Woodwork

Chaim Gross
The Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation preserves and interprets the historic home, studio, and art collections of renowned American sculptor Chaim Gross and his wife Renee. The Grosses purchased the Foundation’s Greenwich Village building in 1962, renovating the industrial space into a modernist home and ground floor sculpture studio. In addition to being a prolific artist, Gross was also a collector, educator, and designer. Gross worked with two architects, Arthur Malsin and Don Reiman, on the 1962-63 Modernist renovations of the LaGuardia Place building. Included in the design decisions made by Gross are the end-grain floor in the studio and oak handrails in the stairwell. He collected widely and the Foundation preserves and interprets his collections. Gross collected African, American, European, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and decorative arts. He also amassed an extensive art history library.




Sam Maloof
Woodworker Sam Maloof is best-known for creating elegantly shaped and sculpted California Modern art furniture, but his hand-made home is perhaps his most extraordinary work of art. In a visit to the Maloof, one sees the work of a celebrated American craftsman, and experiences his mastery of light, color, and materials that create a beautiful, serene and inspirational residential environment. Visitors discover Maloof’s own work and his art collections, his gardens, and the natural landscape that inspired his greatest work.
Frederick Childe Hassam
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Elmer MacRae
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Theodore Robinson
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John Henry Twachtman
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Julian Alden Weir
The Bush-Holley House features two distinct time periods – the New Nation (1790-1825), when it was owned by a wealthy merchant, and its later life as a boarding house and home to the Cos Cob art colony (1890-1920). The house displays art and furnishings from both eras. The artists of the “Cos Cob Clapboard School,” as Childe Hassam dubbed it, found inspiration in the atmospheric old house.
Albin Polasek
This Mediterranean-style residence and studio of internationally known Czech-American sculptor, Albin Polasek, features classical busts, decorative works, and grand sculptures displayed in several rooms and in the sculpture gardens. The historic home, chapel, gardens, and temporary exhibition gallery are open to the public. Our story, although it is Albin Polasek’s story, resonates with every visitor on an intimate level. It is one of perseverance, determination, passion and the American Dream. Our mission is to enrich lives by sharing our story, our setting and our art.
Wharton Esherick
Wharton Esherick is considered one of the most important furniture designers of the twentieth century. His home and studio, built and expanded over a period of 40 years, reflects the Esherick’s evolving style, from Arts & Crafts to the Studio Furniture Movement. Left as it was when he lived and worked there, the complex of buildings display Esherick’s genius for designing for human comfort, enjoyment, and use. Esherick considered his studio his autobiography. Visitors interact with the space and touch the wooden sculpture and furniture.