Susan Leader and brother Emett with outdoor kiln. 1974.
State of Craft Showcase Event “The Land - The Art - The Artist”
Vermont’s rugged scenery has attracted many individualistic craftspeople. Over the past 50 years, Vermont has become one of the rural epicenters of the national studio craft movement as a result of an influx of young people who were drawn to the state during the 1960s and '70s back-to-the-land era.
VAULT’s exhibit explores the continuum of inspiration, connection and careers of seven of the area's craftspeople to the unique geology and geography of Vermont.
Demonstrations of crafts, workshops and talks all help to tell the story of how Vermont’s craft community, inspired by the land, continue to provide links to the past by keeping traditional skills alive and vibrant. The exhibit opens with a talk on September 2, at 6:30. Journey to VT - Exploring the Creative Path, features Susan Leader of Andover, VT and Cheryl Flett of Wilmington,VT. Susan explores the connection between her pottery making and the influence of the back-to-the-land movement. Cheryl Flett, fiber artist, will talk about the pull of the mountains and the motivation to move from Chicago to Vermont. Both artisans will share personal stories on how the land was and is their creative inspiration.
Susan Leader today
Truddi Greene "then"
Vermont artisans included in the exhibit:
Truddi Greene-quilter, "My flower garden is a constant source of inspiration from May to October as I work with bold; sassy floral prints; the transformation of the fall folliage is a visual feast which inevitably leads me to knew ideas for design and color combinations with batik fabrics."
Susan Leader - potter, "...being a potter has always appealled to me on many different levels, and one of them is simply that it is way for me to feel rooted in and on the earth, the Vermont landscape."
Susan Langley-basket maker, "It is more the "feel" of Vermont than the landscape that inspires me. Caring for our environment through awareness and recycling led me to weave serveral styles of "old-fashioned" market baskets. I use mine often for small trips to the local co-op or grocery store."
Susan Langley "then"
George Ainley-Windsor Chairs, "I am happy to be only a mile from a small hardwood mill where I can buy my pick of straight-grained, healthy logs from an ample assortment...I start with whole logs, work them with hand tools, and come out with a great product that has classic beauty and utility."
Cheryl Flett - Fiber Art, "Fiber art is the essence of Vermont. The rich sheep culture now being used again is exciting. Being able to touch, feel and smell the wool is a thrill of its own. Immersing myself in the landscape through manipulating wool is truly a brilliant way to become part of the landscape."
Don Heuerman-woodspirits woodcarving, "I love the Vermont landscape and the way it changes. The varieties of greens I see as the seasons change are awe inspiring...Vermont also supplies me with an endless supply of wood for walking sticks and other carvings."
Chris Sherwin-glass, "My theme at Sherwin Art Glass is 'Nature's Beauty in Glass' and I try to catch the essence of the beauty I see around me in my work."
George Ainley in his studio today
Cheryl Flett in her studio
For more information on the talks, workshops, craft demonstrations by the above artisans scheduled during this exhibit
just click on our programs page: "program page" Demonstrations are free and open to all. 885-7111
*State of Craft is organized by the VT Crafts Council in partnership with the Bennington Museum, VT Folklife Center,
