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© The Mounin Times 2010
Art Galleries & Museums
The magnetic pull of Vermont is a strong one. The Vermont mystique has lured many a visitor or vacationer into its fold, some even permanently. The state has continuously attracted gifted artists and writers as well as tourists.
At the beginning of this century, Rudyard Kipling made Dummerston his home. Around the '30s and '40s, New York Herald Tribune drama critic Alexander Woollcott bought Neshobe, an island in Lake Bomoseen, where he entertained many notable Hollywood stars such as Laurence Olivier, Harry Houdini and the Marks Brothers. More recently, Michael J. Fox settled in the Woodstock area. Television producer Norman Lear lives in Shaftsbury, the town poet Robert Frost called home for many years. Arlington's inhabitants gained fame when illustrator Norman Rockwell had them model for a Saturday Evening Post cover.
There has continuously been a deep-seated love of the arts and the finer things in life here in the Green Mountains. This is possibly an extension of the Vermonters' love and appreciation of the scenic beauty of the Vermont outdoors and the calming sounds of country life.
Roaming the crossroads of Vermont, the visitor may enjoy fine art, history, and memorabilia at many museums and galleries throughout the region, including:
Museums and Exhibits
• Billings Farm and Museum, Route 12N & River Road, (GPS: 5302 River Road), Woodstock, (802) 457-2355. www.billingsfarm.org. Explore one of the finest Jersey dairy farms in America and a museum of Vermont’s rural past. Get comfortable with our cows, sheep, horses, oxen, and chickens through daily activities and programs. The operating farm, engaging farm life exhibits, and award-winning 1890 Farm House showcase this Woodstock landmark. Open daily, May-Oct., 10am-5pm. Weekends, Nov.-Feb., 10am-3:30pm.
• Castleton Historical Society Museum, Main St., Castleton, (802) 468-5523. 19th and 20th century furnishings, paintings, costumes, documents, photographs, and military memorabilia. The Museum is open Saturday mornings year round, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Sundays from Memorial Day through mid-October from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• East Poultney Museums, (802) 287-5268. Three museums documenting early New England settlements. Melodeon Factory, Union Academy and The Old School House. Open Sundays 1-4:30 p.m. during the summer or by appointment. School groups encouraged.
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, (802) 457-3368. Daily 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Spring through October 31. The only National Park to focus on conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in America. Opened in June 1998, Vermont’s first National Park preserves and interprets the historic Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller property. The park was created in 1992, when the Rockefellers gifted the estate’s residential and forest lands to the people of the United States. Today, the Park interprets the history of conservation with tours of the mansion and the surrounding 550-acre forest. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion and gardens are by guided tour only. Admission.
• Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, (802) 649-2200. Natural, physical sciences, ecology, technology. Science park and walking trails on site. Hands on fun for and learning for all ages. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission. www.montshire.org
• Mount Independence State Historic Site, Orwell, (802) 948-2000. Visitor Center and museum open 7 days Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Revolutionary War fortification, new Interpretation Center, historic hiking and walking trails.
• Mt. Holly Community Historical Museum. In 2009, the Museum opened the renovated Perkins House on the Village Green in Belmont with improved display and storage areas. We continue to display our farm and tool collections in the Will White Blacksmith Shop. To learn more about the Sunday programs offered in July and August, Mount Holly history or village tours, call 802-259-2460 or 259-2646.
• New England Maple Museum, Rt. 7, Pittsford, (802) 483-9414. The story of maple sugaring is in the world’s largest maple museum. Antiques, paintings, slide show, folk art exhibits, maple syrup samples. A simulated boiling process, “sap to syrup” is presented all year. Gift Shop with mail order service. Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. May 19 to October 31, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. mid-March to May 18, and November 1 to December 31. www.maplemuseum.com.
• Norman Rockwell Museum, Rt. 4E, Rutland, (802) 773-6095. Over 2000 pictures covering the span & diversity of his career. Audio/visual self-guided tour. Gift shop. Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission. www.normanrockwellvt.com
• Pittsford Historical Society Exhibit, Eaton Hall, Rt. 7, Pittsford. Hours Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., April - November. Sundays 1-4pm, July - Oct. (802) 483-2040. www.pittsfordhistorical.com
• President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth Notch, (802) 672-3773. Hours 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Open late May to mid-October.
