Independent Spirits!

Independence Day.  It's more than just fireworks and cotton candy.  Some might say it's a day to celebrate our independent spirits and here in Burke there are quite a few truly unique artists and creators who embody that spirit and individualism.

Tara Lynn Scheidet is an eco-conscious fashion designer who creates stunning & whimsical wedding gowns and outfits that are as unique as the person wearing them.  Her designs reflect a love of nature with each piece made from natural, organic fibers and hand-crafted and sewn on a vintage sewing machine.

Sam & Weeza Sanderson are completely self taught artisans who harvest Vermont hardwoods and hand-turn them into beautiful one-of-a-kind bowls.  It takes months for each bowl to reach its finished state and each is naturally marked with the unique grains and variations of the wood species it is made from.

Amidst the flooring options at Chuck's Flooring, you'll also find the abstract paintings of the store's owner, Chuck Guest.  Chuck's paintings reflect a love of nature and the ocean.  His works are created on stretchers made from reclaimed Vermont wood.

A member of the Vermont Guild of Furniture Makers, Doug Clarner crafts heirloom furniture of all kinds from tables to custom made bed frames.  Solid hardwoods, traditional joinery, unique details and subtle curves are elements found at the core of his furniture designs.

Joan Harlowe is a watercolorist whose paintings and notecards reflect a love of Vermont and the agricultural landscape.  Horses are a favorite subject, hence the name of her Studio, Red Horse Studio.  

Trenny Robb and Bob Michaud create gorgeous lighting that reflects the natural world.  Lamps are made from copper or brass with shades that include botanicals, leaves or petals and are made from mica, parchment or fabric. 

Pikku is a Finnish word meaning tiny or small, but here in Burke it is the name of a small company that makes fun, creative, colorful and fanciful gift wrap and paper notions.  Their paper creations feature sweet stitches, gorgeous paper, hand-screen printed and letterpress designs in fresh colors.

Francesca DeLorme creates stunning mosaic masterpieces, jewelry and wall pieces from recycled materials.  As she puts it, "This art is trash!'  It may have started that way, but her finished products are full of intricate designs, shapes and colors that reflect a lively imagination.