Once Paul Manship’s summer residence and studio, the Starfield estate has been saved and repurposed with a mission and in the spirit envisioned by the original artist who first developed this natural retreat.
Starfield is a local treasure with international significance.
Preservation
Conservation
After Manship’s son and daughter-in-law passed with no immediate heirs to inherit the property, the Manship Artists Residency was created with the mission to purchase the property in order to preserve and conserve the buildings and land that made up the Manship estate.
In 2017, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) identified the Manship Artists Residency as a model for how to activate and protect a significant historic site in a creative and sustainable way.
NTHP graciously provided advice and guidance throughout the process of acquiring the property and as we approached overdue renovation projects. The facilities at Manship had suffered from deferred maintenance, and important repairs and updates were needed before the Manship Artists Residency could launch.
The first phase of renovations took place from Winter 2018 through Spring 2019, after which the first residents were able to stay and work on-site. This initial phase involved bringing city water to the house, safety improvements, and basic cosmetic repairs. The house is now in good shape, still there is still work to be done and further phases of renovation to the residence and facilities are planned.
The success of this first phase of renovations was recognized by the Gloucester Historic Commission with an Adaptive Reuse Preservation Award, as well as by the Mass Cultural Council with designation as a finalist for the Commonwealth Award. This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of the Manship Artists Residency’s donors, in particular the Prometheus Circle, as well as the selfless participation and hard work of over 100 volunteers who pitched in and made the Manship Artists Residency a reality.
Join us in continuing the artistic and creative legacy of Starfield.
Your gift today will support the preservation of this local treasure with international significance.
The Manship Artists Residency is often engaged in a number of current restoration projects, and it continues to plan the next phase of development.
The Manship Artists Residency is presently undertaking specific projects that have received support from the Mass Cultural Council, such as the restoration of the Garden Gazebo and a small studio, as well as the creation of a walking path into Manship’s white pine forest. Just as the buildings and man-made structures are historic and significant, the natural setting is tremendously important, and its care and protection is an essential component of the Manship mission.
The Manship Artists Residency is currently engaged in a strategic planning process to identify and chart the next phase of renovations and upgrades which will involve recreating artist work spaces, an exhibition gallery, and performance space in the Manship barn. The outbuildings and natural setting at Starfield will also be part of this plan as we steward this property, increase accessibility, and enhance this legacy for future generations.
Current preservation projects.
Conserving land as Paul Manship envisioned.
In keeping with the legacy of Starfield, the Manship Artists Residency is dedicated to land stewardship and is engaged in a number of ongoing efforts.
