Alpha Chi Omega: The MacDowell Colony

The Founders of Alpha Chi Omega were not only music students; these real, strong women also appreciated the fine arts like none other.  One of AXO’s early members, Marian Nevins McDowell, worked with her husband, Edward (who is arguably America’s first great composer) to create a community on their New Hampshire farm “where artists could work in an ideal place in the stimulating company of peers.”

Because of this connection, the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation has been a longtime supporter of the Star Studio at the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, NH.  (Moreover, the Star Studio was built in 1911 with funds from AXO & was the Fraternity’s first altruistic project.)    In addition, the Foundation supports Alpha Chi Omega fellowships in honor of Fay Barnaby Kent for professional artists & writers who need financial aid to study at the MacDowell Colony!!

AXO, besides being a Fraternity of real, strong women, has always shown its heartfelt appreciation for the fine arts.  What better way to keep that support of the fine arts going steadfast & strong than through its support of the MacDowell Colony!!

Alpha Chi Omega: Places In The Heart

When I toured Alpha Chi Omega’s Headquarters back on March 4, not only did I have the time of my life but I also came away knowing so much more about Alpha Chi than I ever did.  Of course, my timeless journey at AXO HQ had plenty of highlights as well, the latest of which I’ll share in this post:  The MacDowell Colony. 

Back in 1896, Edward & Marian MacDonnell bought a farm in Peterborough, NH; they spent their summers there working in a peaceful setting.  Edward produced more & better music during his time in Peterborough;  a short while later, he would fall prematurely & gravely ill.  It was during his illness where he told his wife that he wished to give other artists the same creative experience under which he produced some of his best work.

So prior to his passing in 1908, Marian set about fulfilling her husband’s wish to make a community on their property where artists could work with plenty of inspiration to guide them.  Under her leadership, the MacDowell Colony’s support increased, most of the 32 studios were built & the artistic program really began taking off.   Until her death in 1956, Marian traveled nationwide, furthering public awareness about the Colony’s mission & giving lecture-recitals to raise funds for its preservation.  (Popular writers & composers who have been at the Colony include Alice Walker, Alice Sebold, Willa Cather & Thornton Wilder just to name a few.)

Alpha Chi Omega’s presence in the MacDowell Colony cannot be overlooked; Marian was a honorary Alpha Chi herself.  Yet here’s what makes things all the more special:  ever since Alpha Chi Omega built Star Studio in 1911, the Fraternity & the AXO Foundation have kept on in its support of the Colony in their efforts to sustain the arts.  Even now, real & strong women are d0ing their part to keep the arts alive, doing their part to keep a truly good thing going at the MacDowell Colony.

One’s tour through the AXO Headquarters wouldn’t be quite the same – much less complete – without knowing more about the MacDowell Colony:  It’s a testimony to a Fraternity doing its part to sustain the fine arts; it’s also a testimony to real, strong women staying committed to their musical heritage & roots.