Whet Your Appetite for Art  

For those of you who are coming up for the holiday weekend and also for those who will be partaking of the exciting events in Brattleboro during February, we've teamed up with the Whetstone Station Restaurant to offer you a taste-tempting offer.

First, stop by the gallery and take a look at the fine artistry and craftsmanship of our more than 300 fine artists and artisans. Mention this newsletter and you'll get a coupon for a free family-size appetizer at one of downtown Brattleboro's newest restaurants.

Today, the Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery features an unparalleled array of homebrewed, regional micro-brewed and international beers complemented by a fresh and unique menu with an emphasis on small plates, comfort foods and grilled dishes, made using local products whenever possible. All of the above is offered in a high-ceilinged dining room and on two outdoor decks overlooking the Connecticut River and beyond to Mount Wantastiquet. (See www.whetstonestation.com).

Gallery Walk Featured Artists

The February Gallery Walk, in addition to featuring the portraits of Juan Jr. Ramirez, will focus on paintings by a variety of artists including Deborah Lazar, Carol Gobin, Paul Stone, Jeanette Staley, Jim Murphy and Dane Tilghman and several High Street Painters.

The opening reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery. Ramirez will be available to discuss appointments for his newly offered small, commissioned portraits. Please view a brief video of Juan painting with the High St Painters on our YouTube Channel by following this link http://youtu.be/vDlwGZq3MuQ 

As usual, a portion of sales of the featured artist's work will go to a local not-for-profit agency. For February, the recipient will be the Windham County Heating Fund.

Live music during the reception will be provided by Jon Mattthew on the gallery's Yamaha baby grand piano. Jon Matthew also has a new CD of his piano stylings for you to purchase.

Be Our Valentine!

You'll find our wide array of jewelry - in a wide variety of media by Ed Levin, Frank Reubel, Michael Michaud, Silver Forest, Lori Presthus, Kathleen Frazer, Susan Samitz and more -- makes the Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery a natural place to find a stylish and exciting gift for your Valentine.

Or, you might prefer a colorful silk scarf or even a painting. How about a Gift Certificate for a small portrait by Juan Jr. Ramirez? Remember, Valentine's Day is on Thursday, Feb. 14!

There's still plenty of time to order something special from our website, www.vtart.com, as well. We'll be adding new items daily.

57th Brattleboro Winter Carnival

This year marks the 57th year of the 10-day Brattleboro Winter Carnival! Plenty of things again this year to keep you entertained both inside and outside during the school vacation week. Ski during the day; attend other activities in the evening!

There's ice skating, sleigh rides, a Carnival Queen pageant, cross-country skiing, junior Olympics, a variety show, sugar on snow, a figure skating show, a chili cook-off, a children's concert, outdoor fun day, an 80's dance and more!

See www.BrattleboroWinterCarnival.org for a complete listing of events.

And, you're always welcome to stop by the gallery to warm up, too.

Harris Hill Ski Jump; Just Blocks from Downtown!

The Harris Hill Ski Jump, the only Olympic-sized, 90-meter ski jumping hill in New England, will play host to its annual two-day ski jumping event Feb. 16 & 17. This year's event will be the only domestic stop in a nine-event International Skiing Federation (FIS) competition schedule, and will also serve as a stop on the United States American Ski Jumping (USASJ) series.

Founded in 1922, the annual jumping competition held on Harris Hill attracts several thousand spectators each year not only to watch local jumpers reach great heights but also to view world renowned jumpers soar in the sport of ski jumping. In 2009, the jump was completely rebuilt in accordance with FIS specifications.

The two major competitions, merged in with the annual Pepsi Challenge and Fred Harris Memorial Tournament, will draw the best male and female ski jumpers from across the globe to Brattleboro, including those fighting to earn a spot on their respective 2014 Winter Olympic teams.

Competition each day will start at noon and will conclude by 4 p.m. A family event, Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition weekend includes opening ceremonies, appearances by Jumper the mascot, food and drink vendors, a bonfire and more.

For details on the event, please visit HarrisHillSkiJump.com.