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 permanent 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 was held the afternoon of October 5, 2024.

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:       

Chandor Nature Trail Spruce-Up - Saturday, April 26, 2025 -10:00 AM to Noon

Friends of Chandor Gardens are invited to join the Cross Timbers Weatherford Chapter Native Plant Society of Texas the morning of Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 to Noon for the monthly Chandor Gardens Nature Trail Spruce Up. The spruce up is focused around making sure the trail is clear of deadfall or invading plant growth. 

Bring gloves and wear closed toe shoes. 

If you have any questions or would like additional information please contact Christie Tull at  

The Lecture Series by Parker County Historical Commission: "Revelations The Chandor Guest Book" - Saturday, April 26 @ 10:30 AM - Jazz Chaple, Cotton-Bratton building

Note: Brenda McClurkin did this presentation at the Friends of Chandor Gardens meeting in July, 2023, so if you were unable to attend at that time this is your second chance to now hear this excellent presentation.

Danny Wright in Concert at Chandor Gardens: "From Stage to Screen" - Saturday, May 10

Chandor Gardens Foundation is thrilled to be hosting "piano sensation" Danny Wright in concert on Saturday May 10, 2025 at 7:00 P.M in the Great Room of Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, TX. Concert tickets include complimentary pre-concert wine and lite hors d’oeuvres from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

For this concert Danny Wright will be showcasing songs from his latest album,” From Stage to Screen”, which is a collection of 13 songs from beloved movie and Broadway songs, The album, which was released on February 1st, 2025, showcases Wright's signature style of blending classical and contemporary elements to create a mesmerizing listening experience. This new album includes renditions of iconic songs from popular movies such as "The Sound of Music," "Born Free" and "The Muppet Movie " as well as Broadway favorites including an Andrew Lloyd Weber medley, "Corner Of The Sky" from Pippin and "Try To Remember" from the Fantasticks. Wright will also be performing music from his previous albums.

Trained as a classical pianist, Wright composes and performs original compositions that are blended with various influences including contemporary jazz, classical and neo-classical. He has released more than 55 Piano Music Albums, and has sold over 15 million albums since his debut in 1986.

Tickets $55 (includes wine/beer and lite lite hors d’oeuvres)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Friends of Chandor Gardens Meeting - Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM 

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

"Mix and Mingle" visiting time will be from 11:00-11:30, an opportunity to visit with current Friends and to meet new Friends. During this time samples of Piamonte Coffee will be available for tasting. The room will be set up with round tables so you can bring your lunch if you like.

The guest speakers for this meeting are Richard & Nelly Hill owners of Piamonte Coffee. They will be sharing details about their La Lucia coffee which integrates more than 50 years of family tradition, and how they grow and process 100% Castillo bean variety in a climate over 4.920 feet above sea level in Columbia. Their beans are 100% handpicked.

Richard & Nelly are also going to show and share tips on how to make their specialty La Lucia coffee with its delicate fruit and harmonic balance that stands out with the first sip, that has luscious sweet aromatic notes reminiscent of citric, honey, malt, barley and cream. Their presentation will start at 11:30 A.M.

Note: Packages of Piamonte Coffee (whole bean & ground) will be available for purchase following the meeting

This is a FREE event and everyone is WELCOME!

Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour - Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Enjoy a self-guided journey through unique gardens in Parker County. Discover what lies behind the hedges, fences, and gates!

The Friends of Chandor Gardens are pleased to present the 4th Annual Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour , which showcases stunning views, landscaping ideas, fascinating plants and garden art.

This is a self-guided tour, so you can make your own itinerary and go at your own pace between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 7, 2025. [NOTE: In case of cancellation, due to significant inclement weather, the tour will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, instead.]

Garden Locations: TBA closer to the event date

Tickets:

• $15/person - online in advance
• $20/person - day of the event at 1st garden visited.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

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