• Rutland Historical Society, 96 Center St., Rutland, (802) 775-2006. Year-round, Mondays, 6 - 9 p.m., Saturdays, 1 - 4 p.m., and by appointment for schools or other groups. www.rutlandhistory.com
• Sherburne Historians, Sherburne Memorial Library, River Rd., Killington, (802) 422-3783. Pictures, artifacts and local history on display. Monday & Friday, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm; Wednesday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
• The Slate Valley Museum, Water Street, Granville, NY, (518) 642-1417. Housed in a reconstructed 19th century Dutch barn, the Slate Valley Museum interprets the history of the slate industry in a region approximately 24 miles long and 6 miles wide along the Vermont and New York border. www.slatevalleymuseum.org
• Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), Rt. 4, Quechee, (802) 359-5000. Home of the Vermont Raptor Center, a living museum of over 20 species of birds of prey. Daily on-site programs May through October; nature trails; nature shop. www.vinsweb.org.
• Vermont Marble Museum, Proctor, (802) 459-2300. Learn the history of the marble industry in Vermont. New Exhibit for 2010: America’s Eternal Flame: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. See geological principles brought to life in ‘Earth Alive’. Try your hand at carving with the artist-in-residence sculptor. Custom marble work. Marble market. Gift shop. Theater. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. mid-May to late October. 800-427-1396, www.vermont-marble.com
• Wallingford Historical Society Museum, Town Hall, School St., Wallingford, (802) 446-2336. Permanent collection of costumes, photographs, and memorabilia.
Artist Galleries and Studios
• Vermont Craft Open Studio Weekend, scheduled for Memorial weekend, May 29 & 30, in which Vermont artisans and craftspeople invite the public to visit them at work in their studios. Over 300 artisans participate and included glass blowers, printmakers, potters, furniture makers, weavers, ironworkers, painters, sculptors, paper makers and wood carvers. Sponsored by the Vermont Crafts Council. Obtain the Vermont Studio Tour Map, containing directions to participants’ studios, by calling 802-223-3380; visit www.vermontcrafts.com.
• ArtHop Rutland, Downtown Rutland. (802) 747-7446. ArtHop Rutland is a monthly, multi-venue every “Second Friday Night” arts and culture event in “downtown and around town” Rutland. Galleries, artist studios, supporting merchants, and restaurants are open from 5-8pm during ArtHop. Come join us! www.arthoprutland.com.
• Ann McFarren Gallery, 56 Terrill St., Rutland. (802) 773-2197. Original Vermont scenes, oil and watercolors.
• Artisans at the Bend is located "at the bend" on Route 7 near the edge of the village. The barn is a studio/gallery for creating contemporary folk art paintings and sculpture. Owner/artists Jim Barner and Robin Rodda Kent's work has been purchased by the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, the Warren Kimble Museum's permanent collection in Brandon, and carried by prominent galleries nationwide. Open by chance or appointment. Call 802-247-6637.
• Brandon Artists Guild, 7 Center St. Brandon (802) 247-4956. The Gallery has 50+ talented local artists displaying their works of art. The Guild is non-profit and offers programs and workshops to adults and children. All are welcome to stroll through the gallery and enjoy the amazing local talent that is Brandon’s.
• Brick Box Gallery, at The Paramount Theatre, Center St., Rutland. Look for various exhibits of local artists throughout the year, as well as “meet the artist” gatherings. Gallery hours 11am - 6pm, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am - 2pm Saturdays. (802) 775-0570.
• Carving Studio, historic Marble St., West Rutland. (802) 438-2097. Studio and sculpture center. Stone and wood carving, sculpture, clay, and more. Workshops and classes in stone, wood, and granite carving, mold making, bronze casting, figure modeling, and more are offered during the summer months. Call for information and course dates. www.carvingstudio.org
• Chaffee Art Center, 16 South Main St., Rutland. (802) 775-0356. High quality fine art and craft exhibitions each year are presented in this magnificent historical mansion. All work is for sale. Workshops, lectures, cultural events, and tours. Wed. - Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 12-4 pm. www.chaffeeartcenter.org
• Country Owl Studio Gallery is open for classes by the day or the week with artist Dolores Furnari. 802-247-3695. www.brandon.org/owl.
