Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

Join us to follow the flow of the seasons in the Blithewold Gardens. Sketchbook journaling combines writing and drawing to tell the story of the gardens we see. Instructor Thea Ernest will lead exercises in designing and filling your sketch journal as we work plein air style (outdoors, weather permitting). With direction from our horticulturalists, we will focus each session on a different area of the Blithewold property.
Participants should bring their art materials that are easy to carry.

Local Event: Nature Journal Workshop with Thea Ernest

Bristol-Warren

Rhode Island

Nature Journal Workshop with Thea Ernest

Tuesday September 17, 2024: Join us to follow the flow of the seasons in the Blithewold Gardens. Sketchbook journaling combines writing and...

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum

In late July, six big beautiful bamboo bird sculptures “landed” at the Blithewold. The avian-inspired works of art are the creations of The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson, and Andy Moerlein. This internationally known duo brought their shared love of the natural world, and birds especially, together by creating these avian characters. The sculptures are made from bamboo and colorful up-cycled items and range in size from 15 to 30 feet tall and each has a story to tell.
Join us at the opening reception to meet the artists and celebrate the arrival of these internationally known sculptures. Light appetizers, beer, and wine will be served.

Local Event: The Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds Opening Reception

The Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds Opening Reception

Saturday September 21, 2024: In late July, six big beautiful bamboo bird sculptures “landed” at the Blithewold. The avian-inspired works of art...

Join local artist Beth Adoette as she provides the opportunity to appreciate two very special trees at Blithewold. Beth will be leading the class outside to bask in the history and grandeur of all these trees have to offer. Each participant will make a mandala to enjoy and photograph before returning the materials to nature. Please bring a water bottle and something to sit on.
Nature mandalas are ephemeral and will not be taken home. Photographs are encouraged. High-resolution, edited photographs can be ordered separately at the workshop for an additional fee.
Preregistration is required. $40 Members | $ 45 Nonmembers Each class is limited to 12 people.
September 7: Sequoia Sequoias, the world’s largest tree by volume, symbolize resilience and strength. We will work beside a Sequoia on the Blithewold property in this unique workshop. We will walk the nearby area to collect natural items from the ground and combine them with other natural objects to create nature mandalas representing resilience and strength. Together, we will learn about Sequoias’ unique characteristics and see if this particular tree offers a message for us. What makes it strong? What makes it resilient? How might we apply those lessons to our own lives? (Rain Date September 14) 
September 21: Gingko On this International Day of Peace, visit and create beside a ginkgo tree – a symbol of peace and hope. After walking within the Blithewold property to collect nature items from the ground, we will combine them with other natural objects to create nature mandalas that reflect the message of this unique tree that has witnessed and lived through mass extinction and the bombing of Hiroshima. As we celebrate and honor the spirit of this tree, we will see what our intuition may be telling us about peace and hope. Let’s explore peace together! (Rain Date September 28)

Local Event: Outdoor Tree Mandala Series

Outdoor Tree Mandala Series

Saturday September 21, 2024: Join local artist Beth Adoette as she provides the opportunity to appreciate two very special trees at Blithewold....

“Inspired Moments: Visions of the Newport Photo Guild,” is an evocative photographic exhibit that celebrates a diverse range of styles and subjects. This collection, curated by the talented members of the Newport Photo Guild, showcases interpretations of Inspired Moments within a broad array of genres, including serene landscapes, dynamic street photography, abstract art, and intimate portraits.
Join us at the opening reception to meet the artists and celebrate the beautiful photographs. A light dessert reception with sparkling wine will be served
Free to Attend
Juror: Eileen McCarney Muldoon This exhibit is juried by well-known, local photographer and instructor, Eileen McCarney Muldoon. In her own work, Eileen seeks to capture quiet yet powerful moments of emotional connection between people and their environments. Through international tours and local workshops, she inspires others to find meaning and beauty in the everyday.
About the Newport Photo Guild The Newport Photo Guild is a vibrant community of photographers who excel in various photographic genres and techniques. From hobbyists to seasoned professionals, the Guild members are united by a shared passion for photography. Their collective work celebrates diverse subjects and also aims to inspire and challenge viewers with their unique visions and perspectives.

Local Event: Opening Reception Inspired Moments: Visions of the Newport Photo Guild

Opening Reception Inspired Moments: Visions of...

