Emily Dickinson Rendered brings together ten artists who have immersed themselves in the poet’s life and writings to create artwork that is inspired by her active, tactile relationship with nature. Emily Dickinson (1830 - 1886) fits in easily at Wave Hall, a place that is cherished for its intimacy and innovation. What fascinates is not just her poetry, but her example as an artist who was shaped by her surroundings, and who defied convention in order to create.

Emily Dickinson’s ease with nature was not unusual for her time but her interpretations are singular and idiosyncratic. Referencing these characteristics, Brece Honeycutt’s project invites visitors to stroll through the gardens and recognize plants that Dickinson wrote about. When the plants are not at peak interest in the Flower and Wild Gardens the copper labels are on view in Wave Hill House. While Dickinson spent her life in Amherst, MA, projects by Francis Cape, Stacy Levy and Meridith McNeal transport her presence to Wave Hill, exploring the reclusive writer's relationship to the world beyond her window. Eileen Neff’s constructed photograph is part musing, part homage, and sensory installations by Miranda Maher and Marina Zurkow explore Dickinson’s ardent individuality.

Specific poems are a springboard for paintings by Peter Edlund, sculpture by Lesley Dill, and works on paper by Valerie Hammond. We invite you to (re)discover the poems of Emily Dickinson during your visit. The artwork labels indicate the first line and poem number for the pieces that were inspired by specific poems. These poems can be found in a notebook at the reception desk.

The 2007 season at Wave Hill features three exhibitions that explore 19th-century American writing about nature through the lens of contemporary art. The influence of 19th-century notions about nature is felt throughout Wave Hill: in the landscape, architecture, and views of the Palisades, which are the result of the Perkins family’s preservation efforts. Visit again this summer for Thoreau Reconsidered and for special projects about Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain in the fall.

We extend our grateful appreciation to each artist for embracing Emily Dickinson to create the artworks exhibited here, and to George Adams Gallery, New York, NY; Larry Becker Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA; David Brunicardi, Oakland, CA; Figureworks, Brooklyn, NY; Locks Gallery, Philadelphia, PA; Claude McNeal, Indianapolis, IN; Brenda McNeal, Trumbull, CT; MPercent Gallery, Cleveland, IL; and Murray Guy, New York, NY, for loaning works.

Public Programs

March 4, 2-4pm, It’s in the Bag! , Adult Art Workshop led by Meridith McNeal, create paper handbag portraits.

March 31, 2pm, Garden Lecture with Marta McDowell, horticulturist and author of Emily Dickinson’s Gardens: A celebration of a poet and gardener.

April 15, 1-4pm, Emily Dickinson opening reception. Meet the artists and curators.

April 21, 2pm, Emily Dickinson’s Plants, Garden Tour with Garden Interpreter Charles Day and artist Brece Honeycutt.

April 21& 22, 1-4pm, Plants and Prints, Family Art Project led by Valerie Hammond, print with leaves and flowers to evoke the feeling for nature in Emily Dickinson’s poetry.

May 5 & 6, 1-4pm, Meridith McNeal. Furnish a miniature room with objects made from natural materials.

May 20, 2pm, Exhibition Tour with Curator Jennifer McGregor and exhibiting artists.

Principal funding for the Visual Arts Program is provided by the Stephen and Cathy Weinroth Charitable Trust. Additional support is provided by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the Greenwall Foundation, the Hess & Helyn Kline Foundation, Target Corporation, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts—a state agency. Sustaining support for Wave Hill is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Arts at Wave Hill are sponsored by