Arts at The Fells

Artists Weekend: July 19 - 20

Discover the natural beauty and gardens of The John Hay Estate through the eyes of prominent New England artists as they create art en plein air. There will be a silent auction of participating artists on both Saturday and Sunday. Check out the flyer HERE to learn more.

2025 Exhibits Art, Poetry, and Sculpture

Open May 24 through October 19, 2025

2025 Artists

• Deborah Bacon

• Phil Bean

• Debbie Campbell

• Nancy C. Christopher

• Jessica Fligg

• Paula Fraser

• Elizabeth (Betsy) Holmes

• Mary Iselin

• Suzanne Larkham

• Corbett B. Leith

• Molly Leith

• Heidi Lorenz

• Sara Rae

• Chris Reid

• Betsy Carroll Smith

• Charlotte Thiabult

• Ken Thompson

• Liane Whittum

No Finer Place

The Fells Exhibit in the Main Floor Gallery is “No Finer Place”, an inspiring art exhibit that showcases the diverse talents of local artists. The exhibit celebrates the unique tranquility and charm of our landscape and highlights the beauty that attracted John Milton Hay to this corner of New Hampshire.

Capturing a Moment in Time

The Second Floor Gallery, “Capturing a Moment in Time”, features paintings done during previous Artist Weekends. The Fells is a special place with a rich history and artists come to capture the beauty and magic that is The Fells.  

Weddings are held at The Fells and guest love to buy paintings of iconic images painted during Artist Weekend.

Art Works are available for purchase at The Fells Welcome Center.

Art in Nature

Find striking visions through the "Art in Nature” sculpture exhibit. Stroll through The Fells grounds and gardens to view beautiful sculptures using various mediums.

The outdoor showcase will feature works by local and regional artists and is on display throughout the season and is available for purchase.

2025 Sculptors

• Jay Aubertin

• Wendy Klemperer

• Stephen Procter

• Farley Sullivan

Poetry Walk at The John Hay Estate at the Fells

The Poetry Walk is a collaboration between the Newbury Public Library and the John Hay Estate at The Fells. Our mission is to promote a love of poetry and a deeper connection to our natural world, through the installation of 16 poems throughout the landscape of The Fells. To follow the Poetry Walk during your visit to the John Hay Estate at The Fells, find a map at the Visitor’s Kiosk in the upper parking lot. You then follow the map during your walk around the trails and gardens to enjoy the poems.

This poetry installation is rotated annually to reflect the changing times and we welcome your suggestions for future poems. You may contact us at info@thefells.org.

Poem selection and poem placement is done by a committee made up of Lea McBain of The Newbury Public Library, Nancy Marashio, Newbury’s Poet Laureate Dianalee Velie, and Jocelyn Fraser of The Fells.

Events & Workshops

Art in Bloom: July 17-18, 2025

Experience the art of our current Gallery exhibit, through the eyes of talented local floral designers. “In all of nature there can be nothing more expressive than silence,” wrote John Hay. See how these talented florists interpret the painted canvas through innovative floral designs—from a single stem set in the perfect vase to an elaborate arrangement.

Gardening Speaker Series: Bringing It all Home: Garden Photography, Garden Making and the Art of Seeing with Karen Bussolini: July 17

Karen Bussolini garden photographer, writer, speaker, and eco-friendly garden coach. Her six books include The Nature Scaping Workbook: A Step-by-step Guide to Bringing Nature to Your Backyard and The Homeowner’s Complete Tree and Shrub Handbook.

Floral Design Presentation on the Veranda: July 18

Join us for a lovely afternoon demonstration by floral designer Lynne Merrill, as she interprets a painting from the current exhibit. Lynne is a Master Judge in design and horticulture in the National Garden Club. Learn how to select materials and containers and create style, shape, and color.

Plein Air Painting Class with Debbie Campbell: August 15

Try your hand at capturing the beautiful scenery of The Fells onto canvas in this beginner plein air painting class for adults. Led by local artist, Debbie Campbell, this course will cover the basics of plein air painting where artists will learn about color, composition and perspective. Students will learn about oil painting materials, how to mix basic colors, atmospheric perspective, and how to create a good composition. Take advantage of the magnificent landscapes of The Fells grounds and learn about using light and color to create form.

We thank this year’s sponsors: Ralph and Christina Sweetland