Brandon, VT has been known as a community for visual arts since the start of the Brandon Artists Guild, which brought into town fine artists and skilled craftspeople as well as new cultural venues. Every year, as Memorial Day approaches, the Guild serves as an official hub for what is now a tradition: The Vermont Craft Council (VCC)'s statewide Open Studio Weekend, this year May 23/24 (Saturday/Sunday). Fifty-five artists are represented at the Guild itself; the current featured show is acrylic paintings by Jackee Foley, who will be present much of the weekend.

The official statewide maps as well as local maps are available for weeks ahead at the Guild on Center Street, and during the Memorial Day weekend ten venues (artist studios) will be open for visitors all day.

Exciting news is that Robin Kent is opening her studio; she says it's been a few years since hosting Open Studio, and this time she'll be working on wood assemblages in preparation for the Brandon Artists Guild's four-person show in June: The Art of the Flag. Stained-glass artist Laura Rideout has participated for many years, and her studio has always been immensely popular; Rideout delights in explaining her methods and inspirational sources.

Also walkable from Brandon downtown, are five other venues: The Judith Reilly Gallery opens for the season on the 23^rd, unveiling a series of new works. She will be debuting a collection of hooked rugs ("Woodstock Collection") designed for Chandler 4 Corners. Patty Sgrecci's, Granary Building studio is a special treasure-house of fascinating materials used to make her decorative mobiles and wall art. While in the Granary, collectors can explore the old-world millinery studios of Nora Swan and Sam Stone, and watch felt being processed for use in trendy hats.

Near the Granary, Susan Smith-Hunter says she'll have new expressive planters, and "cats both ceramic and furry." Her stoneware pieces are hand-built, one-of-a-kind and often can serve as garden sculptures. Open Studios for mixed-media artist Joan Curtis will preview her show at Castleton Downtown Gallery in Rutland, coming up in June/July: sculptures, paintings, and drawings.

At a country site, Fran Bull invites visitors to see work in progress, notably a new group of sculptures just begun. Her paintings and etchings are also on display. All are welcome to stroll the beautiful walking paths around this this gallery/studio site. On Lovers Lane, also a bit north of town, at Jill Listzwan's studio, her unusual whimsical folk-art jewelry is on view: mixed-media design originals, on a polyresin-based material.

Judith Reilly, a VCC board member, tells of three Addison County studio venues in Orwell: Stacey Stanhope Dundon, functional pottery and paintings; Andy Snyder of Mud Puppy Pottery demonstrating items that are functional, artistic, and fun; and functional blown glass by John Chiles, who says "Blow-your-own glass ornament!"

The visiting times for Open Studio Weekend, are 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24.

Boston's "Sundress Rocker," comes back to Brandon Music for a release party for her new album 'In Waves' on May 23 at 7:30pm before embarking on a national tour. The album is Sarah Blacker's strongest songwriting and playing to date. The songs artfully span rock, pop, indie folk, and Americana fused together with her signature vocal sound and stacked vocal harmonies.

The Huffington Post said "her infectious, well-written songs led to her being named Female Performer of the Year at the New England Music Awards, and has drawn her comparisons to Sara Bareilles. But, comparisons be damned: she's her own artist."

The lyric "feel it all, In Waves", taken from the title track, immediately informs the listener of the emotional content of her songs. Sarah's vision and spirit of the album was that of uninhibited authenticity, honesty and fearlessness and is filled with skillful rhythm guitar, piano and ukulele, and sung with a uniquely soulful voice.

Blacker's catch-phrase, "songs save lives," speaks to their role in her own life. Her rebellious teenage years and musical influence from her parents led her to attend Boston's acclaimed Berklee College of Music where she graduated as a Board-Certified Music Therapist. She is grateful that her wayward journey through life has led her to making her edgiest record thus far.

Sarah was nominated for 'Songwriter of the Year' in the Boston Music Awards in 2013. In 2014 she was nominated for song, and songwriter of the year at the New England Music Awards. She has toured extensively and shared stages with dozens of internationally renowned artists including Mishka, Carbon Leaf, America, Richard Thompson, 10,000 Maniacs, Paula Cole, Rusted Root, Leon Russell, and many others. 

