Brandywine Art Guide: Studios of Painter’s Folly

Painter’s Folly looms large, not just in the landscape of Chadds Ford, but in the art world at large. It was the home of Howard Pyle, the famed illustrator and fine artist. From his school just next door, he taught luminaries such as N. C. Wyeth, Elenore Abbott, Harvey Dunn, and Charlotte Harding. N. C. Wyeth was close to Pyle, bringing his son Andrew with him to Painter’s Folly to visit and play in the home. Andrew Wyeth would return to the home later in his life, becoming close friends with Helen and George Sipala, the owners of the home from the 1970s until a few years ago when Chadds Ford Township acquired the property.

Today, the building is being reinvigorated with fresh passion by new generations of artists. The Studios of Painter’s Folly: Community Art Space, which opened this past year, is available to six artists a month. Two rooms, the Pyle Studio and the Wyeth Studio are currently in use. The shared space is being used in different ways, from artists quietly painting landscapes outdoors to collaborative model sittings that showcase the varying views and techniques of artists.

“My idea was to have a community group art studio so artists could work in the company of other artists,” said Annette Alessi, a studio artist who helped start the project. While talking to Barbara Moore, of the Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery, she mentioned her idea for a shared community art space. Moore introduced her to Maryann Furlong from Chadds Ford Township, which had recently acquired Painter’s Folly and was mulling what to do with the property. Ideas included a bed & breakfast, an event space, or artist studios.

The Studios seemed meant to be. The township started renovations on the property to ready it for studio space, which will continue to evolve. “This idea was to keep the arts alive in Chadds Ford,” said Alessi.

“Painting in this region has been a dream come true for me,” said Tamarah Hutchinson, another studio artist. “My mother was an artist, and her work was strongly influenced by Andrew Wyeth.” The Brandywine Tradition has had a strong impact on generations of artists, and it is wonderful to see not just the art, but the actual landscape, continue to be such a big part of the local art scene.

Diane Micklin, another member of the studio, explained the appeal of working in such a historic location: “The house has great creative spirit,” adding “I am so inspired to be painting in the home of the founder of the Brandywine School of Art.”

The spirit of the home may be best embodied in its previous owner, Helen Sipala, who still lives on the property and continues to be an inspiration. “I always look forward to spending time with Helen,” said Connie Wagner, a Studio artist. “Her stories really bring the house to life. Then, when I returned to paint, I brought a new view and energy to the house and in my paintings.”

One aspect of the Studios that appeals to many of the artists is the shared model sittings. “Model sittings are one of my favorite subjects and it’s been a blessing to finally be able to have the use of a model regularly,” said Alessi. “I especially love our model, Aubrey O'Hara, who is an actual ballerina and gives us real dancer poses to work from.” It is fascinating to watch multiple artists work at the same sitting, each creating a unique piece of art in their own style.

Wagner agrees.

“It is fun to see how everyone paints the same subject so differently,” she said. “I feel if you can paint the figure with confidence and skill, you bring that confidence and skill to any other subject you paint.”

The collaboration leads to inspiring moments.

“One of the fun moments was when I walked into the Wyeth Studio and saw Connie Wagner lying on the floor painting the little doll (Baby Doll) that was left in the studio,” said Hutchinson. “The pose that she had while painting looked the same as Christina’s World . . . by Andrew Wyeth. Chills went down my spine and I started to wonder just how much this location would be effecting us all.”

“I absolutely love the fact that I have connected with a wonderful group of artists who each have many resources to share and support each other, as well as critique each other,” said Alessi. “It inspires my creative flow immensely.”

Exciting things are ahead at the Studios. The artists recently opened a Gallery Room on the first floor, which visitors can see on tours of Painter’s Folly.

“I would love to see the studios continue to serve the art community locally as well as artists from other parts of the world,” said Hutchinson. Painter’s Folly will continue to inspire, not just the artists of the Studios, but others as the property continues its journey through art history.

Painter’s Folly is located on Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford Township. Group tours can be arranged by contacting Chadds Ford Township. More information about the Studios can be found at ChaddsFordPA.gov.

About Victoria Rose

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.