BRANDON — Brandon artists will fling open their doors and welcome visitors during Open Studio Weekend Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Brandon Artists Guild is the starting point for maps and directions for discovering the Brandon arts scene. Brandon is a classic Vermont town with great architecture, shops and restaurants.
Open Studio Weekend is a statewide celebration of the visual arts and creative process, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to meet a wide variety of artists and craftspeople in their studios. The Vermont Crafts Council (VCC) publishes a free map booklet with directions to participating sites. The Vermont Open Studio Guide is available throughout the state at tourist information centers, galleries and studios. It will also available on the VCC website, www.vermontcrafts.com, or by calling 802-223-3380.
Thirteen Brandon-area artists will put out the welcome mat for visitors for Open Studio Weekend. Nancy Jewett offers hand-dyed wool, rug-hooking patterns and hand-dyed silk scarves. Laura Rideout is a self-taught glass artist inspired by nature, who incorporates natural and found objects into her original stained glass artwork. Judith Reilly’s fabric and fiber pieces capture the essence of Vermont life by tipping the images away from the literal to more representational renderings full of surprise and whimsy. Joan Curtis’ studio features an oversize wall sculpture nearing completion with a chance to see and discuss the artist’s work in progress.
Lee Greenewalt welcomes visitors to the Granary to see a demonstration of four-harness loom weaving, where a colorful wool muffler will progress before their eyes. See an amazing display of vibrant rag rugs made with re-purposed wool and cotton clothing, as well as wool blankets and delightful cotton hand towels. Also at the Granary, discover how mobiles are carefully assembled and balanced in Patty Sgrecci’s studio. Next door, Susan Smith-Hunter Studio will be offering ceramic sculpture and wall planters. Just north of town, Fran Bull will show recently completed sculptural paintings, give a studio tour and welcome kids with an art table for drawing and clay and offer affordable art and books for sale. Kim Zoe Potter offers oil and mono prints, Jill Listzwan creates eclectic jewelry, Nancy Jewett makes hooked rugs and hand-dyed wool and Stacey Stanhope makes pottery. Caleb Kenna Photography is located in a light-filled studio overlooking Brandon and offers vibrant Vermont photographs and posters.
Look for the bright yellow signs leading the way to Brandon artists.