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 to announce that we are now the proud owners of an exquisite 1979 Steinway & Sons Model M Chippendale style walnut piano, just like Ina Chandor's piano. 

The piano arrived at Chandor Gardens on Feb 1, 2024, and now has a permenant home in the Great Room.

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.

We are pleased to announce that, as of June 5, 2024, we have now paid off the bank loan for the piano. 

Thank you so much to; all those who personally donated to this fundraising project, 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 put on by the Friends of Chandor Gardens members. 

For more details about this project: CLICK HERE

Bronze Portrait Bust of Douglas Chandor

We are thrilled that, as of April 1, 2023, the required funds have been raised for this project, and we have commissioned Fort Worth sculptor Michael Pavlovsky to undertake this life-sized bronze portrait bust of the famed portrait artist and gardener Douglas Chandor (1897– 1953). 

This bronze portrait bust has been completed and installation at Chandor Gardens.The public unveiling and dedication event is scheduled for the afternoon of October 5, 2024. Full details about the dedication event can be found under the Upcoming Events listed below.

Thank you so very much to all those who donated to this project and have made this bronze bust a reality.  

For More Details About This Project - CLICK HERE

UPCOMING FEATURED FOUNDATION & FRIENDS EVENTS:       

Douglas Chandor Bronze Bust Dedication - Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 @ Chandor Gardens

Consider this your invitation to join us for "Afternoon Tea With Douglas" on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 3 pm to 5 pm to celebrate the newly installed bronze portrait bust of Douglas Chandor at Chandor Gardens.

Bronze bust dedication ceremony will be at 4:30 pm to recognize all those who made this bronze possible, and to remember Douglas Granville Chandor (Aug 20, 1897 - Jan. 13, 1953) the internationally acclaimed portrait artist, gardener, and Weatherford's first "Citizen of the Year" in1953.

Prior to the dedication ceremony guests will be able to:
- View the bronze portrait bust of Douglas Chandor in the garden
- Tour through the Chandor house (docents will be available to answer questions)
- Enjoy complimentary "Afternoon Tea" refreshments.  

Douglas Chandor, being from England, followed the British custom of "Afternoon Tea" (tea and light snack) in the afternoon around 4:00 pm. We are sure Douglas would be delighted to know that we are carrying on this tradition for this special celebration.

This is a FREE event (no admission fee).

Everyone welcome!

Friends of Chandor Gardens Members Tour of Capernaum Studios - Saturday, Oct 19, 2024 @ 10:00 A.M. 

The next Friends of Chandor Gardens Members activity is a tour of Capernaum Studios on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.

About This Activity: Explore Capernaum Studios & See Where Movies & Shows Like "The Chosen" Have Come To Life right here in Parker County! 

We will be able to explore the diverse professional film sets, including the famed 1st-Century Village brought to life in "The Chosen" series, through history in the Early American Town set, and delve into a Post-Apocalyptic vision in the Modern-Day Town set. The Sets & Studios are all nestled on a private ranch and offer a unique journey through time and imagination. 

There is also a beautiful sculpture garden that we will be able to wander through as well. Completed in 2009, Capernaum’s Statue Garden is 30,000 square feet and features Biblical statues, winding walkways lined with Bible scripture, and breathtaking views of Capernaum Studios and the surrounding Texas landscape.

Location: 10700 FM 920, Poolville TX. The Parking Lot is off of East Dry Creek Rd. (Free Parking). Note - Capernaum Studios is approximately 11 miles from downtown Weatherford and about a 17 minute drive. 

We will gather near the Office which is beside the Parking Lot, so our group can tour together.

FYI - The studios are open to the public on Oct 19th so there will be docents stationed around the site, but not a dedicated docent assigned to just our group. This means there will be other visitors also touring when we are there. 

Tour Fee: $12 [Special rate extended to our group by Holly] 

Lunch Option: After the tour, for those who want to, we can meet for lunch in Weatherford. When we know how many are interested in staying for lunch we'll get a consensus on the restaurant and make a reservation. 

It’s sure to be a fun morning!

** Members please register for this tour by October 16th with Nancy Wester - 972-746-6078 (call or text) **

Wine & Words - Cindy Dees - Saturday Nov. 16, 2024 @ Chandor Gardens

Chandor Gardens Foundation invites you to the next Wine & Words event on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Chandor Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the talk starts at 7:30 PM.

As a former Air Force pilot – the youngest female pilot in its history – Texan (lives in Colleyville) Cindy Dees flew supersonic jets, VIP airlift, and the C-5 Galaxy, one of the world’s largest cargo airplanes. She also worked in intelligence, traveling to forty-two countries on five continents. She was detained by the KGB and East German secret police, got shot at, flew in the first Gulf War, and amassed a lifetime’s worth of war stories.

As a military veteran who worked in intelligence, Cindy’s real-life experiences supercharge her novels with authenticity while offering readers an intimate insider's look at government intelligence.

From former spy-turned-New York Times bestselling author Cindy Dees, comes SECOND SHOT and DOUBLE TAP the exhilaratingly sharp, action-packed thriller series featuring the unforgettable Helen Warwick, a highly skilled CIA assassin of a certain age who’s trying to navigate retirement, settle into a normal life, and reconnect with her family...in the midst of mortal combat.

Tickets - $30 (includes wine/beer) 

Tickets will go on Sale in October for this event.

Wine & Music "Christmas Fantasy Concert" - Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 @ Chandor Gardens 

Chandor Gardens Foundation invites you to a very special Christmas season Wine & Music event "Christmas Fantasy Concert" featuring Larrissa (piano) Cherkasov & Eugene (violin) Cherkasov on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Chandor Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the performance starting at 7:00 PM. 

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season with a musical journey around the world. From timeless classics by Albinoni and Mozart to the romantic melodies of the past, and the lively tangoes of Piazzolla, immerse yourself in a celebration of Christmas with beloved festive tunes. Join us for a magical evening filled with the wonders of music.

Hors d'oeuvres and wine/beer included in ticket price

Tickets will go on sale in early November

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