For Immediate Release
April 11, 2008
CONTACT:
Erica Houskeeper, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
802-828-0528
Erica.Houskeeper@state.vt.us
Open Studio Weekend Highlights Vermont’s Beauty and Creativity
MONTPELIER, Vt. –Vermont’s natural scenic beauty is enhanced each spring when the work of Vermont artists and craftspeople can be seen firsthand during Vermont’s 16th annual Open Studio Weekend May 24-25.
Open Studio Weekend is a statewide celebration of the visual arts and the creative process in which Vermont artists and craftspeople invite the public to visit them working in their studios during Memorial Day Weekend. More than 260 sites will be open during this event, with more than 285 artists and artisans participating.
“Vermont continues to become increasingly well known for its vast community of local artists and craftspeople,” said Governor Jim Douglas. “What makes Open Studio Weekend so special is that Vermonters and visitors can meet a variety of artists in person and see their work as it is being produced.”
Open Studio Weekend features the work of glass blowers, jewelers, printmakers, potters, furniture makers, weavers, ironworkers, painters, sculptors, quilt makers and wood carvers. Many galleries will host gallery talks and feature special exhibits in conjunction with this annual event. Open Studio Weekend represents a unique opportunity to meet a wide variety of artists and craftspeople in their studios, some of which are only open to the public during this weekend.
The Vermont Crafts Council created Open Studio Weekend to increase the visibility of artists and craftspeople in Vermont and to foster an appreciation for the creative process and the role that artists and craftspeople play in the vitality of Vermont’s communities.
Visitors return to Open Studio Weekend each year because the tour features new and revolving participants, said Martha Fitch executive director of the Vermont Crafts Council. The Vermont Crafts Council publishes a free map booklet with directions to participating sites. The Vermont Studio Tour Guide is available at Vermont Information Centers, from individual studios and galleries, and by request.
Additional information about Open Studio Weekend can be found online at www.vermontcrafts.com or by calling the Vermont Crafts Council at 802-223-3380. Open Studio Weekend is one of the signature events of Vermont Cultural Heritage Days on May 24-July 6. For more information, visit www.VermontVacation.com.
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