Watercolor Stories
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Discover the inspiration behind Burchfield’s art through a series of programs that celebrate nature, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Presentations
Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. to noon
Creating a Shade Garden
$10 Members | $15 General Public
Learn how to create a thriving shade garden by choosing the right plants, overcoming common challenges, and designing beautiful small-space landscapes.
Tickets
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to noon
Good Bugs, Bad Bugs…and the Complicated Ones
$10 Members | $15 General Public
Explore the fascinating world of insects and discover which garden visitors help, harm, or play a more complex role in the ecosystem.
TicketsWatercolor Workshops
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1 to 4 p.m.
Plein Air Sketching and Watercolor Painting with Sue Murphy
Central New York Watercolor Society
$40 Members | $50 General Public
Learn plein air watercolor techniques inspired by artists like Charles E. Burchfield. Susan W. Murphy will cover blocking, layering, and adding detail. Materials provided; participants may also bring their own. Ages 16+.
Tickets
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1 to 4 p.m.
Stylized Shapes from Nature with Pamela Lynch
Central New York Watercolor Society
$40 Members | $50 General Public
Paint watercolor compositions inspired by birds and nature with artist Pamela Vogan Lynch. Explore ways to incorporate visual symbols of sound into your artwork. Materials provided; participants may also bring their own. Ages 16+.
Tickets
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1 to 4 p.m.
Surface Pattern Design with Julie Gratien
$40 Members | $50 General Public
Inspired by Charles E. Burchfield’s early work as a wallpaper designer, this workshop introduces the basics of creating repeating patterns for wallpaper, textiles, apparel, and more. Materials provided. Ages 12+.
TicketsWatercolor Stories After-Hours Experiences
Wednesday, July 22, 6 to 8 p.m.
Calligraphy Café with Rachel Bartunek
Almost Local
$45 Members | $55 General Public
Inspired by the writings of Charles E. Burchfield, discover the meditative art of calligraphy. Learn the basics of beautiful lettering for journals, cards, and signs. All supplies and light refreshments are included.
Tickets
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
Quilling Café with Sandie Craven-Griffiths
Cats in the Attic Cards
$35 Members | $45 General Public
Celebrate the natural forms in Charles E. Burchfield’s work in this beginner-friendly quilling class. Create a handmade gift box, tag, greeting card, or canvas piece to keep or share. All supplies and light refreshments are included.
Tickets
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6 to 8 p.m.
Terrarium Workshop: Build Your Own Tiny World with Rachel Stewart
The Plant Stand
$60 Members | $70 General Public
Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike, learn how to layer materials, arrange plants, and style your finished piece while gaining tips for continued care at home. All supplies are included.
TicketsTrips
Wednesday, July 29 | 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Bus Trip to Ganondagan and Sonnenberg Gardens
$155 Members | $175 General Public
Please register by July 22.
Payment is nonrefundable after this date unless the trip is canceled.
Take a magical botanical tour to western New York! Begin the day at Ganondagan State Historic Site and explore Haudenosaunee contributions to art, culture, and society. Then, visit Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, where you’ll enjoy lunch before touring the estate's historic gardens and elegant 19th-century mansion. A tram is available for those with limited mobility. Registration includes transportation, guided tours at both sites, and lunch at the Gardener’s Café.
TicketsOther Programs
Munson Book Club: Whistler
Free
Join fellow readers for a discussion of Whistler by Ann Patchett, a novel that explores art, love, loss, and human connection.
Daytime session:
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Evening session:
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6 to 8 p.m.
Fridays, Aug. 7 to 28, noon
Lunch & Listen
Free
Enjoy live performances of music by composers Charles E. Burchfield admired, paired with readings from his letters to Edward Root. Bring your lunch and enjoy this popular lunchtime series.
