Would you like the Victorian house tour? Join us for a special costumed portrait drawing session at Hearthstone Historic House Museum!

Enjoy an evening sketching in the Hearthstone’s charming parlor. Our models are two sisters, Nikola and Simone, who will be wearing their own handmade Victorian-era inspired dresses and accessories from the Hearthstone collection.

Hearthstone is known for being the first private residence in the world to be illuminated using hydroelectricity from a central Edison system. It is the birthplace of green energy and of where the phrase “turn on the lights” was born.

To celebrate this history, this session will feature two sittings: the first half of the session will be illuminated by the beautiful natural light of the parlor windows, and then we’ll switch to electric lighting for the second half as the sun sets. With two models and changing light, sketching multiple portraits is encouraged, just like the Victorians might have done in the parlor themselves!

The Hearthstone is both a history museum and an art museum, and we’ll be surrounded by the museum’s inspiring collection of sculpture, paintings, and period furniture. Museum director George Schroeder will start our session with a brief introduction to a few of the art pieces on display in the parlor as a preview of the museum’s summer art tour.

Bring the past and present together and join us for Victorian Parlor Sketching!

Important details

• Two models in Victorian-inspired costume
• Bring your own preferred art supplies. To protect the period furniture and rugs, please bring dry media only (no paint or ink).
• Two sittings: the light will shift from natural to electric light halfway through the session - sketching encouraged as the light will be changing!
• Untutored but beginner friendly! A session leader will be available to answer questions or provide other support.
• Due to the limited space, this special session will be limited to 8 artists. Register early to save a spot!

Agenda

• Pre-session: find a spot and set up your materials!
• Welcome and introduction
• An introduction to the museum's art collection with executive director George Schroeder
• First sitting: Natural light
• Second sitting: Electric light
• Clean up and share your work on the drawing pile!