Calendar: April Events for the Design Minded

Chandler Davis at The Cooley Gallery
Chandler Davis’ exuberant paintings of waves and sculptures will have you thinking about days on the beach. The show runs April 2 through May 2. Old Lyme, Connecticut, (860) 434-8807, cooleygallery.com

Growing Plants from Seeds
Jack Alexander, Arnold Arboretum’s expert propagator, will teach you how to grow all types of plants from seeds—and send you home with a selection of seeds ready to sprout. The event takes place on April 11 at the Dana Greenhouse Classroom at the Arnold Arboretum. Boston, (617) 524-1718, arboretum.harvard.edu; 9a.m.–1 p.m.; members $50, non-members $65

Ask the Experts: A Primer on Dendrochronology
William Flynt of Historic Deerfield, architectural historian Anne Grady, and Newport Restoration Foundation executive director Pieter Roos discuss the use of dendrochronology—the practice of scientifically dating timber structures on April 18. Learn how this technique can be used to date homes and the impact it can have on historic preservation. Tours of the manor house at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm and nearby Swett-Ilsley House after the lecture will provide a firsthand look at tested sites. Lunch is included and registration is required in advance. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury, Mass., (617) 994-6644, ­historicnewengland.org; 9:00 a.m–2:30 p.m.; Historic New England and Historic Deerfield members $60, non-members $75, Historic Homeowner members and students $50

Winslow Homer Studio Tour
Tour the Prouts Neck studio of Winslow Homer, one of America’s most significant artists. Renovated and preserved by the Portland Museum of Art, the studio provides an interesting glimpse into the life and work of Homer and his deep connection to Maine. Tours leave via bus from the Portland Museum of Art and are 2½ hours in length. Tour season is April 15 through October 31. Portland, Maine, (207) 775-6148, portlandmuseum.org; adults $55, PMA members $30, students $25

Lyme Art Association’s Elected Artist Exhibition
Lyme Art Association’s most respected artists join together for a group show, carrying on the tradition of the Lyme Art Colony artists who first began showing their work in 1902.  The show takes place April 24–June 5. Old Lyme, (860) 434-7802, lymeartassociation.org

Junior League of Hartford Decorator’s Showhouse
Every three years the Junior League of Hartford works with designers to make over a local home, transforming the interiors and landscape. The 2015 house is a Tudor-style dwelling with Old World charm. In addition to viewing the grandly redecorated home, attendees can enjoy a catered lunch and a gift boutique.  The show runs for several weeks: April 25–May 17. Wednesday 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. , 64 Orchard Road, West Hartford, (860) 233-4300, jlhartford.org

Winslow Homer Studio Tour
From April 15 through October 31 you can tour the Prouts Neck studio of Winslow Homer, one of America’s most significant artists. Renovated and preserved by the Portland Museum of Art, the studio provides an interesting glimpse into the life and work of Homer and his deep connection to Maine. Tours leave via bus from the Portland Museum of Art and are 2½ hours in length. Portland, Maine, (207) 775-6148, portlandmuseum.org; adults $55, PMA members $30, students $25

Art in Bloom
Celebrate spring with Art in Bloom at Boston’s Museum of Fine Art. The annual event features floral designs created by garden clubs and professional designers from across New England inspired by the museum’s art collection. A highlight of this year’s event are master classes on floral design by legendary French floral designer Christian Tortu. There will also be daily demonstrations and lectures about displaying flowers in the home, ikebana, and garden design. The 2015 event takes place from April 25–27. (617) 267-9300, mfa.org; 10:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; free with museum admission, classes are fee-based and require advance registration.