Saturday September 21, 2024: “Inspired Moments: Visions of the Newport Photo Guild,” is an evocative photographic exhibit that celebrates a...

Opening Reception Inspired Moments: Visions of the Newport Photo Guild

Experience the peace of Blithewold as the birds do! You will be gently guided through our natural spaces; taking in and connecting with the early morning sights, sounds, and smells during this leisurely stroll. Unwind and recharge, science has shown that time spent in nature has healing and therapeutic health benefits.
Please bring a water bottle and wear sturdy walking shoes. This program will take place rain or shine so please dress appropriately.
Preregistration is required. Each class is limited to 15 people. This is not appropriate for children under 12.

Local Event: Early Bird Sensory Walks

Early Bird Sensory Walks

Tuesday September 24, 2024: Experience the peace of Blithewold as the birds do! You will be gently guided through our natural spaces; taking in...

Join us on the last Tuesday of each month, from September through May, for fun (and educational) hands-on learning at Blithewold! 
Indoor and outdoor learning experiences in Science, History, and the Arts complete our curriculum, which aligns with RI, MA, and CT state standards.
 Between sessions, there is plenty of time to enjoy a nice picnic or run out some energy on the Great Lawn. Check our website for more information on our monthly themes and activities.
Students are to check in at the Visitor Center and 1 adult chaperone is required to remain on the property until pick up. Please pack a lunch, it will be enjoyed from 11:30 to 12:00. Adult chaperones and younger siblings are welcome to picnic on the Grounds with the students.
The programs are designed for Ages 8 – 13
Class size is limited to 15. Reservations are required.
$5 Members Child/Adult | $4 Additional Member Child
$30 Nonmember Child/Adult | $8 Additional Nonmember child
September 24:
Explore Blithewold’s new bamboo sculpture exhibition and create your own mini nature sculptures
October 29:
Learn about pollinators and create a pollinator hotel for your backyard
November 19:
Learn about seeds and make recycled paper seed balls
January 28:
Learn the ins and outs of planning a vegetable garden with companion plants
February 25: 
Learn about owls (this lesson includes owl pellet dissection)
March 25: 
Learn about the lives of Household Staff from the 1910s and Afternoon Tea Etiquette
April 29: 
Celebrate Arbor Day at Blithewold by learning about tree and leaf identification
May 27:
Learn about cloud types and satellites

Local Event: Blithewold Homeschool Days

Blithewold Homeschool Days

Tuesday September 24, 2024: Join us on the last Tuesday of each month, from September through May, for fun (and educational) hands-on learning at...

September 25: Sparkling Wines Sparkling wines can be made in a variety of ways, from the toasty notes of Cremant to the easy-to-drink fruitiness of Prosecco. Join us and taste different sparkling wines while learning about not only the process of making it but also the various sugar levels associated with Brut and Dry. 
October 9: White Wines Most white wine drinkers have a Go-To white wine that they drink most of the time. Ready to get out of your rut? Join us as we taste different white wines from around the world and see if you can discover a new favorite. We’ll discuss aromatic and non-aromatic grape varietals and the winemaking methods that impact how the wines taste. 
October 16: Red Wines Red wines run the gamut between light-bodied and easy drinking, to full-bodied and complex. Join us as we taste different red wines from around the world and discuss the winemaking methods that impact how the wines taste. We’ll also discuss how the various grape varietals impact the wine.

Local Event: Wine Tasting Series on the Porch with Lynda Gaines

Wine Tasting Series on the Porch with Lynda Gaines

Wednesday September 25, 2024: September 25: Sparkling WinesSparkling wines can be made in a variety of ways, from the toasty notes of Cremant to...

