The number of artists per capita in the Monadnock Region rivals that of many large American cities. Many famous names have graced our area. Robin Williams filmed “Jumanji” in Keene, award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns lives in Walpole, and Peterborough’s MacDowell has housed the likes of Leonard Bernstein and Thornton Wilder. The creativity generated by locals from this region is truly remarkable, and autumn is the best time of year to appreciate art from local artists. 

Artists don’t just come to live in the Monadnock Region; they come to thrive in it. Around every corner in every town is a world-class artist creating something special. And when the air turns crisp and the foliage comes alive with color, locals and visitors alike feel inspired to seek out the artists who make such beautiful contributions to our home. 

As October is the best month of the year to celebrate local artists, we thought it would be a good idea to share exactly how you can support the creative sector during this time of year (and always). But first, a short history lesson…

Art in the Monadnock Region 

The Monadnock Region has been attracting artists for well over 100 years. Many famous painters, including Rockwell Kent, George DeForest Brush, and Abbott Thayer, have taken inspiration from Mount Monadnock and the surrounding area. Most importantly, however, is that they did a lot more than just paint the region. They decided to make this corner of New Hampshire their permanent home, inspiring generations of fellow artists to follow suit. 

Over the decades, organizations, like MacDowell, Monadnock Art, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Arts Alive!, and the Walpole Artisans Cooperative were formed as a way of providing support to local artists. These committed collectives play a big role in the region’s reputation as a place for artists to live and work, a tradition that continues to this very day. 

Local Art Today 

In fall, it’s hard to drive one of the region’s winding roads without coming across an artist taking advantage of the grand scenery. Painters stand at their easels, looking out across ponds or farm fields. Photographers snap pictures of the famous mountain or abundant wildlife. Potters craft ceramics inspired by the local landscape. And the list goes on.

While there’s no shortage of art here in the Monadnock Region, the most wonderful thing about all of it is that it is 100% accessible to everyone. No matter where you go in the region, there’s local art available for you to admire or buy. You can find it in local galleries, individual studios, or unique destinations, like the Hannah Grimes Marketplace. Now, we said that fall is the best time of year for you to find art from local artists. Here’s why… 

How You Can Support Local Artists 

Fall really is the best time of the year to come and celebrate local Monadnock artists. And the second weekend in October hosts some spectacular events. The first is an Open Studio Tour presented by Monadnock Art. This self-guided tour allows visitors to travel directly to where the local artists are creating. It could be a public studio space or a home studio. Numbered road signs and maps point visitors in the right direction, bringing them into contact with some of the region’s best artists. It’s a great opportunity to get an inside peek at how incredible regional art is made. 

Then there is the Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour. This operates on the same premise as the Monadnock Art Open Studio Tour, only most of the 25 artists represented are primarily based in Greater Keene. Visit potters, painters, videographers, and photographers with no pressure to purchase. The goal is to simply appreciate and get to know the local creatives who infuse this region with arts and culture. Whether that means taking home a painting or simply thanking an artist for their work, it means a lot.

Recruiting is something of an art form, isn’t it? We like to think so. Instead of painting a beautiful picture, we’re painting the region with talented job seekers looking for their dream careers. If you’d like to become part of our masterpiece, call us today at (603) 358 1000. One of our talented Staffing Managers can help connect you with the career of a lifetime!