In collaboration with CPFA-Artsplace and the Cheshire Historical Society, Friends initiated the commemoration of Cheshire born artist John Frederick Kensett. As a renowned and influential painter of the Hudson River School. He later became a trustee and a founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, traveled extensively painting hundreds of landscapes that currently hang in museums in the state, our country and other countries around the world.

It was our goal to bring this little known artist to the forefront subsequently installing this children’ activity book into the third grade curriculum in Cheshire. Thanks to the assistance of a grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation the project was realized and today the Friends continues the printing of the publication by expanding into museum shops as well. Your purchase will help in keeping this project active.

The book depicts a day in Kensett’s life as a boy passing through what are now considered landmarks of Cheshire. Pen and ink illustrations by artist Tony Ruggiero using local townspeople as models along with a descendant of Kensett, a glossary explaining some of the landmarks and history, short bios of the book’s characters and a list of hidden objects disbursed in every illustration complete the activity book. Price includes shipping.