Local artist Beth Adoette is coming to Blithewold to share her unique practice of partnering with nature in a monthly workshop series. This workshop offers people the opportunity to unplug and be in the moment while exploring beautiful objects of nature. Please note that nature mandalas are ephemeral and will not be taken home. Photographs are encouraged. High-resolution, edited photographs can be ordered separately at the workshop for an additional fee. 
Class size is limited to 10.
September 25: For the Love of Dahlias
This workshop is all about celebrating dahlias, color, and what these bold flowers may be trying to tell us about ourselves. Come create a beautiful nature mandala with dahlias and other natural objects and contemplate why you are drawn to certain colors or types of dahlias. We will have some fresh-cut dahlias, but you have dahlias to share . . . bring some to share! 
October 23: Rock Stories
Earth is one of the four elements often associated with autumn. In this workshop, we consider rocks which often hold stories and remind us of powerful experiences in our lives. Bring your story. If you have a rock that tells the story, bring it to use in your mandala! (Rocks will also be provided) During discussion time, everyone will have the opportunity to tell their story. Listen to the rocks speak through art and words!
November 20: Family Circles
This mandala workshop is all about acknowledging and honoring the people who make up “family” for us, through blood, love, or kindred spirit. Create a personal work of art that celebrates the people in your life using beautiful nature objects to capture their spirits, represent connection, or simply enlarge your gratitude for their contributions to your life. A beautiful workshop.
December 4: Lavare
In Latin, lavare means “to wash” and is the root of the word of the gentle, beloved, and powerful flower we call lavender. In this workshop, we will create a nature mandala with lavender and other natural objects as we allow our art, nature, and intuition to speak to us about what may need to be washed away for the moment, or for good. Join a group of curious, like-minded people as we explore and experience the power of gentle beauty.

Local Event: Nature Mandala Series with Beth Adoette

Nature Mandala Series with Beth Adoette

Wednesday September 25, 2024: Local artist Beth Adoette is coming to Blithewold to share her unique practice of partnering with nature in a monthly...

Tuesday October 1, 2024: Join us to follow the flow of the seasons in the Blithewold Gardens. Sketchbook journaling combines writing and...

Tuesday October 8, 2024: Experience the peace of Blithewold as the birds do! You will be gently guided through our natural spaces; taking in...

October 9: White Wines Most white wine drinkers have a Go-To white wine that they drink most of the time. Ready to get out of your rut? Join us as we taste different white wines from around the world and see if you can discover a new favorite. We’ll discuss aromatic and non-aromatic grape varietals and the winemaking methods that impact how the wines taste. 
October 16: Red Wines Red wines run the gamut between light-bodied and easy drinking, to full-bodied and complex. Join us as we taste different red wines from around the world and discuss the winemaking methods that impact how the wines taste. We’ll also discuss how the various grape varietals impact the wine.

Wednesday October 9, 2024: October 9: White WinesMost white wine drinkers have a Go-To white wine that they drink most of the time. Ready to get...

Tuesday October 15, 2024: Join us to follow the flow of the seasons in the Blithewold Gardens. Sketchbook journaling combines writing and...

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy Blithewold’s cozy, glassed-in Breakfast Porch as Lynda Gaines leads the way to better understanding and appreciating wines for all occasions.
October 16: Red Wines Red wines run the gamut between light-bodied and easy drinking, to full-bodied and complex. Join us as we taste different red wines from around the world and discuss the winemaking methods that impact how the wines taste. We’ll also discuss how the various grape varietals impact the wine.

Wednesday October 16, 2024: Fall is a perfect time to enjoy Blithewold’s cozy, glassed-in Breakfast Porch as Lynda Gaines leads the way to better...

Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner/intermediate six-class series. Through demonstrations, learn the basics of watercolor tools, color, composition, and paint applications as you learn new techniques and work on developing your inner talent. Individualized instruction will guide each student in creating beautiful watercolor paintings. Mary Ellen is a Signature artist of the RI Watercolor Society and has been teaching for many years.
Maximum of 10 students. Materials not included. These classes are for adults.
Pre-registration is required.

Local Event: Fall Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer

Fall Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen...

Wednesday October 16, 2024: Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner/intermediate six-class series. Through demonstrations, learn...

Fall Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer

The Nature Drawing Class is an opportunity to look at Blithewold’s gardens for inspiration. Working from pictures and found natural objects, the class will focus on rendering color, texture, and design in flora and landscape. Each week a different topic and various drawing techniques will be covered.
The main medium will be colored pencils. Students may bring their own art pencils, but drawing pencils and paper will be provided. Additional materials will be offered for certain techniques. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are encouraged to attend.

Local Event: Nature Drawing at Blithewold

Nature Drawing at Blithewold

Thursday October 17, 2024: The Nature Drawing Class is an opportunity to look at Blithewold’s gardens for inspiration. Working from pictures and...

