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)

Community shines bright in ‘Local Color’

Five works from the "Local Color" exhibit. At top, from left, are "At Silver Lake, September" (acrylic on board) and "Barn Across the River, October" (acrylic on board) by Margaret Lampe Kannenstine. Below, from left, are "On the Ottauquechee, Quechee" (pastel), "Up Lyme Pond Road, Pomfret" (acrylic on canvas), and "Pine Hollow Pond, Pomfret" (pastel), all by Karen Chalom. - (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As a young boy, Kip King found a 1920s Kodak camera in his family’s house and asked his dad if he could use it. Permission was granted, and a passion was born.

Today, King, who lives in Norwich, Vermont, is one of more than 70 local artists showing their work at Artistree Gallery’s annual “Local Color” exhibit, which opened on Friday and welcomes in the autumn season. It runs through Nov. 6.

Speaking at Friday’s opening night in Pomfret, King was enjoying the experience, but not only because of the chance to show his work here again; it’s also because of the highly collaborative Artistree community. Any artists are welcomed in, he said, whether they’re experienced or just starting out.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes a community to make an artist,” he said. “It’s just a great community to be a part of.”

Groton State Forest, Vermont. (Photo by Kip King / kipkingphotography.com)

Sonja Olson, a printmaker and painter, is also showing her work in Local Color and praised that supportive spirit as well. Olson has lived in the area for 30 years, and is part of Artistree’s Daily Artists group which meets regularly and encourages one other on individual artistic endeavors. 

“It’s brought artists together as a community,” she said, noting the group had a gallery exhibit earlier this year. 

That inviting community feeling is also apparent in Local Color, with its great variety of expression and a range of autumn hues.  

“There’s a huge variety of work, styles and colors,” said Deborah Goodwin, exhibits coordinator at the gallery. There’s also a lot of interest from artists wanting to show their work for the first time at Artistree, Goodwin added. 

“We keep getting a lot of new participants,” she said. 

Artistree Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read more about the work in Local Color on the website.

— Gareth Henderson

“Sunny Susie” (oil on board) by Pat Macri. - (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)

Knitting along with the world

Rachel Kahn (at right), of the NWPL Knitters, chats with other knitting enthusiasts at a Woodstock, Vermont, gathering for World Wide Knit in Public Day on Saturday. (Harry Wollman Photo)

It was a joyful Saturday morning as dozens of local knitters gathered to celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day on the Norman Williams Public Library's front lawn in Woodstock, Vermont.

People were sharing their latest creations, talking about patterns they tried, and enjoying some conversation on a sunny day in the village. They were also giving, trading and selling yarn of all colors and textures for their next projects, and encouraging new knitters who dropped by. This special day was started in 2005, as a way for knitters around the globe to spend some time together and enjoy each other's company.

Patricia Campbell, of the NWPL Knitters in Woodstock, said Saturday morning was great fun, and knitting enthusiasts of all ages were welcome.

“From young to seniors, all were included,” she said. “We even had a husband up to his elbows in detangling a swift problem. We already have thoughts of next year to spread the word and make it a great knitting day in public.”

Kathleen Kjerulff and Rachel Kahn, also from the NWPL Knitters group, enjoyed seeing so much interest in the craft they love doing, and love sharing.

“It was exciting being part of the world's largest knitting event — sharing and celebrating the pure joy of knitting with people worldwide,” Kjerulff said.

Kahn added, “It was wonderful to see so many dear knitters in person, in public with knitting galore!”

What better way to enjoy a spring morning, than to create some wonderful art among friends, and even meet new ones? That energy coalesced to provide a fun atmosphere for all, and a welcome invitation to take part in an international day of knitting — and community at its best.

— Gareth Henderson

Patricia Campbell, of the NWPL Knitters, at the Woodstock gathering for World Wide Knit in Public Day. (Harry Wollman Photo)

The quiet power of poetry

Lulls Brook by Reeves Road in Hartland, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Through nature’s stream of change, 

A settled peace holds sway.

The rest is fully arranged;

Renewal anchors the day.

That’s my poetic recognition of spring, reflecting the confident peace beneath the surface of the changing season. Using few words to say more is a cherished feature of poetry, and one of many reasons to celebrate this age-old art form. 

Today, we’re in the middle of National Poetry Month, and we’ve also arrived at the 25th anniversary of this national celebration. “Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters,” states poets.org. 

It’s already been a big year for poetry, with National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and her inspiring reading of her masterpiece, “The Hill We Climb,” at the presidential inauguration in January. The poem, now published in a book of the same title, reads in part: “Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved we grew, that even as we hurt we hoped, that even as we tired we tried, that we'll forever be tied together, victorious.” 

Poetry is painting with words, drawing from the vast palette of human feelings to touch our heartstrings, and move our minds. Each poem that encapsulates art with profound meaning is, in and of itself, a victory. It’s another proof that a great amount of beauty can live, and flourish, within the words of a poem. It can make a difference, by bringing out truth and giving hope like no other art form can. That's the gift it brings, and that’s the quiet power of poetry.

