Art at the Kent’s Exhibition Opens Sept. 8

CALAIS – Art at the Kent will present “Traces – Vermont Artists Explore the Elemental” at their once-a-year exhibition beginning Friday, Sept. 8. The exhibition, by Vermont artists, features works in wax, wood, paint, clay, fabric, metal, and photographs.

Visitors can view these works inside the rambling historic structures of the Kents’ Corner State Historic Site as well as throughout its grounds.

The varied art forms in the exhibit seek to enliven visual powers. The celestial creations of Brattleboro metal sculptor Bruce Campbell are at once whimsical and profound, drawing the viewer up into the cosmos, whereas Barre artist Athena Petra Tasiopoulos’ geometric works bring audiences back down to earth. Sometimes it is the familiarity of an ordinary object or subject that links the viewer to a story, as in the case of Bakersfield painter Rona Lee Cohen, whose still lifes are at once familiar and abstract. In contrast, Tunbridge painter Bunny Harvey’s dramatic works explore the intersection of her rural view with a passion for quantum physics.

Art at the Kent will also host a variety of associated events that visitors can experience, including “Words Out Loud,” the Sunday afternoon reading series (September 17, 24, and October 1) at the nearby Old West Church. An array of events and programs can be found on the website including multiple artist demonstrations, mosaic and cyanotype workshops, as well as illustrated talks. The Spotlight gallery shines a light on the work of the Center for Cartoon Studies’ programs, alumni, and instructors.

The artist exhibit runs through Sunday, Oct. 8 with an opening celebration with music, food, and drink on Saturday, September 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A closing celebration will be held October 8, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at 7 Old West Church Road. Art at the Kent is open for weekly viewing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment at (802) 223-6613 (during exhibition hours only) or thekentmuseum@gmail.com