Sculpturefest in full bloom for 2021
“Tipping Point” by Benjamin Metzger, on display at Sculpturefest 2021 in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
People of all ages, in one place, enjoying art and maybe learning something new from it. That’s the kind of atmosphere the annual Woodstock event Sculpturefest thrives on, and artists have worked hard to get ready for the Sunday opening.
One of them is Benjamin Metzger, a Hartland-based artist, who is in graduate school at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. For Metzger, Sculpturefest 2021 is a chance to “challenge himself” by getting a large piece of work out in public. The sculpture is called “Tipping Point”, which includes a tree on the ground with a seated figure, all made of non-aggregate cement on a styrofoam substrate (the foam had been reclaimed from building foundations). The seated figure has a giant hand where the head would be, corresponding with hand-shaped “leaves” on several metal branches attached to the tree.
The hand-for-a-head design is his “nod to interconnectivity,” Metzger explained, noting that the connections between people, the environment, and society are inescapable.
“A common thread runs through most things, whether people want to see it or not,” he said.
“Emergence” by Nira Grannot Fox, at Sculpturefest 2021. See below for more photos. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
For over 30 years, Charlet and Peter Davenport have cultivated meaningful connections between artists, sculptures and the public, by opening their property for Sculpturefest. This annual event in Woodstock starts each summer, though people are welcome to come see the artwork in any season. This year, the opening reception is on Sunday, June 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. (See directions to the Prosper Road property here.)
On Saturday, as Metzger and other artists were arriving to complete their installations, Charlet Davenport noted how a number of families stopped by in 2020 to enjoy the sculptures. The property offered a quiet place where social distancing was easy.
“COVID had so few options for art, and quite frankly, for kids,” she said.
There is plenty of room for kids to play, and for people to have picnics — in the sun or shade. Davenport looks forward to welcoming everyone to the opening of Sculpturefest, where art brings people together as it always has. She said it’s special to feel the love and happiness at the event while sharing the experience with others.
“That whole feeling of just being connected, even if you don’t know someone’s name … that’s the kind of thing you just love,” Davenport said. “Just that experience.”
Along with Metzger, the other featured artists this year are Nira Grannot Fox — presenting a new sculpture, “Emergence” — and Paul Machalaba, who attended Woodstock Union High School years ago. Machalaba is showing several pieces with connected cube and triangular shapes, which he created when learning how to weld.
Several featured artists from 2020 have returned. James Payne’s prototype of his piece “Series Six” is a wooden sculpture in a spiral pattern, displayed in the main field. “Dandelion Seeds”, by Blaze Konefal, greets people at the new entrance for Sculpturefest by Prosper Road, with the dandelion-shaped sculptures leading up through part of the field.
For more information about this year’s exhibits, visit sculpturefest.org.
— Gareth Henderson
Blaze Konefal’s “Dandelion Seeds”, by the Prosper Road entrance to Sculpturefest. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
A prototype of “Series Six”, by James Payne. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Bill Mehaffy (left) helps Benjamin Metzger position part of Metzger’s sculpture, “Tipping Point”, at the Sculpturefest property on Saturday. In back is Metzger’s father, Jim Metzger. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
