Weir Farm National Park Welcomes June 2024 Artist-in-Residence

**News Release Submitted by Weir Farm National Historical Park**

May 30, 2024

Stephen Henderson is a fine artist working with mixed media in collage, watercolors, oils and acrylics. His work as an artist has grown out of a long-standing interest in archaeology, art history and the study of cultures and religions from around the world. In each series, sculptural or two-dimensional, Stephen explores a different aspect of this interest. Stephen has been Director of Fine Arts at Quinnipiac University for 21 years and a professor for 30. He has taught a variety of classes - watercolor, painting, drawing - in which landscape art predominates.

“I work in the plein air format, but I add natural materials in the process. Sand, dirt, dried flowers, homemade ink, and other materials are included,” says Stephen. “As a result, my work is abstract in nature but refers to the landscape in which I paint.”

Artist-in-Residence Open Studio Program Saturday June 22, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Stop by the Artist-in-Residence Studio between 11:00 and 12:30 to meet June Artist Stephen Henderson, view his work, and learn more about the Park's Artist-in-Residence program. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Weir Farm. No registration required.

More about June’s Artist-in-Residence

Stephen Henderson holds a BFA in Sculpture from Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, and a MFA in Ceramics from the University of Cincinnati. As Professor of Fine Art and Director at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, Stephen is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Visual Art Program and teaches a variety of studio and lecture courses. Stephen has given a plethora of academic presentations and participates in a variety of professional activities and organizations, including memberships at the College Art Association, American Alliance of Museums, and the Connecticut Watercolor Society. His work has been exhibited nationally for more than 20 years, he has won numerous awards, and is included in a number of collections. Stephen has worked locally around Connecticut as well as in Maine, developing various forms of abstractions in his landscapes. In many of his works, Stephen uses local natural materials to make including making his own paintbrushes, using mud for color and texture, and utilizing plants and other materials for paint and ink colorants. During his residency, Stephen plans to paint en plein air throughout the Park and use sketches and paintings as a starting point for more abstract versions in the studio. He will produce a series of paintings (in various materials) and collages and make many of his own materials.