Edison & Ford Winter Estates

The art program at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is an extension of the interests of the Edison and Ford families and the historic site Mina Miller Edison (wife of Thomas) and her family were involved in the Chautauqua Institute, which her father started. The Chautauqua Movement spread throughout America engaged communities with many famous artists, authors and leaders. Henry and Clara Ford created Greenfield Village in Michigan where they collected important American art and craft.

Each December the Edison Caretaker's House becomes "The Creative Cottage" where southwest Florida artists display and sell their work. Creative Cottage Artists teach and work at the Estates and their work reflects their love of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 'old Florida,' and the Edison and Ford legacy. During the year their work is on display for sale in the Estates Museum Store and Ford Cottage Shoppe with proceeds benefiting the Estates Education Program.

Additional art programs offered throughout the year include, "Art in the Garden" where Lee County students create an environmentally interactive artwork exhibit using recycled materials to make life-like garden art; "Art in Bloom" an exhibit of art and floral design; Black Maria Film Festival, various music and dance programs, Annual Clothesline Quilt Show, classes and workshops.

The Estates' art programs began at the interest of the schools and individuals to include the arts in the overall program of the Estates.  The Edison and Ford families were supportive of the arts and the Estates arts program is an array of their interests.