Explore the rich history of Vermont in this exhibit

BENNINGTON- From its beginning, Bennington Museum has collected documents, objects, and art that reflect the region’s rich history.  This continues today.  However, over the past 10 years the museum has taken a new look at more recent works created by regional artists, which has allowed the museum and its visitors to further explore the rich history of Bennington and Vermont.  Many of these works have found their way into the museum’s collection and are included in the opening exhibitions for 2019.
Saturday, February 2, admission to Bennington Museum is free for everyone from 10 am to 5pm.
Opening in the Works on Paper Gallery is “Works on Paper: A Decade of Collecting,” on view through May 5.   Bennington Museum has always collected works on paper, with a focus on historic materials.  Recently, a greater focus has been placed on 20th century and contemporary material.  Now in the fifth season the Works on Paper Gallery celebrates with an exhibition that features a disparate body of works, from historic to contemporary and self-taught works, to creations by Bennington modernists.  Artists represented include Gayleen Aiken, Milton Avery, Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, Paul Feeley, Luigi Lucioni, Duane Michals, and Norman Rockwell.
A small yet captivating exhibition titled “Vermont Folk Sculpture: Recent Acquisition” is on view in the John T. Harrison Jr. Orientation Gallery.  This exhibition highlights the recent acquisition of a “Carved Corner Post,” c. 1900 created by Russell Risley (1842-1927) of Kirby.  Risley spent his entire life on his family’s farm where he went about painting on the walls of the house, inside and outside, as well as the out-buildings such as the barn.  He also carved fence posts, rock, and blocks of wood.  The “Carved Corner Post” is one of the museum’s newest acquisitions. It was purchased with the assistance of Lyman Orton.  This work is accompanied by other iconic examples of sculpture created by individuals from Vermont who worked in popular vernacular traditions.
In the Early Vermont Gallery visitors can explore the installation of miniatures and small portraits from the museum’s collection dating back to the American Revolution.  Featured in this display is a framed tintype of a painting of Lt. Jonathan Holton, a soldier in the Battle of Bennington. An officer of the Nichols Regiment, Holton was wounded at Bennington on August 16, 1777.  His wound is visible in the portrait also on view.  
For more information call (802) 447-1571 or visit www.benningtonmuseum.org.