• Evans Paintings, One the Green, Woodstock. (802) 332-6015. The gallery showcases over 70 original oil paintings by Chip Evans, representing the beauty of New England landscapes and still lifes. www.evanspaintings.com
• Farrow Gallery and Studios, 835 Main Street, Castleton. (802) 468-5683. Visit the gallery and studio of National Sculpture Society Fellow and multiple award winning sculptor Patrick Farrow (recently deceased) and his wife, artist Susan Farrow. See one of a kind and limited edition bronze sculpture, jewelry in silver and bronze and mixed media collages in a spectacular century-old converted church located on Main Street in the historic village of Castleton. Open Wed. thru Sat., 10am-4pm July thru December or by appointment. Best to call ahead January thru June. www.farrowgallery.com
• Gallery in-the-Field, a gallery of contemporary art, features changing exhibits. Hours are by chance or appointment. 685 Arnold District Rd. Brandon. (802) 247-0125. www.franbull.com
• Gallery On the Green, One The Green Woodstock. (802) 457-4956. High quality fine art. 25 artists creating over 300 original works of art across 14 different media. We have over 45 years of gallery experience on staff to help you. Open 10am-5pm, Mon. - Sat.; Sun. 10am-4pm. www.galleryothegreen.com
• Gingerbread House Fine and Folk Art Gallery, Rte 73E, Brandon. (802) 247-3380. Check out the folk art gallery of local artists John Hoare and Linda Hickox. a gallery of contemporary art, features changing exhibits. Hours are by chance or appointment. 685 Arnold District Rd. Brandon. (802) 247-0125. www.franbull.com
• Judith Reilly Gallery, featuring Judith’s fabric art, is open on Friday & Saturday afternoons at 24 Conant Square, Brandon. Visit with Judy in her historic home and marvel at her quilts and pen and ink drawings. For more info, contact Judy by email at: judith@judithrielly.com or (802) 247-8421. www.judithreilly.com
• Killington Arts Guild Gallery, upstairs from Cabin Fever Gifts on Route 4 opposite large green sign Welcome to Killington Region. Recent 10th Anniversary with 70 members including 30 accomplished artists, photographers, sculptors, writers, works for sale at gallery. Programs at Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, by select artists, crafts people and writers, workshops for all ages. 3rd location, in the Commons at the Gables, East Mountain Rd, Rutland Town. 802-422-3824. Email: vtkag@aol.com
• Liza Myers Gallery and Studio, 22 Center St., Brandon. (802) 247-5229, Unique and colorful images of the natural world. Original paintings, sculpture, prints, cards and whimsical Flying Menagerie clay ornaments. The studio offers a wide range of classes for all age groups. Now selling original Warren Kimble paintings and his signed prints. www.lizamyers.com
• Maurie Harrington Studio, River Road., Killington. (802) 422-7756. Watercolors, prints, art lessons. www.maurieharrington.net
• Medana Gabbard Gallery is filled with Medana’s folk art paintings, set in yesteryear and capturing the quintessential charm of rural country life. It is located at 1340 Grove. St. (Rte. 7 North). Call (802) 247-5520 or email to: danagabbard@msn.com. for more info. www.brandonfolkart.com
• Mountain Gallery, Alice Sciore’s ‘in the field’ & studio paintings, prints, unique wood sculpture. Various mediums, sizes, prices. 1/4 mi. East of Skyeship, Killington. By chance or appointment. (802) 422-3642.
• Peter Huntoon, 17 Studio Lane, Middletown Springs. (802) 235-2328. Watercolor paintings and limited edition prints. www.peterhuntoon.com
• Poultney Area Artists Guild, Poultney. (802) 287-9149. A regional community-based organization composed of artists and the general public. Activities include museum trips, lectures, demos, drawing events, exhibits & regional shows.
• Shattuck Studio and Gallery, Rutland. Award-winning printmaker, Carolyn Shattuck, incorporates monotypes with dry point and fiber dyes to create compelling works on paper. By appointment. www.shattuckgallery.com.
• Timco Gallery, 63 Center St., Rutland. (802) 773-3377. The Gallery is sponsored by Timco Jewelers and Goldsmiths, with profits from every sale going to support the arts in Rutland and local art programs. The gallery has over 40 artists displaying original works of art and photography. www.timcogallery.com
• Woodland Studio and Gallery, Scotch Hill Rd., Fair Haven. (802) 265-2129. One of a kind birdhouses by Tom Bruso. Landscapes, abstract paintings, floorcloths, and photography by Lucinda Sayre.
• The Collective - The Art of Craft, Central St., Woodstock. (802) 457-1298. Artist-owned and operated cooperative gallery featuring the work of 12 members. The gallery offers a diverse selection of high quality contemporary art and fine craft made by local and regional artists. www.collective-theartofcraft.com
• The Woodstock Gallery, Elm St., Woodstock. (802) 457-2012...Features a strong emphasis on New England artists. Established and upcoming artists alike are represented in what is becoming one of the best little galleries in Vermont. The gallery showcases colorful and unique pieces including paintings, prints, photography and ceramics. As they say...life is fun. Art should be too!
• White Raven Drum Works, Jct. Rt. 4 and 100A, Bridgewater, (802) 672-3055. Woodwork, fine crafted drums, flutes, didjeridoos, Vermont music, djembes. www.whiteravendrums.com
All copy © The Mountain Times 2010