The artwork displayed at Cruickston Park is true to theme: bold, yet subtle; powerful, yet elegant; organic, yet contemporary. The art is the genesis of Wilks Chaplin, who was born on the property, raised and nurtured by it, and evolved alongside it. In many ways, Wilks is an extension of the property, and, in turn, so is her art.
So what is the curb appeal of Wilks’ art? It seems to resonate with the art crowd in Paris, France. Wilks was invited to hang three of her works at the Louvre, which now reside in the Stables at Cruickston Park. (The Louvre is a venue at the pinnacle of the art world, a place where one earns the privilege to view the artwork by standing in an hour-long queue.) During that exhibition, waves of visitors crowded her booth, likely drawn to the simplicity of her pieces. Unlike some of her neighbors, Wilks doesn’t rely on the outrageous to attract attention. Instead, her art does the opposite—offering layers of calm, much like the property itself.
Her presentation at the Louvre reflected her distinct approach: three large pieces, framed in milled black wood, detailed with a brass plate, and displayed under brass lighting. The understated elegance emitted her personality: classic, clean, intentional—an unusual choice for such a high-profile event.
The success of her exhibition in Paris earned her another extraordinary invitation, this time to New York City, where her name was featured in bold lights at Times Square for a week. The event, international in scope, further solidified her reputation and led to more invitations from major European cities and beyond. Closer to home, Wilks’ art is routinely sought after by art dealers, developers, and those paying close attention.
At Cruickston Park, Wilks’ work is displayed alongside a thoughtfully curated collection of art by other artists, chosen to complement her creations. These curated pieces enhance the atmosphere of the property’s historic houses, creating a harmonious dialogue between Wilks’ bold yet elegant works and other artistic voices. Together, the collection transforms each space into a visual narrative, merging history, nature, and contemporary design.