For over a century, the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set has transformed the stage of the Plainfield Village Town Hall into a woodland scene of luminous color, shifting light, and living history. This three-dimensional stage set is one of the last remaining painted sceneries from the early 20th century, and we’re working to ensure it survives for the generations to come.
About Maxfield Parrish
A Beloved American Painter and Illustrator
Maxfield Parrish (1870–1966) was one of America’s most celebrated artists, admired for his luminous landscapes, imaginative illustrations, and the signature “Parrish blue” skies that defined his style. A longtime resident of Plainfield and a member of the renowned Cornish Art Colony, Parrish brought his artistic brilliance not only to national magazines and fine art galleries but also to his own community. His connection to Plainfield left behind a legacy unlike any other — the hand-painted Stage Set inside the Town Hall.
About the Stage Set
A One-of-a-kind Masterpiece
Commissioned in 1916, the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set transformed the Plainfield Village Town Hall into what was once called “the most beautiful stage north of Boston.” Parrish’s design featured a woodland scene backdrop with Mount Ascutney rising in the distance, surrounded by six painted wings, three overhead drapes, and theatrical lighting that could shift from dawn to dusk. Unlike the typical stock scenery of its time, this was a one-of-a-kind work of art created by a world-renowned artist for his community. More than a century later, it survives as one of the only stage sets of its kind in the nation — and a treasure worth preserving.
Follow Our Journey
Support the Preservation
Be Part of the Legacy
Generations before us have cared for this historic art treasure since 1916. Now it’s our turn. Together, we can ensure the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set continues to inspire audiences, performers, community gatherings, and visitors for another hundred years.
