Kimball-Jenkins 'School Of Art' Going Strong With Summer Classes

The Kimball-Jenkins estate was originally settled by John Kimball in 1766, ten years before the American Revolution. Referred to by Concord locals as “The Mansion,” this beautiful brick and granite house features ornate woodwork, marble fireplaces and frescoed ceilings. It is an outstanding example of Victorian Architecture, and considered by many to be the heart of the Kimball-Jenkins estate.

The name comes from the estate’s original owner and Walter Jenkins, who married John Kimball’s descendant Louise Kimball and thus has his name forever associated with the estate. They had one child, a daughter named Carolyn Kimball-Jenkins, would go on to become a patron of the arts, studying playwriting and short stories, as well as directing, acting and singing. She was a performing arts aficionado, doing stints as an actress, director, producer, costume designer and property mistress. Carolyn returned to Concord after many years away, after the death of her mother and to care for her elderly father, immersing herself with five Community plays, and serving on the Theater Advisory Board of New Hampshire Commission on the Arts, the Advisory Board of the American Stage Festival and the Board of the Community Players. She was directing her sixth play when she passed on April 28th, 1981. As the last heir of the Kimball-Jenkins line, she left the estate in trust as a gift to the people of Concord, with the condition that is be used for cultural and education purposes, including the “encouragement of art.” And thus the highly acclaimed “School of Art” at Kimball-Jenkins was born.

One particular teacher at Kimball-Jenkins, Rebecca Darling, consented to a brief interview via email, regarding an upcoming workshop at the school.

1. What is this class, precisely, that you will be teaching soon?

I will be teaching a workshop called Developing a Series in the Watercolor Landscape.

2. Who are you teaching? Young adults, children, older adults, a mix, etc.?

The class is for adults who have had some experience with watercolors and who are intensely interested in the landscape or outdoors as a subject. I will be working with studensts helping them identify themes that are important to them and then teaching them ways to develop a series of paintings from the landscape subject of their choice.

3. When will this class be taking place? Is it a regular thing, or something special?

The class will be held Tues. Wed. Thurs. Aug. 25,26,27 from 10 AM - 4 PM each day. This is a special, intensive class offered in the summer. It gives students a chance to immerse themselves in the Watercolor Landscape with like minded people.

4. How does it feel to be working in one of the most notable and beautiful buildings in Concord?

I love working at the Kimball Jenkins Estate. The surroundings are so inspiring and students have the option to work indoors or out.

5. Why did you choose this line of work?

I loved art as a child and it was a natural progression for me to continue that love into adulthood. My parents asked that I also get a teaching degree in Art and I have been teaching and creating art ever since.

For more information go to KimballJenkins.com.