Artists discuss the intersection between their art and their farm work
BRATTLEBORO- The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center presents “Back to the Land Redux: Vermont’s New Generation of Artist-Farmers” on Thursday, September 12, at 7:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Six southern Vermont artist-farmers will discuss the intersection and interchange between their art and their farm work. Photographer Dona Ann McAdams and her husband, Brad Kessler, the author of “Goat Song” and several novels, are the owners of Northern Spy Farm, a goat farm in Sandgate. Artist Louisa Conrad and poet Lucas Farrell run Big Picture Farm, a goat dairy and farmstead confectionery and creamery in Townshend. Oil painters Greg Bernhardt and Hannah Sessions raise Alpine and LaMancha dairy goats and produce goat cheese at Blue Ledge Farm in Salisbury.
Each artist-farmer duo will discuss their background in art and farming and will share samples of their farm products and artwork. The group will then delve into such questions as: How does the apparent proliferation of artist-farmers relate to broader changes in the landscape of Vermont agriculture? In what ways do artmaking and farming complement or conflict with one another? Is there a connection between today’s artist-farmers and the “Back to the Land” movement of the 1960s and ‘70s?
The conversation will be moderated by BMAC director Danny Lichtenfeld and Simon Renault, of Sun Hill Farm, with opportunity for audience participation.
The museum’s galleries and gift shop are open every day except Tuesday, 11-5. Regular admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students. Members and children 18 and under are admitted free of charge. Located at the intersection of Main Street and routes 119 and 142. For more information call (802) 257-0124 or visit www.brattleboromuseum.org.
