ART OF ACTION Artists on Vermont’s future

Published: November 6, 2009

MONTPELIER – The art exhibition, “Art of Action: Shaping Vermont’s Future through Art,” continues to travel to communities across the state. November marks the first month that all 105 pieces of artwork created for the project will be on display. The 52-piece “Artists Choice Tour” is up in Montpelier through Nov. 15. The “Curator’s Choice Tour” will be divided between two locations: 27 works are currently at the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland while the remaining 26 are in the Drury Gallery at Marlboro College through Dec. 1.

Montpelier’s exhibit is on display at 50 Main St. (the former location of Capitol Video) and is open Monday–Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Use of the space has been donated by the building owner, Jeff Jacobs.

A public reception will take place in Montpelier today, 5 to 7 p.m. Several of the artists will be in attendance. Fire juggler Kerry Kaye will greet visitors while musical guests Sheefra will perform on concertina and harp. Refreshments will be provided.

A panel discussion with the artists will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. Paul Costello of Vermont Council on Rural Development and Alex Aldrich, executive director of the Vermont Arts Council, will lead a discussion about significance of the “Art of Action.” Artists commissioned for the project will talk about the issues that inspired their process and artwork. This session is free and open to the public.

From September 2009 to June 2010 the artwork will travel to 24 communities in two concurrent exhibits. In addition to inspiring dialogue and citizen action around the issues, the project has a broader aim: to expand the national market for Vermont’s creative and entrepreneurial artists. The project will culminate with a gala art auction in Burlington on July 17, 2010.

For a list of “Art of Action” tour dates and upcoming events, go online to artofaction.org.