VT VOICES : LYMAN ORTON
and galleries in Vermont have evolved . They have started to emulate urban art museums and galleries in terms of how the paintings are presented in a more exclusive way , and I do not think that is a step in the right direction . I think it ’ s time to reimagine what it means for people to walk into an arts center in Vermont . I want people to have the same type of remarkable feeling that Jewell had when he walked into the Burr & Burton Gymnasium years ago and saw those incredible paintings from the Southern Vermont Artists . I know from working at the Vermont Country Store that people who come to visit Vermont don ’ t want things to be the same as they are in the city . We ’ re going to hearken back to that show and everything it represented . We won ’ t be showing the paintings at the Burr & Burton Gymnasium , but we will be recapturing the spirit of those shows .
Q : Are there any unsung or lesser-known heroes or heroines of the Vermont arts scene that are present in For the Love of Vermont : the Lyman Orton Collection whose works that you intentionally wanted to highlight , preserve , and share with a wider audience ?
A : There are a few wonderful paintings from female artists that were active during that era , such as Marion Huse and Bernadine Custer . I thought it was important to highlight their contributions , especially in the exhibits at SVAC and Bennington Museum , because they made a lasting impact that was often overlooked .
Q : Speaking of making a lasting impact , what is the statement that you are seeking to make with this collection in regards to Vermont ’ s artistic legacy ?
A : My aim was to curate and produce an exhibition that people will remember regardless of whether or not they are avid art collectors , art aficionados , or have no background in art at all . There are many people out there who are not art experts , but they would be interested in art if it were made more enjoyable and accessible for them . I ’ ve always felt that the museum experience would be more welcoming if people could sit down , relax , and engage with the art at their own pace . In today ’ s world , it ’ s incredibly difficult to take a step back , pause , and enjoy real moments of human contact and meaningful experiences . I believe that when you come to Vermont , you can still talk to real people , see real art , and enjoy the culture and beauty of a real place . That ’ s what I want to accomplish with For the Love of Vermont : the Lyman Orton Collection .
Q : What are some of the ways that you plan on displaying the art and engaging with the audience to create a more welcoming museum environment ?
A : We ’ re going to space the paintings out throughout the rooms of both museums in a way that tells a nice visual story . We ’ re also partnering with Shawn Harrington from Manchester Historical Society to create a special room at the SVAC
30 VERMONT MAGAZINE