PUTNEY-Still going strong, The Putney Craft Tour celebrates its 46th anniversary during Thanksgiving weekend - Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Conceived in the late 1970s and timed to coincide with Thanksgiving and holiday shopping, the tour rose from the happy confluence of a number of trends, including the back-to-the-land movement and the rise of American craft.
The day after Thanksgiving, the studios of 24 of Vermont's most prominent makers invite the public in to discover, ask questions and snag that one-of-a-kind gift direct from the crafter who made it. Glassblowers, potters, jewelers, woodworkers, painters, sculptors, stained glass artisans, an aromatherapist, and even award-winning wine- and cheesemakers will welcome visitors to their studios.
The idea of what an artist does in their studio is often romanticized, say the founders of the tour, and inviting the public creates an intimate experience where people see how hands-on and practical crafting in the studio is.
"The opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the number and the variety of craftspeople and artists in a small rural environment is the real draw of such tours," said glassblower Robert Burch, one of the founders of the tour.
Burch is an entertainer, glassblower, and teacher, and his studio is alive with demos all weekend long. For him, the tour is a family affair with both his daughter and son on the tour. Caitlin Burch specializes in hand-blown glass and lampwork jewelry, while son Ryan Burch specializes in functional ceramics.
Joshua Gold is also a potter on the tour. Gold specializes in wood-fired and soda-fired pottery. He describes his work as "the search and discovery of the endless combination of dances that express elegance and grace."
Additional craft tour glass artisans include Edel Byrne, who creates stained glass panels and candle holders; and Julia Brandis, whose work includes nature-inspired stained glass lamps and panels.
Brandis said she first felt the impulse of Tiffany, and was soon inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Josh Letourneau, maker of freestyle hand-blown glass says growing up he wasn't very artistic, but he was instantly mesmerized at the potential of the many forms one can create with glass.
Artist Judy Hawkins is inspired by the Vermont landscape, especially interpreting the mood and feeling of weather, skies, and water. She paints with bold colors, gestural brushstrokes, and fine detail. Hawkins's studio is in Westminster West near the studio of painter Nancy Calicchio, who is deeply inspired by the Vermont landscape as well.
Also in the same area is jewelry designer Jeanne Bennett's studio that is part of her house which she calls her "woman cave."
"More than anything, the tour is great entertainment. Driving through the Vermont countryside and finding the studios is an adventure in itself," says Bennett.
Another early tour member, The Green Mountain Spinnery, is chiefly engaged in machine spinning and dyeing of yarn from New England fleece. Since its founding as a cooperative in 1981, they've marketed sweater patterns designed by Putney artists to go with their array of colored yarns.
The Spinnery's Maureen Clark guesses why people come back year after year. "It's due to the variety of artists on the tour, and seeing how other people thrive in an artistic lifestyle making beautiful things."
The internationally award-winning Parish Hill Creamery is where Peter Dixon and Rachel Fritz Schaal make cheese when the cows are outside grazing the hill farm pastures of Elm Lea Farm. Their cheese is natural and represents something that is an expression of the land, the animals, the milk - and their hands.
Recent tour participant Pura Vida creates handmade products- all made in Putney - for both physical healing and spiritual growth. They specialize in essential oils, handcrafted soaps, massage and body oils, and a variety of products for the bath.
Susan Jarvis's studio, located on the first floor of historic Overhills, is where she transforms the "histories and stories of objects, people, and places into beautiful, complex paintings, sculptures, and custom mosaic tilework." She will have ceramic tiles, sculptures, holiday ornaments, and oil paintings for purchase. Visitors may also explore the extensive grounds open for wandering which features an amazing view.
Many of the artisans have more than one skillset, including Anya Bredbeck whose Hopestead Studio in the Barn at Wild Life Hill Farm features her leatherwork, candles, print, jewelry, and paintings. The studio is a wide-open space with large barn doors. She recommends bringing a coat for downstairs, but the upstairs is heated.
Artist Jeanette Staley is planning special interactive experiences with her art, including a book for guests to share their reaction to the work and other personal stories. Visitors can build their own collages with materials she's prepared. Her studio features placemats and small floor cloths. Visit flyingcanvasstudio to sign up for workshops and discussion of commissioned floor cloths.
Putney Craft Tour artisans new to the tour this year include Blake Johnson, who specializes in furniture, sculpture, wall art and useful wooden objects. He's eager to greet tour goers and show off his work.
Other new artisans will be displaying their work together at Pierces Hall in East Putney. On view will be oil paintings by Marcie Maynard, needle-felted and soft sculptured wool dolls and animals by Kerrianne Harlow, and Mucuy Bolles's award-winning, Mayan-inspired ceramics.
Two more new artists are located at InSitu Polyculture Art Barn in Westminster. Visitors can see Candace Jensen, who'll be displaying her calligraphy, letterpress, and drawing. She is joined by oil painter Laurie Alberts, whose inspiration comes from rowing her long solo scull on the Connecticut River. She says, "painting and rowing are complementary: hard work, joy, and a sense of expansion."
Well-marked signs and tour maps lead the way for visitors. Start at Putney Mountain Winery & Spirits. In addition to tastings, you'll find tour information, an exhibit, and maps. To learn more about the tour and download the map, visit PutneyCrafts.com.
This Special section item was submitted to The Commons.