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Lynn Barrett

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For Immediate Release

Putney, VT Weekend of Arts featuring the 46th Annual Putney Craft Open Studio Tour

November 29, 30 and December 1 (10a-5p)

“Holiday shopping at just any box store is so generic —snagging and giving a unique gift is so much more rewarding.” Putney Craft Tour

Putney, VT— Still going strong, The Putney Craft Tour celebrates its 46th anniversary this coming Thanksgiving weekend —November 29, 30 and December 1, (10-5p) in the historic town of Putney.

Windham County in Southern Vermont is rich with artistic vision, talent and craftsmanship. This is where the Putney Craft Tour was conceived in the late 70s. Timed to coincide with Thanksgiving and holiday shopping, the tour did not spring out of a vacuum, but from the happy confluence of a number of trends including the back-to-the-land movement and the rise of American craft. No doubt, Vermont’s agrarian heritage created a culture of craft and an appreciation of the hand-made, which continues to this day.

The day after Thanksgiving, the studios of 24 of Vermont’s most prominent makers invite the public in to discover, ask questions and snag that one-of-a-kind gift direct from the crafter who made it. Glassblowers, potters, jewelers, woodworkers, painters, sculptors, stained glass artisans, an aromatherapist, and even award-winning wine and cheesemakers welcome visitors to their studios.

The idea of what an artist does in his/or her studio is often romanticized, say the founders of The Putney Craft Tour. Inviting the public in creates an intimate experience where people see how hands-on and practical it is. It’s really hard work and the many artists in Vermont are part of a very healthy diversity of small businesses. People say it’s more interesting and exciting to see something in a studio where it was created and to speak to the artist who made it rather than purchasing on line or in a crafts store.

“The opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the number and the variety of craftspeople and artists in a small rural environment — is the real draw of such tours,” says glassblower Robert Burch, one of the founders of the tour.

Burch is an entertainer, glassblower and teacher and his studio is alive with demos all weekend long. For him, the tour is a family affair with both his daughter and son on the tour. Caitlin Burch, (#19) specializes in hand-blown glass and lampwork jewelry and son Ryan Burch, specializes in functional ceramics. (#20)

In addition to Ryan Burch, Joshua Gold, is the other potter on the tour. Gold specializes in wood fired and soda fired pottery. He describes his work as “the search and discovery of the endless combination of dances that express elegance and grace. (#7)

In addition to Burch, other craft tour glass artisans include Edel Byrne (#2) who creates stained glass panels and candle holders, Julia Brandis (#15) whose work includes nature-inspired stained-glass lamps and panels. Julia says she first felt the impulse of Tiffany, and was soon inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts and Crafts Movement, which is so evident in her work. Josh Letourneau, maker of freestyle hand-blown glass says growing up he wasn’t very artistic, but he was instantly mesmerized at the potential of the many forms you can create with glass. (#13)

Oil painter and photographer Deborah Lazar says her paintings evolve like a photograph in a developing tray. The image takes form gradually. When it comes together it’s stunningly beautiful.  And, she usually bakes special treats for tour-goers. (#5)

Artist Judy Hawkins (#10) is inspired by the Vermont landscape, especially interpreting the mood and feeling of weather, skies, and water. Her colors are bold with gestural brushstrokes and fine detail. Hawkins’s studio is in Westminster West near the studio of painter Nancy Calicchio (#9) who is deeply inspired by the Vermont landscape as well. Also in the same area is jewelry designer Jeanne Bennett’s studio that is part of her house which she calls her “woman cave.” (#11)

“More than anything the tour is great entertainment. Driving through the Vermont countryside and finding the studios is an adventure in itself,” says Bennett.

