Local artists open their doors for Open Studio Weekend

Each year, Margaret Fitch and her family take to the road to visit sites participating in Open Studio Weekend.

“It is unfailingly a great weekend for us,” Fitch said. “There’s always something for everyone to see.”

Fitch is head of the Vermont Arts Council, the organization helping to coordinate Vermont Open Studio Weekend. She called the event, “a rising tradition.” But each year there is variety in the artists who choose to participate.

More than 285 artists across Vermont will open their studio doors this weekend to the public for the 16th annual Open Studio Weekend.

Studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Yellow signs will aid visitors to locate studios.

Open Studio Weekend was created to increase the visibility of artists while fostering an appreciation for the creative process and the role that art has in creating cohesive communities.

Paint, pencil and papier-mâché artist Joan Curtis of Brandon said that being an artist can be an isolating experience but it is enjoyable to live in a community that supports art.

Artist Susan Farrow of Castleton will be displaying her rusted metal collages over the weekend.

“Vermont itself is very nurturing to artists because artists can be involved in their own studio and the surrounding community,” she said.

Farrow also mentioned a growing awareness of Vermont’s creative economy in making community life a “richer” experience.

Photographer Lowell Klock of Wallingford said the event gives tourists and locals an opportunity to gain exposure, awareness and appreciation for Vermont artists.

The Vermont Craft Council estimates that 9,000 people participated in last year’s Open Studio Weekend with about 40 percent of those visitors coming from out of state.

Not only does this weekend give visitors a sneak peek into the life of an artist as well as the creative process, it also allows a place for dialogue between artists and the public, Fitch said. She also believes the weekend “demystifies the lifestyle of being an artist.”

The purpose of Open Studio Weekend isn’t necessarily shopping, but allowing visitors to browse, glimpse into the creative process and ask questions.

Bronze sculptor Patrick Farrow of Castleton felt the event brings the community together and kicks off summer for local artists. In addition, Farrow likes that people who are inclined to support local business have the opportunity to stop in.

“A lot of people stop (in) who wouldn’t ordinarily,” Farrow added.

In Rutland County, including Brandon and Castleton, 34 artists will open their studios.

On Saturday, the Brandon Artists’ Guild will unveil its 2008 fundraiser, “Thinking Outside the Box.”

The 21-inch cubic boxes will be on display in Brandon, smaller boxes are available for purchase and from noon to 3 p.m., kids will have the opportunity to decorate their own boxes on the town green free of charge.

Jeff Stewart, Brandon Artists’ Guild president, hopes the weekend will “rev up enthusiasm” for launching the town’s summer fundraiser while giving visitors the chance to appreciate the work of local artists.

Though there is no recommended tour, Margaret Fitch suggests traveling a certain road, such as Route 7 or Route 4 west. She also suggested it might be nice to drive to a completely new destination.

Free map booklets and directions are available at Vermont Information Centers, the Chaffee Art Center on South Main Street in Rutland, the Brandon Artists’ Guild on Center Street in Brandon, and at individual studios and galleries.

Kayla Toher - Herald Correspondent