Local artist Beth Adoette is coming to Blithewold to share her unique practice of partnering with nature in a monthly workshop series. This workshop offers people the opportunity to unplug and be in the moment while exploring beautiful objects of nature. Please note that nature mandalas are ephemeral and will not be taken home. Photographs are encouraged. High-resolution, edited photographs can be ordered separately at the workshop for an additional fee.
Class size is limited to 10. 

October 23: Rock Stories
Earth is one of the four elements often associated with autumn. In this workshop, we consider rocks which often hold stories and remind us of powerful experiences in our lives. Bring your story. If you have a rock that tells the story, bring it to use in your mandala! (Rocks will also be provided) During discussion time, everyone will have the opportunity to tell their story. Listen to the rocks speak through art and words!
November 20: Family Circles
This mandala workshop is all about acknowledging and honoring the people who make up “family” for us, through blood, love, or kindred spirit. Create a personal work of art that celebrates the people in your life using beautiful nature objects to capture their spirits, represent connection, or simply enlarge your gratitude for their contributions to your life. A beautiful workshop.
December 4: Lavare
In Latin, lavare means “to wash” and is the root of the word of the gentle, beloved, and powerful flower we call lavender. In this workshop, we will create a nature mandala with lavender and other natural objects as we allow our art, nature, and intuition to speak to us about what may need to be washed away for the moment, or for good. Join a group of curious, like-minded people as we explore and experience the power of gentle beauty.

Wednesday October 23, 2024: Local artist Beth Adoette is coming to Blithewold to share her unique practice of partnering with nature in a monthly...

The Nature Drawing Class is an opportunity to look at Blithewold’s gardens for inspiration. Working from pictures and found natural objects, the class will focus on rendering color, texture, and design in flora and landscape. Each week a different topic and various drawing techniques will be covered.
The main medium will be colored pencils. Students may bring their own art pencils, but drawing pencils and paper will be provided. Additional materials will be offered for certain techniques. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are encouraged to attend.

Thursday October 24, 2024: The Nature Drawing Class is an opportunity to look at Blithewold’s gardens for inspiration. Working from pictures and...

Join us on the last Tuesday of each month, from September through May, for fun (and educational) hands-on learning at Blithewold!
Indoor and outdoor learning experiences in Science, History, and the Arts complete our curriculum, which aligns with RI, MA, and CT state standards.
Between sessions, there is plenty of time to enjoy a nice picnic or run out some energy on the Great Lawn. Check our website for more information on our monthly themes and activities.
Students are to check in at the Visitor Center and 1 adult chaperone is required to remain on the property until pick up. Please pack a lunch, it will be enjoyed from 11:30 to 12:00. Adult chaperones and younger siblings are welcome to picnic on the Grounds with the students.
The programs are designed for Ages 8 – 13
Class size is limited to 15. Reservations are required.
$5 Members Child/Adult | $4 Additional Member Child
$30 Nonmember Child/Adult | $8 Additional Nonmember child
September 24:
Explore Blithewold’s new bamboo sculpture exhibition and create your own mini nature sculptures
October 29:
Learn about pollinators and create a pollinator hotel for your backyard
November 19:
Learn about seeds and make recycled paper seed balls
January 28:
Learn the ins and outs of planning a vegetable garden with companion plants
February 25:
Learn about owls (this lesson includes owl pellet dissection)
March 25:
Learn about the lives of Household Staff from the 1910s and Afternoon Tea Etiquette
April 29:
Celebrate Arbor Day at Blithewold by learning about tree and leaf identification
May 27:
Learn about cloud types and satellites

Tuesday October 29, 2024: Join us on the last Tuesday of each month, from September through May, for fun (and educational) hands-on learning at...

Thursday October 31, 2024: The Nature Drawing Class is an opportunity to look at Blithewold’s gardens for inspiration. Working from pictures and...

The Nature Drawing Class is an opportunity to look at Blithewold’s gardens for inspiration. Working from pictures and found natural objects, the class will focus on rendering color, texture, and design in flora and landscape. Each week a different topic and various drawing techniques will be covered.
The main medium will be colored pencils. Students may bring their own art pencils, but drawing pencils and paper will be provided. Additional materials will be offered for certain techniques. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are encouraged to attend.

Thursday November 7, 2024: The Nature Drawing Class is an opportunity to look at Blithewold’s gardens for inspiration. Working from pictures and...

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