About Andres Institute of Art

“Andres Institute of Art shall serve and advance the intellectual and social well being of the public by educating and training artists, by promoting the integration of art and technology, and by supporting fine arts.“

Sculpture, nature and humanity…
In harmony

Benefactors Paul Andres & Jodie Holloway

In 1996, engineer and innovator Paul Andres purchased Big Bear Mountain in Brookline, NH and moved into the house near the top of the mountain. Based on his lifelong love of nature and passion for art, Paul decided to purchase sculptures to place in the natural setting surrounding his new home.

Coincidentally, master sculptor John M. Weidman had been living in Brookline for many years. Not surprisingly, John’s skill as a sculptor became known to Paul and they began to work together to make plans for adding sculptures to the mountain. In 1998, they co-founded the Andres Institute of Art as a 501(c) (3) charitable organization.

Prior to the AIA, the site was a popular local ski area and it has an early history as a granite quarry. The remnants of both are still visible on the grounds.

Our Mission:
“Andres Institute of Art shall serve and advance the intellectual and social well being of the public by educating and training artists, by promoting the integration of art and technology, and by supporting fine arts.“

The Institute is involved in many activities related to art, including the annual International Bridges and Connections sculpture symposium. Visit the Symposium page to learn more and to find out when the next one will occur.

The artists are paid a small stipend for their attendance, but the real reward is that they are allowed to create whatever sculpture they like and to place it wherever they want on the mountain. The artists appreciate this support, and they enjoy the freedom to express their craft according to their own inspiration.

As a result of the collective effort from these gifted artists, we now have over 100+ thought-provoking original works of art along miles of walking trails with beautiful vistas and peaceful settings.

Numerous schools and community groups visit AIA for the unique combination of nature and art and the peaceful learning experience. Many people have created works of their own with the biannual Iron Melt fundraiser or other events such as Stone Play, Zentangle and Fairy Houses. As in-person events resume, we look forward to hosting activities and experiences again.

Master Sculptor John Weidman

Nature, art & community:

At Andres Institute of Art, we bring art to our community by making the experience of art an everyday relationship. Our purpose is to bring the visitor into a closer, and perhaps more comfortable relationship with the works of art. By placing sculpture within nature’s framework of trees, boulders, critters and mushrooms, viewers are free to consider the inherently beautiful art form nature has to offer along with each piece of art work. The grounds at Andres Institute of Art are open to the public year round -free of charge- and we encourage you to come and enjoy the trails and sculptures spanning 140 acres.

This is mighty work and you can play an important role in it!

The Institute is a non-profit organization. We are in part supported by our visionary founder, Paul Andres, as well as by individual contributions. You can contribute to this amazing organization, expressing your value of the arts and your commitment to the natural beauty of our region. Become a member and/or volunteer to help us to hold this innovative vision and to expand our creative work!