For Immediate Release
May 4, 2006

CONTACT:
Jason Aldous, Director of Communications
Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing
Tel: (802) 828-0528 E-mail: Jason.Aldous@state.vt.us
www.VermontVacation.com

Open Studio Weekend Highlights Vermont's Beauty and Creativity
Signature Event of Vermont Cultural Heritage Days

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Spring in Vermont is truly a work of art, with warm
days, blooming flowers, and budding leaves returning the green to the
Green Mountain State. Vermont's natural scenic beauty is enhanced each
spring when the work of Vermont artists and craftspeople can be seen up
close during Vermont's Open Studio Weekend on Memorial Day Weekend, May
27-28.

Open Studio Weekend is an annual statewide celebration of the visual
arts and the creative process in which Vermont artists and craftspeople
welcome the public to visit them in their studios during Memorial Day
Weekend. More than 265 sites will be open to the public in 2006, with
more than 300 artists and artisans participating. Open Studio Weekend
represents a rare 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.

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
educational forums and feature special exhibits in conjunction with this
event.

"Vermont is known worldwide for its scenic beauty and is becoming
increasingly well known for the beautiful objects created by its artists
and craftspeople," said Governor Jim Douglas. "You can see the work of
these talented people at galleries and at exhibits at other times during
the year, but nothing can compare with meeting the artist in person in
their studio and talking with them about the creative process and to see
a work of art as it is being made. Open Studio Weekend is also a great
opportunity to explore our vibrant downtowns and beautiful rural areas
and is something that should not be missed."

The Vermont Crafts Council created Open Studio Weekend 14 years ago to
increase the visibility of artists and craftspeople in Vermont. It has
fostered an appreciation for the creative process and the role that
artists and craftspeople play in the vitality of Vermont's communities.
More 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 also begins, and is one of the signature events of,
Vermont Cultural Heritage Days, May 27-July 4. For more information
about Vermont Cultural Heritage Days or to view an extensive database of
lodging, dining, events, attractions and recreation in Vermont, you can
visit the official Vermont tourism Web site www.VermontVacation.com.

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Jason Aldous
Director of Communications
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing
National Life Building, 6th Floor
Drawer 20