CALL TO ARTISTS- SculptFest2013

WEST RUTLAND, VT- The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center invites sculptors to submit proposals for SculptFest2013, September 14-October 27. The theme for this year’s outdoor installation event is “Historical Markers,” guest curated by Artist Phil Whitman of Barre, Vermont.

This summer marks the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War battle of Gettysburg. In the years after the battle, hundreds of monuments were constructed to commemorate the various regiments on the ground where they had fought, turning the fields and woods into a vast sculpture park. I’d like to propose the theme of “Historical Markers” for the 2013 manifestation of SculptFest. I don’t necessarily intend to honor the memory of the battle itself. Instead, I’m interested in honoring the union of sculpted marker and meaning-laden site. Proposals for this exhibit might consider wide-ranging historical narratives; these could be political, social or artistic. Proposals might focus on the local history of the Carving Center site, either as a working quarry or as a haven for previous artists. Proposed work could take any form, from sculptural installation to new media and performance. Some two-dimensional work will also likely be included.

Proposals should include a project description on one or two pages, sketches or other visual representations, resume, optional statement and up to ten digital images portraying previous site-specific work. Applications are due July 5, 2013. Materials will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.

Address submissions to “SculptFest2013,” The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center, P.O. Box 495, West Rutland, VT 05777. For more information, please contact us at 802-438-2097 or info@carvingstudio.org

CALL TO ARTISTS- Annual Members' Show

WEST RUTLAND, VT- The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center announces their Annual Members’ Show, May 18-June 30, 2012 at the Gallery, 259 Marble Street in West Rutland.  All members of the non-profit arts education organization have the opportunity to show their work in this popular exhibition. An eclectic mix of techniques and media are always represented and artists of all levels have the chance to exchange ideas after the often-solitary winter. There will be a reception for the artists, open to the public, on Saturday, May 18, 5-7 PM. 

Space in the exhibit is limited, so members who plan to participate should let the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center know of their intentions as soon as possible. The deadline to receive works is Friday, May 10, 2012.  Membership must be current to exhibit, please phone (802) 438-2097 or email info@carvingstudio.org to renew or become a member.

CALL TO ARTISTS- Gallery Exhibits

WEST RUTLAND, VT- The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center (CSSC) is accepting applications for one and/or two person exhibits at their gallery for the 2013-2014 season. Shows are 1-2 months in duration. Proposals should include 10-15 images of artwork (in digital format on CD), résumé/CV, an artist statement and an SASE for the return of materials, if desired. Submissions should be addressed to the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center, P.O. Box 495, West Rutland, VT 05777. The deadline for this application is Monday, April 8, 2013. For inquiries, contact 802-438-2097 or info@carvingstudio.org.

SculptFest 2012 Call to Artists-application deadline July 20th

The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center invites sculptors to submit proposals for SculptFest2012. The theme for this year’s outdoor installation event is “Keep on Keepin’ On,” guest curated by Adam Frelin, Artist and Assistant Professor of Art, SUNY University at Albany.

“The grounds of the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center in central Vermont are not those of a manicured outdoor sculpture park. It is less a space for presentation than a site for practice. Unlike an empty lawn, this place reveals its history, in relation not only to what once took place here (quarrying marble), but also to what is taking place (making art). These grounds are not “composed” in the traditional sense of an exhibition space, but layered, conflicted, frugal, organic, and elemental. In other words, alive.

As artists, many of us try to make the best of our situation. If the local industry collapses (steel, coal, marble, you name it) we salvage their equipment. We make paintings of their altered landscape. And we move into their abandoned buildings. When all the grants and financial awards dry up, we get another job and keep making art in our spare time. When the galleries, museums and non-profits that show our art close down, we invent our own shows: whenever, wherever, with whomever.

For SculpFest 2012 my aim is to bring together a group of artists who not only take into consideration the eclectic appearance that the grounds of the Carving Studio embody, but find inventive ways to take advantage of its unique character in both the creation and staging of their artwork. Equally, participating artists should conceive of projects that, in the face of adversity, attempt to invoke the spirit of determination and persistence exemplified by the showʼs title, Keep on Keepinʼ On.”

“We keep on keepin' on.”

-Adam Frelin, February 2012

Proposals should include a project description on one or two pages, sketches or other visual representations, resume, optional statement and up to ten digital images portraying previous site-specific work. Applications are due July 20, 2012.  Materials will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.

Address submissions to “SculptFest2012,” The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center, P.O. Box 495, West Rutland, VT  05777.  For more information, please contact us at 802-438-2097 or info@carvingstudio.org.

Sculptors Emerge as Contemporary Artists

The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center announces the Emerging Sculptors Exhibition in the Gallery at 259 Marble Street. There will be an opening reception on Friday, July 13, 5-7 PM for the artists who include Amy Boemig, Erica Johnson, Persi Narvaez, Meghan Rigali and Andrew Thomas. The exhibiting artists come to sculpture from diverse backgrounds and each offers a unique perspective on three-dimensional expression. There will be a life celebration of Keiko Van Guilder at 6 PM.

2012 Annual Members’ Show

CSSC's Annual Members’ Show will be held at the Gallery, 259 Marble Street in West Rutland. All members have the opportunity to show their work in this popular exhibition. An eclectic mix of techniques and media are always represented and artists of all levels have the chance to exchange ideas after the often-solitary winter. There will be a reception for the artists, open to the public, on Saturday, May 19, 5-7 PM.

Annual Member's Exhibit and Sculptor's Forum

An exciting mix of artworks are arriving at the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center as the organization prepares for their 25th Anniversary Members’ Show, May 19-July 1, 2012. (Pictured is "The Quick Brown Fox," bronze by Amy Boemig.) There will be a reception for the artists, open to the public, on Saturday, May 19 at the Gallery, 259 Marble Street in West Rutland. All members of the non-profit arts education organization have the opportunity to show their work in this popular exhibition. Various techniques and media are always represented and artists of all levels have the chance to exchange ideas after the often-solitary winter. Preceding the opening reception will be the Spring Thaw Sculptors’ Forum at the CSSC main building from 3-4:30 PM. Moderated by Chris Mathewson, the panel discussion will explore the topic “Permanence and Perception: Legacy Arts and the Ephemeral Nature of Creativity.” Panelists include B. Amore, Erica Johnson, Bill Ramage and Hector Santos. Please phone (802) 438-2097 or email info@carvingstudio.org for more information.

Gallery Opening for "Stone, Water, Metal," a Photographic Retrospective of Works by Don Ross

For the past 17 years, Don Ross has sought to capture the visual diversity and complexity of the Vermont landscape, and his work reveals a gift for juxtaposing the persistence of nature with the impermanence of industry. Inspired by the historic marble quarries and its current use by contemporary artists, Don interprets the altered landscape into singular images reflecting his unique perspective. Stone, Water, Metal is on exhibit at the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center Gallery at 259 Marble Street through October 16th Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4PM. Viewings are also available by appointment.