BRATTLEBORO — Poised at the confluence of a nationwide arts happening and a statewide studio event, the artists of Brattleboro again will offer a close-up look at the creative process at the height of fall foliage season.
This year, however, art lovers will have twice the opportunity, as the annual event expands to include Columbus Day weekend, according to a news release.
Typically the first weekend in October, the Vermont Craft Council's 2016 Fall Open Studio Weekends, Oct. 1 and 2 and 8 and 9, will take place across the state, coinciding with the national American Craft Week.
Locally, the event will include the work of 14 artists from 11 studios and one gallery in Brattleboro, West Brattleboro, and Marlboro. Half of the participating studios will be open only the first weekend; the rest will be open both weekends.
Participating studios will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, offering the public a chance to meet the artists, view the environments in which their art is created, see demonstrations of their processes, and purchase finished works.
Highlights include:
• Josh Bernbaum of the JMB Glass studio will be offering a new selection of his popular “Mezza Filigrana” handmade drinking glasses, in addition to many other unique and not previously seen blown glass pieces.
• Fulcrum Arts will offer make-your-own glass and ceramics drop-in sessions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 1 and 2. There is a $40 fee for each glass piece, and the fees for clay carving start at $25. Reservations are recommended but not mandatory. Email [email protected] for details.
• Naomi Lindenfeld will demonstrate her innovative technique of creating layers of colored clay and then rolling, pinching or throwing the clay prepared in this way.
• Painter Charles Townsend will show his oil paintings, pastels and monotypes, including landscapes of Vermont, the East Coast, and France.
• Lesley Heathcote's current work focuses on animals, birds and landscapes of Vermont. Her medium is pastel which allows her to combine painterly layering of color along with detailed drawing.
Visitors can start the self-guided tour by following the yellow signs posted at Exit 2 of Interstate 91 in Brattleboro. A map that includes all the participating Brattleboro-area artists is available at any stop on the tour, or download a copy to your device at www.brattleboro-west-arts.com/VCCmap.pdf.