The Manship Artists Residency is an historic and environmentally significant site – a local treasure with international significance. The Manship Artists Residency is unique in being able to offer artists a chance to work and live in community with their peers and colleagues. One exciting aspect of this model is the possibility of inviting national and international artists and other cultural leaders to stay at the Manship residence, known as Starfield, while working with local artists.
Facilities and Grounds
Starfield consists of an historic home with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, a great room for entertaining and sharing fellowship, as well as a large, eat-in kitchen with vintage elements that add charm. The historic ox barn originally served as a large sculpture studio and exhibition space for Paul Manship’s monumental and domestic-scale sculpture, a suitable usage that has been retained in the large open gallery space. The barn gallery offers exhibition space, and also provides an intimate setting for small gatherings and events.
Similarly, the garden and surrounding landscape at Starfield is used both for providing inspiration for resident artists and for hosting a range of outdoor programming, including public programming and Prometheus Circle events, as well as Outside @ Manship, the program created in response to the need for outdoor creative space during the COVID19 pandemic.
Paul Manship first visited Cape Ann in 1915 and was immediately drawn to the unique landscape and vibrant artistic community. At the suggestion of friend and painter Leon Kroll, Manship returned to Cape Ann in 1940, using it as a summer residence for the remainder of his life. This return marked the beginning of a multi-generational relationship between the Manship family and the Cape Ann artist community.
In addition to providing a tranquil environment and access to local artists studios, the Manship Residency also offers residents use of an Acorn Press, a historic printing press that once belonged to a Manship relative who was a Folly Cove Designer.