For something really unique, check out The Green Mountain Spinnery. Another early tour member, The Spinnery is chiefly engaged in machine spinning and dyeing of yarn from New England fleece. Since its founding as a cooperative in 1981—they’ve marketed sweater patterns designed by Putney artists to go with their array of many-colored yarns. The Spinnery’s Maureen Clark guesses why people come back year after year – “it’s due to the variety of artists on the tour, and seeing how other people thrive in an artistic lifestyle making beautiful things.” (#3)

You can’t miss stopping at the internationally award-winning Parish Hill Creamery. Peter Dixon and Rachel Fritz Schaal make cheese when the cows are outside grazing the hill farm pastures of Elm Lea Farm. Their cheese is natural and represents something that is an expression of the land, the animals, the milk -- and their hands. (#12)

Recent tour participant Pure Vida creates handmade products— all made in Putney — for both physical healing and spiritual growth. They specialize in essential oils, handcrafted soaps, massage and body oils and a wide variety of products for the bath. (#4)

For a unique experience, visit Susan Jarvis’s studio located on the first floor of historic Overhills. Jarvis says she transforms the “histories and stories of objects, people, and places into beautiful, complex paintings, sculptures, and custom mosaic tilework.” She will have ceramic tiles, sculptures, holiday ornaments, and oil paintings for purchase. Also enjoy the extensive grounds open for wandering that features an amazing view. (#6)

Many of the artisans have more than one skillset including Anya Bredbeck whose Hopestead Studio in the Barn at Wild Life Hill Farm features her leatherwork, candles, print, jewelry and paintings. The studio is a wide-open space with large barn doors. She recommends bringing a coat for downstairs, but the upstairs is heated. (#14)

Artist Jeanette Staley is planning special interactive experiences with her art including a book for guests to share their reaction to the work and other personal stories. She also has cut up a bunch of paintings on wood for visitors to build their own collages. Her studio always features the most creative placemats and small floor cloths, and you can sign up for workshops and commissioned floor cloth discussions at her flyingcanvasstudio. (#16)

Putney Craft Tour Artisans new to the tour this year:

Blake Johnson, specializes in furniture, sculpture, wall art and useful wooden objects. He’s eager to greet tour goers and show off his work. (#8)

Other new artisans will be displaying their work together at Pierces Hall where you will enjoy oil paintings by Marcie Maynard (#22), Needle felted and soft sculptured wool dolls and animals by Kerrianne (#23) and Mucuy Bolles’s Mayan award-winning inspired ceramics. (#24)

Two more new artists are located at InSitu Polyculture Art Barn in Westminster. Visit with Candace Jensen (#17), who’ll be displaying her calligraphy, letterpress and drawing. She’s joined by oil painter Laurie Alberts whose inspiration comes from rowing her long solo scull on the Connecticut River. She says, “painting and rowing are complementary: hard work, joy, and a sense of expansion.” (#18)

Save time in the evening to enjoy performances, music and film that are all part of the Putney Craft Tour’s Thanksgiving Weekend of Arts:

  • Sandglass Theater celebrates the 10th Anniversary of A Rafter of Crankies and returns to Green Mountain Orchard for the fourth consecutive year. Performances: Fri, Nov. 29 at 5pm and 7:30pm, and Sat, Nov. 30, at 5pm and 7:30pm. Details at: https://sandglasstheater.org

  • Next Stage offers a triple bill of contemporary folk singer/songwriters -- Hayley Reardon, Sam Robbins, and Emily Margaret, on Fri. Nov. 29 and on Sat. the 30th, a screening of Jay Craven's new film "Lost Nation," and a Q&A with Craven. Details at:  www.nextstagearts.org/events-calendar.htm

Tour goers are advised to enjoy the tour in a leisurely fashion. Don’t try to do it in one day. Spend at least a couple of days and take in the rich community of artists and the Putney Historic District that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If You Go: Well-marked signs, and tour maps lead the way. Start at the award-winning Putney Mountain Winery & Spirits featuring award-winning artisanal wine and spirits. In addition to tastings, you’ll find info, an exhibit, and tour maps. Please call each studio for details about wheelchair accessibility. To learn more about the tour, and download the map go to: PutneyCrafts.com

SIDEBAR:

A Little Background

The artists had been there, drawn into creative orbit in and around Putney in the late 1960s and early-70s for many reasons, including the back-to-the-land movement, the rise of American craft and the powerful cluster of creative souls brought there by Windham College, the Yellow Barn Music Festival, The Putney School and the Experiment in International Living. Some of those artists gathered together to start the Putney Craft Tour in 1978, and several are still on the tour.