Concert tickets are $15.  A pre-concert dinner is available for $20.  Reservations are recommended for the show and required for dinner. Venue is BYOB. Call (802) 247-4295 or e-mail info@brandon-music.net for reservations or for information.  Brandon Music is located at 62 Country Club Rd. Brandon, VT 05733 www.brandon-music.net | http://www.sarahblacker.com

 

This show is a celebration of American life and symbols as interpreted by 4 diverse artists, with the American flag as a common theme. The concept, created by Warren Kimble, is yet another way to enjoy his current style of assemblage complemented by the work of a few select artists, working inside and outside the box, exploring inventive new techniques.

The changing style of an artist is an exciting process. There is nothing stale or predictable about the work of Warren Kimble.  After a successful career as a popular licensed folk artist, he continues to reinvent himself with great enthusiasm.  Currently he reimagines objects, creating 3D, often humorous pieces of art. Kimble is also known as a strong creative community leader in both Brandon and the state of Vermont, having been instrumental in the transformation of Brandon into "the art and soul of Vermont", a founder of the Brandon Artists Guild, and a featured artist in shows at the Shelburne Museum, New York and Boston.   

Karen Deets of West Castleton, uses kiln techniques in both medieval and contemporary glass styles. She is known for her nature scenes with woodlands, mountains and hidden details. In this show Deets will be featuring patriotic barns and fireworks.

Robin Kent of Brandon, has had a long career in whimsy. Her assembled cut and painted art lightens up a room and gallery visitors often respond with smiles and laughter to her sculptural figures. Rectangular paintings present drama and feeling in her recognizable style.

Mike Mayone of East Middlebury, is known as a brilliant realist painter. His style of photorealism and landscapes is beautiful and technically precise. You can almost walk into a scene and sit and rest on a porch or Adirondack chair. In this show Mayone will present some 3D work.

As we anticipate another 4^th of July celebration in Brandon, VT, with its parade and parties, be sure to include seeing this fun yet sophisticated show of art, showing June 4 - 30.

Brandon Artists Guild 

7 Center St.

Brandon, VT

802 247-4956

www.brandonartistsguild.org 

 Central Vermont's acclaimed chamber music ensemble performs at Brandon Music with varied music for piano, voice, and viola. At this spring concert, Arioso will perform music of Henry Purcell, J.S. Bach, Charles Ives, and Rebecca Clarke, plus two works by Vermont composers, the 'Romance for viola and piano' by Jacob Morton-Black, and the 'Cheese Songs', a delightful and moving song cycle by Worcester composer, Michael Close. Highlighting new works by contemporary Vermont composers is the mission of Arioso.  

The members of Arioso, all Vermont professional musicians, are: Elizabeth Reid, viola; Alison Cerutti, piano; and Linda Radtke, voice. The group was formed in 2008 and debuted in May 2009. 

Jim Lowe, of the Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus says the group is "deeply beautiful...simply a pleasure."

Alison Bruce Cerutti has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Vermont, and as a flute accompanist in the U.S. and France. Alison has played with the Northern Third Piano Quartet, Veritas, and the Bruce Klavier Duo, Burlington Civic Symphony, Vermont Philharmonic, as well as numerous collaborations with Vermont musicians.  She has premiered works by Vermont composers Lydia Busler, Erik Nielsen, David Gunn, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, and Jacob Morton-Black. 

Alto Linda Radtke, while classically trained, is comfortable with a wide range of musical styles and language. Her vocal style has been described as "engaging, with a warm and expressive style and impeccable musicianship."  A graduate of Rutgers University and the University of Vermont, Linda sings with the professional vocal ensemble Counterpoint, and has sung solos of many great choral works with the Vermont Philharmonic, the Vermont Symphony, and in Vermont productions of opera and musical theatre, including Sound of Music (Maria and Abbess), The King and I (Lady Thiang), Camelot (Guinevere) and most of the alto leads in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

Violist Elizabeth Reid is in high demand as a musician in Vermont. Her playing has been described as having a "deep and expressive sound" and a "natural musicality" according to the Times Argus. Elizabeth has performed as principal violist of the Middlebury Opera Orchestra, as well as playing regularly with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Burlington Chamber Orchestra, and the Northern Third Piano Quartet. She has a strong interest in contemporary music and has been involved in various premieres of solo and chamber works in Canada and the U.S.

