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John Rogers Studio facts for kids

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John Rogers Studio
John Rogers Studio, 10 Cherry Street, New Canaan (Fairfield County, Connecticut).jpg
John Rogers Studio
John Rogers Studio is located in Connecticut
John Rogers Studio
Location in Connecticut
John Rogers Studio is located in the United States
John Rogers Studio
Location in the United States
Location 13 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, Connecticut
Built 1878
Architect Peabody & Stearns
Architectural style Late Victorian
NRHP reference No. 66000881
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP October 15, 1966
Designated NHL December 21, 1965

The John Rogers Studio and Museum is a special place where the famous sculptor John Rogers used to work. He was a very popular American artist in the late 1800s. People even called him "the people's sculptor."

You can find his studio at 13 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, Connecticut. It's part of the New Canaan Historical Society, and they open it for everyone to visit. Inside, you'll see many "Rogers Groups." These are plaster statues that often show two or more people. The museum has been set up to look just like John Rogers's own studio.

Meet John Rogers: The People's Sculptor

John Rogers was known for his unique sculptures. His "Rogers Groups" often showed everyday life scenes. They had a warm, sentimental feeling. Many people compare his style to the later artist Norman Rockwell.

Instead of using expensive bronze or marble, Rogers sculpted with plaster. He painted his statues a putty color to hide dust. This made his art much more affordable for regular families.

A Prolific Artist's Work

Rogers was very busy and popular. During his 33-year career, he made nearly 80,000 copies of his 86 different "Rogers Groups." These statues were found in homes all over the United States. They decorated many Victorian living rooms.

Famous Rogers Groups to See

At the studio, you can see some of his most famous works. One is "The Traveling Magician." It shows a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat for two amazed children. Another popular piece is "The Neighboring Pews." This sculpture captures a quiet moment among people in church. You can also see "Union Refugees," which shows a scene from the Civil War.

The Studio Building: A Historic Place

The studio building itself is quite old and interesting. It was built in 1878. The building has a gable roof and a Gothic-Victorian style.

In 1965, the John Rogers Studio was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important place in American history. To help protect the building and its art, a special grant was given in 2003. This money helped add a climate-control system. It also added an air-filtration system. These systems help keep the building and the sculptures safe for a long time.

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