Since the late 19th century the setting at Weir Farm in Connecticutt has been inspiring artists, and the National Park Service is inviting you to the national historic site this summer to see what your artistic muse can create.

The farm was purchased in 1882 by Julian Alden Weir, at the time a leader in the development of American Impressionism. After he passed on, the artistry at Weir Farm continued under his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and her husband, sculptor Mahonri Young. They, in turn, were followed by New England painters Sperry and Doris Andrews.

Today the 60-acre farm, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios,
barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, is considered to be one of the nation’s finest remaining
landscapes of American art, according to the Park Service.

You can judge that for yourself by visiting the historic site and trying plein air painting. Art supplies -- pastels, water colors, colored pencils and graphite -- will be loaned out at various times in the months ahead to let you capture a view of the farm.

The activities are being offered May through October on the following days:

Thursdays and Fridays

Pastels, graphite, and colored pencils will be available for free from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays

Watercolor supplies will be available for free from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Saturdays a professional artist will provide instruction.

In November, December, and April, art supplies (pastrels, graphite, colored pencils) are available Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.