silvermine presents abundant opportunities for individuals of all ages to enjoy and learn about the arts. The Guild of Artists now has over 300 members.  The Galleries present over 20 exhibitions each year.  Hundreds of courses and workshops in numerous disciplines are offered through the School of Art.  A variety of summer concerts are presented in the intimate setting of our auditorium.

Community Programs

Our Community Programs reach beyond the Silvermine campus, providing arts education for students in Norwalk and Stamford schools. The Art Partners program works with elementary through high school students during and after school.  The goal of the program is to enhance learning through the arts and to encourage self-expression.

Teaching artists lead students in hands-on workshops related to the school curriculum. Many of these workshops use both art and creative writing to facilitate learning about subjects ranging from mythology to the environment. Working in collaboration with other organizations through the Norwalk After School Alliance, Silvermine also provides after school workshops in Norwalk.