Chandor Gardens Foundation

The focus of the Chandor Gardens Foundation is to preserve the heritage of the Gardens and work with the City of Weatherford to further develop the Chandor property, in keeping with Douglas Chandor's artistic vision.

Douglas Chandor was one of the great portrait artists of the 20th Century.  Five of his paintings are on display in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.  His portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt is displayed in the White House, and his coronation portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, graces the British Embassy in Washington, DC.

His passion for gardening and his artistry intertwined to be beautifully expressed in the gardens he created and named White Shadows. After the untimely death of Douglas in 1953, his wife, Ina, paid tribute to him by changing the name to Chandor Gardens.

Today, Chandor Gardens is a destination unto itself. It is the location of joyous events, memory-making occasions, and pleasant wanderings.

FEATURED SPECIAL PROJECTS

Steinway & Sons Model M Chippendale Style Walnut Piano for Chandor Gardens 

We are excited that we are the proud owners of an exquisite 1979 Steinway & Sons Model M Chippendale style walnut piano, just like Ina Chandor's original piano. The piano arrived at Chandor Gardens on Feb 1, 2024, and now has a permanent home in the Great Room.

Thank you so much to; all those who personally donated to this project as well as the following; Parker County Historical Society for a $5,000 grant, Weatherford College sponsored concert by Dr Song & Mr Sanders, and the two very successfull Secret Gardens of Parker County Tours in 2023 and 2024 put on by the Friends of Chandor Gardens members. 

The fundraising goal for this project was $45,000 which included; the 1979 Steinway & Sons Model M Chippendale piano, matching Chippendale piano bench, spider dolly, as well as delivery and set up at Chandor Gardens. By June 5, 2024, we were able to pay off the bank loan thanks to a community of supporters who believed in this project.  

For more details about this project: CLICK HERE 

SNAPSHOT OF UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:        

Sedici Strings "Live at Chandor Gardens!" - Tuesday, September 16, 2025 

Chandor Gardens Foundation is excited to bring another exquisite evening of up-close and personal chamber music!

Chandor Gardens Foundation is pleased to bring Sedici Strings (16 Strings, in Italian), comprised of world-class musicians; Jennifer Betz (violin), Molly Baer (violin), Dmitry Kustanovich (viola), and Allan Steele (cello), all members of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, to the Great Room of Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, TX on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

For this concert Sedici Strings will be performing Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms string quartets.

The concert tickets include a complimentary pre-concert reception from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Come enjoy this superb chamber music concert performed by four exceptional artists in the intimate atmosphere of the Great Room at Chandor Gardens.

For more details about the program and artists - CLICK HERE

Seating is limited, as such this event is expected to sell out early.

Tickets - $55 (includes wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Friends of Chandor Gardens Meeting - September 17, 2025 @ 11:00 AM, Chandor Gardens 

Mark your calendar, and plan to attend the Friends of Chandor Gardens meeting on Wednesday, September 17 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Great Room at Chandor Gardens.

A special "Morning Tea Party - Mix and Mingle" will be provided from 11:00-11:30 where you will be able to indulge in a delightful selection of teas, delicious treats and enchanting company. For those who may have a "fascinator hat" stashed away and/or a floral outfit feel free to wear your English garden tea party inspired attire (regular casual attire is of course always perfectly fine), to enhance the feeling of having been transported to England and thus setting the mood for guest speaker Karen Kennedy's presentation "English Tea & Gardens: Touring England"

Our guest speaker Karen Kennedy has made many trips to England over the years with the specific objective of touring as many English gardens as possible each time. Karen will be providing an overview of her trip planning process and tips she has learned as a solo woman traveler. She will also show a selection of photos she has taken of the stunning gardens, floral displays and historic architecture.

If you are a garden lover or just an armchair traveler, come for a cuppa tea and light bite English style, and be vicariously transported to some beautiful English gardens.

This is a FREE event and everyone is WELCOME!

Wine & Music: Pianist Carter Johnson - Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Chandor Gardens

Experience an unforgettable salon concert with pianist Carter Johnson, one of today’s most exciting rising stars in classical music. Fresh from making history as the first Canadian finalist at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, winner of the 2025 Dublin International Piano Competition, and winner of the 2023 Weatherford College International Piano Competition. Johnson brings his brilliant artistry, warm stage presence, and deeply communicative playing to the beautiful and intimate Great Room of Chandor Gardens on the evening of Thursday, October 2. Johnson has captivated audiences worldwide — now it’s your turn to be mesmerized.

This is a rare chance to hear an artist at the very forefront of his career. Johnson’s concerts are captivating journeys, where music comes alive with storytelling, passion, and brilliance. Be part of a transformative musical experience with one of the most talked-about pianists of his generation. Seating is limited so secure your tickets today.

For more details about this event and performer - CLICK HERE

Tickets are $35 (selection of wine and beer included)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Wine & Words: Dave Lieber- AMON! The Ultimate Texan - Friday, October 3, 2025 at Chandor Gardens

Chandor Gardens Foundation is excited to present the next installment of the ongoing Wine & Words Speaker Series with writer, story teller and humorist Dave Lieber speaking about his play and companion book AMON! The Ultimate Texan on Friday, October 3, 2025 in the Great Room of Chandor Gardens at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm).

Dave Lieber wrote AMON! The Ultimate Texan the story of “Mr. Fort Worth”, one of the most amazing Texans who ever lived. Born in a log cabin and with only an eighth-grade education, Amon G. Carter Sr (1879 – 1955) became Texas’ most powerful media overlord. Presidents put up with him because he owned the largest newspaper, radio and television station in Texas. He had a big heart, but a bigger sense for business and for the future. He was one of a kind and the play the companion book – brings the story of this remarkable Texan back to life.