— Gareth Henderson

Celebrating Vermont on a T-shirt

Mark Scully, owner of Vermont Eclectic Company in Woodstock, Vermont, sells a couple of the shop’s Vermont-made T-shirts to Tom Giapponi, of Quechee, on Tuesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Mark Scully's new shop not only celebrates Vermont, but it also celebrates Vermont-made art — with T-shirts. 

That's the main event at Vermont Eclectic Company on Central Street in downtown Woodstock, Vermont, a store offering a variety of T-shirts are all designed and made in the Green Mountain State. And the creators are front and center. 

"It's trying to create the sense of a gallery, highlighting the designs of the shirts and the artists' bios," Scully said. 

The new venture came about following some big changes. Scully left his human resources job in Boston, after a 30-year career in that sector, looking for a new path in life. He and his wife, Maura, eventually sold their house in Boston and their seasonal home in Plymouth, and then moved to Woodstock, arriving at their home in Linden Hill last September. 

While taking a stroll around Woodstock one day, the beginnings of an idea took root. 

"People were walking around town with T-shirts, but none were T-shirts about Vermont," Scully said. "They were all about other places." He later found a survey online which said about half of Americans have a T-shirt they hold onto for years for nostalgia, and about half of those are bought on vacation. 

Thus was born the idea for Vermont Eclectic Company, which opened on July 3, when Scully saw plenty of customers (even with the 3-person capacity limit in the shop). 

Meet “Clucky,” the mascot of Vermont Eclectic Company, whose creation was inspired by one of the T-shirt designs at the shop. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The store opened after a three-month renovation which wrapped up just a couple days before the doors opened to the public. 

"I didn't know what to expect, especially with COVID," Scully said, noting the capacity limit and mask requirement. "But everyone's been super respectful." 

Customers coming into the store find several other Vermont-made items, including candles, birdhouses and guestbooks. The biggest attraction at the shop — literally the biggest, by size — is the giant chicken sculpture named "Clucky." He was made in Vermont, too, built at The Arcana Workshop in Barre, and inspired by the T-shirt design from artist Sarah Rosedahl. 

The T-shirts are all screen-printed in Vermont by New Duds in Colchester, except for several of the kids' shirts, which artist Heather Drury did by hand. 

Going forward, Scully plans to keep switching up the T-shirt offerings, much like a gallery would.

"So there's always a reason to come in and check it out," he said. Three new Vermont designs are coming soon. 

Vermont Eclectic, located at 12B Central Street in Woodstock, Vermont, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Contact the shop at 802-281-0885, email vteclecticco.com, or visit www.vteclecticco.com. 

— Gareth Henderson 

Thriving creatively

Morgan Hill creates paper-mache vases in Woodstock, Vermont. (Courtesy Photo)

Visions of vases had crossed Morgan Hill's mind before, but had never materialized — until now.

Hill, a New York-based designer, is back in her hometown of Woodstock, Vermont, working on a creative venture that took off during the current shutdown: large, paper-mache vases, with bright colors and an eye-catching design.

Until now, her creative life has been in New York City, where she has lived for the past five years. But in mid-March she opted to leave NYC, which was quickly becoming the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. Hill remembers wearing a bandana for a face-covering as an Uber driver, donning a mask, took her to Penn Station. There had been no government orders there at the time, but the city's mood was changing.

“It felt like I was escaping,” she said.

Hill, who formerly worked for Diane von Furstenberg, was most recently working for Circus by Sam Edelman — a younger, edgier spin-off of the well-known shoe brand. Soon after she got back to Vermont and started her two-week quarantine, she was furloughed. Hill had planned to have a couple hobbies on the side.

“I decided to make the hobbies a full-time gig,” she said.

Her parents' house became her new studio — sparking creative thought with paint and supplies collected from years of artistic experiments. That led to a new claim to fame: large, 24-inch paper-mache vases. Hill began making them in mid-March, posted them to Instagram, and sales soon followed. She is now taking commissions.

“In the first wave I sent out, a lot of people said, ‘I know you sold this vase to this person I know. How do I get one?”

For a brief time, Hill pivoted back to making jewelry, a longtime passion of hers. But the Instagram feedback was clear: The people wanted more vases.

Now without the daily grind of city life, Hill finds herself with more time to test the bounds of the artist's palette. The last time she had a chance to explore a new artistic medium, she was in college.

“I’d been building up all these ideas I’d never been able to execute,” Hill said.

Aside from vases, she has also been creating purses with the same technique, but is working out some technicalities on those. She's not stopping there.

“I’ve been wanting to do a lot more home objects, lamps and bowls, maybe side tables,” she said. “Actual furniture would be great. We’ll see how long this quarantine lasts.”

Find out more about Hill's work at her website, www.morganfhill.com, or look for @morganfhill on Instagram.

— Gareth Henderson