Sculpturefest: A gift of art and open land

“Who says fish can’t fly?” by Charlotte Donaldson at Sculpturefest in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Art has a powerful way of uplifting the soul, bringing some joy into life, and welcoming people to experience it together.

Sculpturefest, based in Woodstock, Vermont, has been doing that for over 40 years, and the 2022 edition has brought lots of new art to the property, nestled on Prosper Road, where Charlet and Peter Davenport have been welcoming sculptors’ work to their scenic Vermont land over those decades. Creativity is always in bloom there, with various artistic expressions throughout the property. 

This year, Sculpturefest has, by far, the most new art it’s had in the past three years, since efforts to move in new installations were limited due to the pandemic. In a recent interview, Charlet Davenport expressed her excitement at seeing all the new work coming in. Along with the vibrant new sculptures, another tradition continues: Anyone is welcome to drop by, walk the property, view the art, and even have a picnic in the summer sun. Davenport pointed out they’ve always had that approach of keeping it open to the public, since the event began decades ago.

“This is for the community, it’s not an organized, incorporated anything,” she said. “It’s just our gift.” 

Sometimes you have art that’s simply joyful and playful. Well, one of the new pieces poses a question, “Who says fish can’t fly?” It’s a series of colorful fish, crafted from wood and hung on a line above a vernal pond on the Sculpturefest property. Charlotte Donaldson, the longtime artist who created these flying fish, has participated in Sculpturefest before, including last year, when she also had her art installed at the pond. 

“I thought, this year I’ll just hang fish, because they sort of belong to a pond, and they're sort of whimsical,” Donaldson said. 

A metal sculpture by Nira Granott Fox, on display at Sculpturefest. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Down at the other side of the Sculpturefest property, in the wide open field by Prosper Road, another new installation awaits viewers. Nira Granott Fox has created a moving metal sculpture, which includes two circular shapes which trade places as the wind courses through this work of art. It shines brilliantly in the sun, and moves with grace in the breeze — a unique creation adding to the diversity of Sculpturefest. 

Also shining in the summer sun, is a sculpture by featured artist Blaze Konefal, titled “Windwave Grove,” which presents three metallic “trees” that dance in the sun and even the slightest wind. The sculpture presents a sort of playfulness, nestled in the calm colors of the artwork. 

In all, Sculpturefest 2022 presents over 30 artists and dozens of sculptures that capture the mind and represent the creative spirit that’s been alive on this land for decades. Each piece contributes to the comforting sense of peace, joy and freedom on the property, which keeps people coming back year after year. In a recent interview, Charlet Davenport noted that many discovered this precious, open land and its artwork during the pandemic, especially young families, who — while playgrounds were closed — were looking for places out in the open where their children could play. 

At any time, something deep in the human soul loves to connect with nature, and loves to connect with artistic expression. At Sculpturefest, you can do both, and, with more and more people experiencing this widely cherished Sculpturefest tradition, it’s sure to live on for generations to come.

— Gareth Henderson

“Windwave Grove” by Blaze Konefal, at Sculpturefest in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

“Grow” by Hector Santos, on display at Sculpturefest 2022. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

From left, “Yuke” and “Flutterby” by Roger Goldenberg, at Sculpturefest. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

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)