While in Putney Tour and Explore

Putney’s historic core makes up the Putney Village Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The arts play a major focus including the world-renowned Sandglass Theater and Next Stage Arts. There are plenty of local eateries including the Putney General Store, Putney Food Co-op and the Putney Diner. Up the road from town is Harlow Farm, one of the oldest and largest organic vegetable farms in Vermont. And you don’t want to miss Hidden Springs Maple, making maple products for over 50 years.

Putney is conveniently located at Exit 4, I 91 in southeastern Vermont two hours from Boston, Hartford and Albany, and within 4 hours of New York City. Tour maps are available on putneycrafts.com website and at each well-marked studio during the tour and also at the Putney Mountain Winery, along with brochures and a display of artists’ work.

Three Major Vermont Arts Organizations Join Forces to Celebrate

“Thanksgiving Weekend of Arts” in Putney, VT

PUTNEY, VT—Thanksgiving weekend, November 25, 26 and 27, promises to be a big weekend for Putney, Vermont. The Putney Craft Tour, Next Stage Arts Project and Sandglass Theatre have joined forces to promote “Thanksgiving Weekend of Arts”.

Ken Pick, one of the founders of the Putney Craft Tour says: “This will be a great cultural treat for visitors and locals alike. Not only will the craft tour be taking place during the day, but Next Stage Arts will offer an art exhibition— Elemental Abstractions Works on Paper by Joe Norris opening late afternoon on Saturday and Sandglass Theater will present, “A Rafter of Crankies”, with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights.

The collaboration will provide an opportunity to create a bigger and better weekend to draw more people and bring a positive impact on area inns and restaurants and on our respective organizations,” says Pick. “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and arts lovers alike. And, with the Putney Craft tour beginning on Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the weekend offers perfect timing for visitors to enjoy all of the offerings.”

This year’s 44th annual Putney Craft Tour features 21 of some of Vermont’s most prominent makers— glass blowers, potters, jewelers, weavers, woodworkers, painters and even artisan cheese, and wine makers and new this year -- an aromatherapist. Part of the fun for visitors is meandering through the beautiful Vermont countryside, following the map to find these prominent craftspeople and view the works where they are conceived and created. Many artisans do demos. Visitors may start at Putney Mountain Winery, 8 Bellows Falls Rd. for a preview exhibition of the artisans’ works and to pick up maps and brochures.

Sandglass Theater’s performances will take place Friday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 26 at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the big hall of Green Mountain Orchard.

Next Stage Arts opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, November 26 from 4-6 p.m. The three organizations will promote the weekend through social media, publicity and digital marketing.


More info: www.putneycrafts.com, facebook.com/Putney-Craft-Tour; www.sandglasstheater.org; www.nextstagearts.org

 
 

Thanksgiving Weekend of Arts

Calendar Listing

44th Putney Craft Tour–Oldest Continuing Craft Tour in the Country

Invites You to Visit During the Holiday Gift-Buying Season

PUTNEY, VT: Putney, VT celebrates Thanksgiving with a “Weekend of Arts” on Nov 25, 26, & 27 (10-5) highlighted by the Putney Craft Tour and late day and evening events at Sandglass Theater and Next Stage Arts. Meet some of Vermont’s most prominent makers—glass blowers, potters, jewelers, weavers, woodworkers, painters and even artisan cheese, wine makers and an aromatherapist. Find that one-of-a-kind gift and buy direct from the artisan who made it. Part of the fun is meandering through the beautiful Vermont countryside, following the map to find these prominent craftspeople and view the works where they are conceived and created. Many artisans do demos. Visitors may start at Putney Mountain Winery, 8 Bellows Falls Rd. for a preview exhibition of the artisans’ works and to pick up maps and brochures. After touring during the day, plan to attend a performance at Sandglass Theater, and/or gallery opening at Next Stage Arts. Details: www.putneycrafts.com, facebook.com/Putney-Craft-Tour; www.sandglasstheater.org; www.nextstagearts.org

