MacDowell Medal Day— June 29
Images above captured by me over the years
An Invitation
Each summer, I return to MacDowell for a day that lives quietly in my heart—MacDowell Medal Day, the one time each year the public is invited to explore this remarkable artist residency tucked into the woods of Peterborough, New Hampshire.
This year, we’ll gather under the big white tent on the grounds of MacDowell for a special celebration honoring Alfredo Jaar, an extraordinary visual artist, architect, and filmmaker. He will receive the 65th Edward MacDowell Medal, joining a legacy of artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Toni Morrison, and last year’s honoree, Yoko Ono.
What to Expect
Here’s how the day unfolds:
12:15 PM – Medal Ceremony (under the tent)
1:15 PM – Picnic lunch (bring your own or purchase here)
2:00–4:00 PM – Open studios across MacDowell’s 450-acre woodland campus
Studios will be open to visitors, and artists-in-residence will share glimpses of their work in progress. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day—walking the woodland paths, stepping into quiet studios, and witnessing the creative process up close.
Why It Matters to Me
MacDowell is where something shifted in me years ago. I was standing on the porch of a studio, watching the light filter through the trees. A bicycle leaned nearby, and everything felt still. That moment shaped how I imagined Tahilla Farm—not just as a home, but as a space to reflect, create, and connect with others in quiet, meaningful ways.
Now, through Tahilla Gatherings and this growing circle of Tahilla Friends, I find myself returning again and again to that light.
Want to join me?
If you’ve always wanted to visit MacDowell, now’s your chance. And if you're a regular like me, I hope to see you there.
MacDowell Medal Day
Sunday, June 29, 2025
100 High Street, Peterborough, NH
Free and open to the public, rain or shine
Details here
If you’re coming, let me know—I’d love to say hello, or share a picnic blanket if the moment feels right.
With warmth,
Jeanne
P.S. There’s also a Benefit the night before under the tent, with dinner, music, and dancing—if you’d like to support MacDowell in a deeper way. You can read about that here:
👉 An Evening Beneath the Tent →
