"Indigent Bohemians"

Edward MacDowell's original studio
MacDowell Colony, Peterborough NH

Last Sunday, I made a delightful journey on back roads to Peterborough NH, home to the MacDowell Colony. Established just over a century ago, MacDowell is an artists' colony on bucolic wooded grounds just outside the center of a quaint little town near Mt. Monadnock. Their annual Medal Day– which features an award given to an artist who has made prolific contributions to his or her field, a picnic lunch, and three hours of open studios hosted by the artists dwelling in them at the time– is the only day each year when the colony is open to the public. Throughout the rest of the year, it provides a haven, and a community, amidst which artists can devote themselves fully and deeply to the creative labor required to bring their ideas and imaginings to life.

This year's awardee, Stephen Sondheim, offered some wonderful reflections on the role of artists and creativity in the life of society, as well as the significance that recognition– be it public or private– of their work's impact and value can have on their own sense of themselves and their creations. Before his brief acceptance speech, several other MacDowell officials shared some remarks on the colony's history, as well as the state of creativity as a social and cultural value. One described a comment made by J.P. Morgan when asked if he'd provide some seed money for the project back around 1906– he flatly refused to provide any funds for what seemed to be a place designed solely to coddle "indigent Bohemians" with little potential lasting benefit to society. Naturally, those present laughed at Mr. Morgan's miscalculation, though I'm sure most were keenly aware of the role that philanthropy and other forms of support provide for many artists.

MacDowell Colony, Peterborough NH

Strolling the colony's wooded paths, stopping at studios to visit and chat with artists, I found myself thinking not only of the "indigent Bohemians" phrase but also of the annual silent retreat that I undertake. In hearing the artists describe their creative processes– experimenting with ideas, trying out designs, passing through cycles of revision and critique– I recognized my own efforts in prayer to refine my sense and practice of faithful discipleship, practical work at whatever assignment I'm given, and the contributions I make to my local community. Having the time to dwell deeply on such questions– especially in a place as lovely and secluded as the MacDowell Colony– is a tremendous gift, and it was clear that these artists were intensely grateful, and eager to invest their talents to inspire and intrigue the society that, at least to some degree, invests in them.

MacDowell Colony, Peterborough NH