Artist in Residence

Writer in Residence

Community Artist

Bernheim's Sculpture Collection

Nature-inspired art has been a part of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest from its founding. Isaac Wolfe Bernheim believed that love of nature and love of art could go hand-in-hand, and he saw the institution he established as a venue for high-quality artistic expression. Along with the nature inspired sculptures, paintings and other works that dot the landscape and adorn our public buildings, Bernheim’s diverse nature-inspired arts programs provide exhibits, classes, and workshops to help make art more available to our visitors.

Bernheim has a collection of sculpture on the grounds throughout the arboretum. There are also pieces scattered throughout the natural forest for visitors to happen upon and experience on their own. These were created by Bernheim's Artist in Residence recipients over the past 20 years, and are always a pleasant surprise.

Bernheim provides up to two fellowships each year to artists: Artist in Residence and Writer in Residence. This program, begun in the early 80s with Bernheim’s first recipient Paul Fields, and generously supported by local philanthropist Henry Heuser, Jr., has grown and is now funded by Bernheim descendant Jon Burnham. The I.W. and Jon Burnham Art Project allows recipients of either program to live at Bernheim for up to three months, with access to Bernheim's natural environment from which they draw inspiration for their work. The living quarters are provided in exchange for an exhibit of works created during the residency, participation in public programs and also a donation of one or more pieces or writings to the Bernheim Foundation.

Executive Director Dr. Mark K. Wourms and our Arts Advisory Committee along with our Board of Trustees are developing sustainable guidelines to ensure that the rich history of the arts and all related programs continue forward, for the benefit and encouragement of creative individuals and all visitors alike.