Concert tickets are $15.  A pre-concert dinner is available for $20.  Reservations are recommended for the show and required for dinner. Venue is BYOB. Call (802) 247-4295 or e-mail info@brandon-music.net for reservations or for information.  Brandon Music is located at 62 Country Club Rd. Brandon, VT 05733 www.brandon-music.net | http://www.ariosochambermusic.org/
 

The Brandon Town Hall is open and ready for a long summer and fall of exciting events!

Back after a year's absence, the Brandon Town Players will present staged readings of three old time radio plays from the 1930's on May 23 in the Brandon Town Hall. You can enjoy the show, cake, coffee/tea in a cabaret atmosphere for $8 a person. This event is sponsored by Creative Fiber Designs - Maria Ammatuna.

  We end the busy month of May on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 with a reunion and first appearance in 8 years of the infamous "Distant Thunder Band". Playing classic rock, Blues and Country this band is made up of many local musicians and includes 5 of the original members plus a new 6^th member. We will make sure there is plenty of room for dancing or just sitting back for some down home, toe tapping. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for Seniors/Students/Active Military and can be purchased at Carr's Florist & Gifts or at the door. Sponsored by an Anonymous donor.

June 7^th...No Strings Marionettes..."Handsome & Gretel"...Sunday, 4:00 pm. A cast of 15 hand crafted marionettes lead you through this journey of never ending action. Adults...$7,          Seniors/Students/Active Military...$5

June 13^th...Woodchucks Revenge...Saturday, 7:30 pm. New England fiddle tunes, Modern Cowboy, Irish      Ballads, 60's folk, Blues & Bluegrass. Adults...$8, Seniors/Students/Active Military...$6

June 14^th...Tom Joyce and his New Magical Comedy Show for 2015...Sunday, 1:00 pm. Adults...$4,  niors/Students/Active Military...$3. Benefit for the Town Hall.

  As you can see the Town Hall is a definite destination point for your entertainment and cultural needs. In addition to the incredible performances, the Friends of the Town Hall will have beverages and snacks available for sale, popcorn at the movies and our annual raffle to help us raise funds for major and minor repairs of our 150 year old building. Spring has finally sprung and the Town Hall is waiting for you to enjoy the warmer weather (we hope!)

Dennis W. Marden    President of the Friends of The Brandon Town Hall.

http://www.brandontownhall.org  802-247-5420  click here for a full season of events listing 

The 19th Century building that has been restored and remodeled to accommodate those devoted to the arts and to small business. Fully renovated, with new electrical and heating systems, insulation and new windows. Current studios are occupied by a publisher, illustrator, milliner, painters, sculptor, photographer, jeweler, graphic designer, and Brandon Artist Guild. 

This the only available studio space available in the building. 

 $385/month all utilities included (except AC)

If interested please contact me at: sjerome@visuallearningco.com, or 802-247-3214

Thanks! Stephanie                  Please forward this note to interested artists and small businesses~

Volunteers needed

  The Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace & Brandon Museum.

 The Brandon Museum opened on May 18 and is running 7 days a week until mid October. The museum makes history and information available to locals and visitors alike.

If you have an interest in the town and its roots keep us in mind and why not donate a couple of hours per week. We have daily shifts of 2.5 hours from 11:00am-4:00pm. If you don't like being alone and want company feel free to pair up and volunteer with a friend! Contact Museum Steward Dan Celik at 247-3888 to join the Brandon history team at the Brandon Museum for a fun summer season.

Our museum keeps Brandon's history alive by sharing and promoting our town and surrounding areas with the many visitors. In 2014 alone we had over 700 visitors come through our door asking for directions, looking for a place to stay and eat and enjoying the museum! Our museum and community room is a special place and is a great local resource.