A NEW NAME FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!
19th Century Traditions
The original Cheney Homestead Arts first opened its doors for classical drawing instruction on September 5, 2019 in the north-light attic studio of the Cheney Homestead Museum. What began as a simple way of commemorating the lives and 19th Century artistic legacies of brothers, John and Seth Cheney has, in the past three years, grown to become a vibrant studio where artists from around the world come to study classical drawing and painting through the magic of Zoom.
We have come a long way from that little attic in the museum. In January 2020, we found that much more space was needed to accommodate new students and new instructors and so we welcomed the opportunity to move to 199 Forest Street in Manchester, CT into what was once the machine shop of an antique silk mill. The space has provided a comfortable social area, a large studio filled with natural light from eight twelve-foot mill windows, a controlled-light studio for still life painting as well as separate Zoom areas connected to each. It has become, in every sense, “The Dream Studio”.
As of April 1 of this year, we have updated the name of the studio to reflect its unique environment and, as of this date, what was once “Cheney Homestead Arts” is now “The Mill Studio of Fine Arts”.
Our mission continues - to provide a welcoming place where artists of all ages can come together to learn and to grow.
Please subscribe to our mailing list in order to receive updates as to new classes and workshops! If you’re in the neighborhood, email us to visit the studio and meet the director, Trudy Mitchell.