Grades 7-12
Social Studies
Arts Appreciation
Marian MacDowell, creator of the MacDowell Colony, has been identified as a "significant figure in American cultural history." She invited her first colonist to Peterborough in 1907, and lived to 1956, when she died at age 98. She had vision and purpose and was a tireless worker, fundraiser and builder for the Colony. Unlike most other late 19th Century colonies which were developed around a charismatic figure, the MacDowell Colony with its rules and routines was the result of a specific plan carried out by Marian and a New York-based board of directors. They developed a colony to provide artists with tranquility and fellowship regardless of social status or income. Artists are chosen with consideration of talent and seriousness of purpose. A common question is: "Who is at MacDowell now who is famous?" and the reply is "We don't know... yet."
Students viewing the History of the Colony episode will recognize the effort it takes to build something worthwhile and lasting through the qualities demonstrated by Marian MacDowell and the support that she gained through the community of Peterborough.
Hold a class discussion or have students write an essay on the pros and cons of "affiliation of the arts." Ask students to do a reflective writing on a task they think is "worthwhile and lasting," and to which they could consider dedicating a lifetime, even if it means "doing without."
Another take on blueberries, lemon and mint from Jacques Pépin.
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Viennese Spirit" waltz.
Cellist Gautier Capuçon plays Camille Saint-Säens' Concerto for Cello No. 1.
This lemon posset is one of Jacques Pépin's simplest recipes.
The Met presents "Don Carlos," Verdi's epic opera of doomed love among royalty.
Jacques Pépin adapted this recipe from his time as a breakfast cook in Paris.
Ed Massey's public art creations bring joy and vibrancy to the landscape of Los Angeles.
Enjoy Vienna Philharmonic's annual summer night concert at Austria's Schönbrunn Palace.
Harry Belafonte speaks about Paul Robeson and Black culture in music.
Jamie Barton (Eboli) sings the Act IV aria in "Don Carlos."
VantaBlack uses public art as a space for healing and social justice in Miami.
Soprano Lise Davidsen brings one of her signature roles to the Met.
Tracey Ullman discusses the joys of working with Mel Brooks.
Denver's endangered murals by Chicano artists reveal a vital and overlooked history.
Kensington finds community and hope through poetry and a new public art installation.
Lise Davidson sings "Es gibt ein Reich," from "Ariadne Auf Naxos."
Papp built a stage on a 35 foot truck so he could bring Shakespeare to other communities.
Meryl Streep was touched, but perplexed when Papp asked her to run the theater.
Joe Papp saved a historic building from demolition, which evolved into The Public Theater.
Explore the life of the legendary singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys.
Baritone Quinn Kelsey portrays the title role of Rigoletto in Verdi's timeless tragedy.
Brian Wilson makes a stop at his high school alma mater.
Jason Fine describes how his friendship with Brian Wilson first started.
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the rehearsal room of "Company."
Baayork Lee discusses starring on Broadway at age 5 and working with Richard Rodgers.
Contemporary art installations address social issues through an immersive experience.
Take an inside look at the reimagined production as it returns to Broadway.
Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys work on "Good Vibrations" in the studio in 1966.
Quinn Kelsey sings Rigoletto's Act II aria "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata."
See musical genius Brian Wilson at work producing his song, "Honeycomb."
Guest artist Annette Kowalski demonstrates the Bob Ross Floral Painting technique.
Bob Ross places a lonesome cabin in the middle of a wintry setting.
Bob Ross captures the undaunted power and charm of a glorious mountain.
Bob Ross teaches us the joy of painting with a bright, colorful sky, trees and a cabin!
Travel with Bob Ross into the silent misty forest and capture the beauty of nature.
Hear the rhythm of the water splashing down at the old mill.
Bob Ross captures the exciting colors of autumn on canvas in this exhibition of trees.
Bob Ross teaches his painting technique to create ocean crashing against rocky coastline.
Bob Ross paints a big old barn half-covered in a snowy setting of frostbitten foliage.
Bob Ross' project is a soft landscape setting at the base of a towering mountain.
Bob Ross paints a waterfall flowing at the foot of a magnificent mountainous glacier.
Just a few colors and brushes are all Bob Ross for this simple monochromatic scene.
A golden sky glowing above radiant trees and bushes on a black canvas.
Madam Ford and Madam Page receive Falstaff's love letters.
Piotr Beczała sings the Duke's Act III aria in "Rigoletto."
This beautiful valley lake will leave you fully rested and at peace with the world!
Bob Ross shares his unique painting technique with a fantastic waterfall on black canvas.
Happen upon a lonely little cabin deep in the dark forest.
The warmth of a lonely cabin in frozen mountain solitude, using only Grey and White.