Eli Whitney Museum

Join us on Thursday, May 15th for a vibrant art auction, live music, and a delicious spread of treats from local vendors. Funds raised by donors and artists will support the museum's efforts to teach Leonardo's idea of improvisational creativity to K–12 learners, dedicated apprentices, and the Greater New Haven community.


If you are interested in supporting this event through a sponsorship, contact 203.777.1833 or email manager@eliwhitney.org.

Leonardo da Vinci’s first known drawing made in the summer of 1473 depicts the landscape of the Arno River Valley. This year the Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop’s 29th annual fundraising event the Leonardo Challenge brings together artists and creative thinkers to ask questions and find answers through the study of the landscape. This could be the challenge you need to make your first landscape drawing or painting. Your sculptural representations of the landscape are also encouraged.

With a deep fascination with the world surrounding him, Leonardo da Vinci investigated everything! He studied the natural world with fine precision as seen in his studies of two sedges from 1510. Leonardo’s observations of the minute were relevant to his study of the greater landscape. Zoom in and take a closer look at his depiction of the Arno Valley.





Observe your local environment. Pay close attention. Respond as da Vinci did in his Birch Copse.





We thank all of the artists who contribute to the Leonardo Challenge!
We hope to see you on Thursday, May 15th from 5:30 to 9 pm to celebrate improvisational thought that inspires all who participate in programs at the Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop. Your contributions support our apprentice program, hands-on workshop learning for all ages, and community projects.


Interested in participating as an artist? Click the button below:
Call for Entries

John Bianchi & Alexandra Shor
The Carter Family
The Zawalich Family in memory of Kathy

Haven Steel Erectors Inc.
LH Brenner Insurance

J. Joiners, LLC.

Roche Modern
Burns Construction
Don & Patrice Kirshbaum
Juliana Wilson
Anne and Nick Afragola
Meg Graustein

Connecticut Plywood Corporation
Russo Roofing, Inc.
PVS Minibulk Inc.
Will Rosenblatt
John Demming
Rachel Ardito
Maddie Ardito
Mary Grey Maher
Elif Kongar
Robert Horwitz
Belinda Chan