entranceway leads into a spacious room with a high cathedral ceiling and exposed posts and beams . Decorative accents such as hand-woven snowshoes , a hanging chandelier , cowhide pattern pillows , leather chairs , and checker pattern curtains create a stylistic impression of a cultured , yet rural ski-cabin . The suite also features a queen-sized bed , wood stove , and large walk-in shower .
“ When we first bought the property , the Half-Pint Studio was set up in an entirely different way ,” says Kevin Harter . “ There was brown shag carpeting on the floors and a spiral staircase that led to a bed on a high platform . We really redid the whole space to give it more of a warm and classic ambience .”
Further behind the Half-Pint Studio suite lies the iconic Norman Rockwell Studio . In the same place where local residents once came to model for Norman Rockwell ’ s celebrated illustrations , a massive chandelier hangs over a majestic leather couch in the middle of the studio , and the walls are decked out with several photographs of Rockwell in his artistic prime . According to Kevin Harter , the process for redecorating the Norman Rockwell Studio took time ,
effort , and dedication . “ We wanted to put the studio back together as best as we could , and we wanted to make it look just like it was when he was here . We looked at old photos as references , and also consulted with Rockwell ’ s former models . Our conversations with his former models helped give us a deeper understanding of what we needed to do to put it back together .”
Kevin says that several of the artifacts that are scattered throughout the studio carry special significance , such as a deer head that was supplied by Buddy Edgerton . “ Buddy came to the studio when I was in the process of restoring it and looked up at an empty patch of wall . He told me , ‘ There used to be a deer head there that my mom shot . Norman loved my mom so much that he put the deer up there in the studio for everyone to see .’ After he told me that story , he offered to provide another deer head bust for decorative purposes . The only difference was , the deer wasn ’ t shot by his mother – it was shot by his father . I couldn ’ t have gotten any luckier in terms of how close to the original artifact I got with that piece ! It ’ s also an amazing way to honor the friendship between the Edgerton and Rockwell families .”
In addition to the deer head on the wall , several notable artifacts in the studio can be attributed to another famous Vermontbased artist by the name of Arthur Jones , who was a longtime member of the nearby Southern Vermont Arts Center .
“ Arthur Jones did a very famous series of flag paintings , many of which were acquired by prominent collectors and dignitaries across the country ,” Kevin Harter explains . “ While we were putting the studio back together , the estate of Arthur Jones approached us . They said that Arthur would have been incredibly happy to have one of his paintings hanging in Norman ’ s restored studio . After they contacted us , we ended up hanging one of Jones ’ paintings here in the studio and displaying it prominently . Arthur had only recently passed away when his estate contacted me , so I thought that it would be a beautiful way to honor the legacy of two artists who created some of their most significant work here in Southern Vermont . I consider it almost to be a posthumous artistic collaboration of sorts .”
Kevin and Sue Harter are also firm believers in the importance of respectful stewardship – both in regards to the way
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70 VERMONT MAGAZINE