Dave Lieber is a masterful story teller, funny, engaging and one of Texas’ most popular speakers!

The book AMON! The Ultimate Texan will be available for purchase at this event and Dave will be available to sign copies after the presentation.

For more details about this event and speaker - CLICK HERE

Tickets $35 (includes wine & beer)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Friends of Chandor Gardens Members Activity: Lunch & Learn at Dove Ridge Vineyard & Winery - Wed, October 15, 2025

The next Friends of Chandor Gardens members activity will a private lunch and learn at Dove Ridge Vineyard & Winery located at 6060 Tucker Dr, Weatherford, TX 76085 [off of the Azle Highway, approx.12.5 miles from downtown Weatherford] on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Dove Ridge Vineyard & Winery produces boutique wines from exclusively Texas sourced grapes. They bring unique and complex flavors into their wines, making each bottle a memorable experience. Dove Ridge Winery produces various varieties of wine, including Tempranillo, Marsanne, Petite Sirah, Vermentino and Sangiovese under their own private label. 

We will meet at the Tasting Room and have a speaker tell us about the vineyard and the wines followed by lunch. 

For more complete details, including menu - CLICK HERE

This will be an excellent opportunity to see and learn about this unique business that is right here in Parker County and to have time to just socialize and enjoy each other's company. 

Space is limited, as such this is a MEMBERS ONLY event.

If you want to participate in this activity please RSVP and advice what you wish to order for lunch (menu options can be found by clicking the link above) by Friday, October 10, 2025 with Nancy Wester - (call or text) 972-746-6078 

Friends of Chandor Gardens Special Evening Meeting (Kick off to Christmas) - November 20, 2025 @ 6:30 PM

Friends of Chandor Gardens members mark your calendars, and plan to attend the Friends of Chandor Gardens "Kick off to Christmas Season" members event on November 20 @ 6:30 PM in the great room at Chandor Gardens. 

This special evening event features guest speakers Duane & Donna Patrick at 7:00 PM sharing their experiences "Farming Christmas Trees & Pink Chicken Wine" as owners of Sunset Hill Tree Farm (Alvarado, TX) and Pollo Rosa Vineyard and Winery (Cleburne, TX). Duane & Donna both have a love of growing things. 

Duane has also written and illustrated a childrens (adults like it to) book titled The Leaner, which tells the true tale of an unsuual tree that, despite being unwanted for years, ultimately fulfills a special purpose. Duane will have copies of his book available for purchase.

There will be festive refreshments and snacks, games and prizes. 

The Chandor house will be decorated for the Christmas season with over 10 trees and a Christmas village. 

Space is limited, as such this is a MEMBERS ONLY event.  

Danny Wright "A Glorius Christmas" Live at Chandor Gardens! - Thursday, December 11, 2025

Chandor Gardens Foundation is honored to again host "piano sensation" Danny Wright in concert Thursday,  December 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M in the Great Room of Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, TX. Concert tickets included complimentary pre-concert wine and lite hors d’oeuvres from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

For this very special Christmas concert Danny Wright will be featuring a number of songs from his last Christmas album of his career A Glorious Christmas (2023). This album features holiday standards including Joy to the World/Canon in D, as well as Where are you Christmas from the popular holiday movie Polar Express. The album, A Glorious Christmas, showcases his knack for transforming holiday classics into serene melodies.

The Fort Worth Texas native Danny Wright states “A Glorious Christmas features 12 beautiful arrangements and medleys, as well as a few originals. The tones in the music are unique and artistic. This is probably my favorite holiday album I have ever recorded.” He also states “God’s music is needed in this world, and I pray that this last Christmas album of my very long career touches the hearts and souls of everyone who hears it.”

To round out the evening Danny will select a few songs from his many other Christmas albums; Remembering Christmas (1989), Just Wright For Christmas (1992),  Christmas by Candlelight (1998), An Intimate Christmas (2004), Merry Christmas (2012), and Christmas Time is Here (2013). 

For more details about the program and performer - CLICK HERE

Tickets: $55  (includes complimentary pre-concert wine/beer and lite hors d’oeuvres)

*** Tickets will go on sale in October ***

Friends of Chandor Gardens Meeting - January 21, 2026 @ 11:00 AM, Chandor Gardens 

 “A bonsai tree can be understood as a physical sculpture, a stationary image, yet its very being as a living tree is ephemeral like a performance or a dance.”  Ricardo Nagaoka

Mark your calendar, and plan to attend the Friends of Chandor Gardens meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Great Room at Chandor Gardens.

Mix and mingle time will you from 11:00 to 11:30, and then our guest speaker Dave Manuel, an avid bonsai enthusiast for the last 35 years and who actively cultivates bonsai trees, will give a presentation on "Bonsai - The Art and Horticultre of Growing Trees in Pots". He is also bringing with him a number of his own bonsai trees as examples of the art form and inspiration. 

Dave is a part of a team of Fort Worth Bonsai Society members who are working with the Botanical Reaserch Institute of Texas (BRIT) and the Fort Wroth Botanic Garden to establish a permanent public exhibit of bonsai trees in the Fort Worth Japanese Garden. When the exhibit opens in 2026 it will be one of only 26 such exhibits in the U.S. 

"To Shape a Tree is to Shape Oneself"

This is a FREE event and everyone is WELCOME! 

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For more information about any of our featured events please call 682-268-0102.