 

For Immediate Release

Thanksgiving on Putney’s Artisan Trail

No Worry about Delayed Gifts for the Holidays, 

Putney Craft Tour studios are stocked up with fine artisan craft and open for business

Putney Craft Tour Celebrates 43rd Anniversary

Named Top Ten Vermont Winter Event by Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26, 27, 28 (10-5p)

PUTNEY, VT— The 43rd Annual Putney Craft Tour, the oldest continuing craft tour in the country, timed to coincide with Thanksgiving and holiday shopping, did not spring out of a vacuum, but from the happy confluence of a number of trends including the back-to-the-land movement and the rise of American craft. No doubt, Vermont’s agrarian heritage created a culture of craft and an appreciation of the hand-made, which continues to this day.

One of the founders is potter Ken Pick who arrived in Putney in 1969 after receiving an MAT from Antioch-Putney Graduate School. But pottery was never far away from his heart, and in about 1973, he began to earn his living from his craft. 

“This year there are 19 artists on the tour. It’s never been more than 28. There was a conceptual agreement that that size was good. We wanted to bring in new young people who arrived in the area,” Pick says. He adds that the date of the Thanksgiving weekend was chosen carefully—it’s the start of the gift-buying season. 

“This year we hope to welcome many new Vermonters who’ve moved here during COVID from outside Vermont.”

Connections are what it’s all about, both for the artists and the people who visit their studios. Visitors and locals move through the studios over the course of three days and engage with the artists, the real draw of such tours, as well as the distinctive, original pieces for sale. People say it’s more interesting and exciting to see something in a studio where it was created and to speak to the artist who made it. 

Silver jeweler Jeanne Bennett, who has been on the tour for over 16 years, appreciates the feedback she gets. “It’s nice to get the work out in public. I’m up in the woods and I love hearing everyone’s feedback.” In addition to first-timers, Bennett, like most of the artists, has repeat customers that come back “to see what’s new and add to their collection.” 

More than anything the tour is great entertainment. Driving the back roads and finding the studios is an adventure in itself although the studios are well marked and maps provide clear directions. 

Erica Noyes from Boston says, “I have been coming on the tour since I was in high school. (I graduated in 1994.) I grew up in Maine, but have family in Vermont, so that is how I started attending. I went to Bennington College, so it was easy for me to do the tour those years. I live in Boston now, but try to make it up every year with my husband. I tell everyone that it is the best event of the year!”

Putney also reflects the power of the creative economy. “It’s not just the crafts studios who benefit, but area B&Bs, stores, restaurants, and retailers.” Pick says. “Local shop owners say it’s their biggest weekend because of the tour.” In fact, for the last four years, we’ve been partnering with other cultural entities in Putney including Sandglass Theatre and Next Stage Arts to put on special performances during the tour. This year Putney’s Next Stage will present "Zoo Story", Edward Albee's one-act masterpiece that first catapulted him onto the world drama scene, November 26th and 27th, at 7:30 PM. Starring John Hadden and David Stern, and directed by Sandy Klein, the show portrays an isolated young man desperate to interact with other people (Nextstagearts.org). Sandglass Theater is also cooking up and event for the weekend. Please check their website sandglasstheater.org closer to Thanksgiving for details.

The tour includes wine and cheese tastings as well as demos. Visitors may start at Putney Winery & Spirits for info, maps, and a preview exhibition of the artisans’ works. 

Lead sponsors include Hidden Springs Maple, Putney Diner and the Putney Food Co-op. For a complete list and background of artisans on the tour including images of their work, and any updates regarding COVID as it relates to the studios, please go to: putneycrafts.com

 

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