| Built in 1991 through the generosity of art dealer and philanthropist Walter Cerf, the gallery has become the hub of public activity at the Museum. A varied exhibition schedule features both historically themed exhibits and art exhibits of work by contemporary Vermont artists and craftspeople. Recent exhibits have highlighted Vermont’s role in the Civil War, leisure life in 19th century Vermont and the history of town/gown relationships with Middlebury College. The Gallery also serves as a space for lectures, school programs and special events and is open to the public except when it is being used for educational programs.
The Nature of Wood: Vermont Furniture and Woodware, 1790-Present
May 6-October 23
Vermont was carved from the Northern forest and wood continues to be one of the state’s most precious and versatile natural resources. Generations of Vermonters have been inspired to create beautiful arts and crafts from this warm, malleable and practical material. In celebration of Vermont wood products, the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History is pleased to present The Nature of Wood: Vermont Furniture and Woodware, 1790-Present.
The exhibit focuses on furniture and wooden objects produced in the lower Champlain Valley. From 1790 to 1855, Middlebury was at the center of a rich furniture making industry, with over fifty craftsmen creating tables, chairs, bureaus, secretaries and other useful wooden objects. The Nature of Wood combines the Sheldon Museum’s rich collection of locally-crafted furniture with private collections featuring a wide array of Vermont-produced wooden objects spanning the history of the state. The exhibit presents a brief overview of the many beautiful and practical ways Vermonters have made a living creating objects from the rich resources of the Northern Forest. Each month, the work of a contemporary furniture maker will be highlighted as part of the exhibit.  |
Attributed to Norman Jones (1790-1874)
Secretary, ca. 1815-1825, East Hubbardton The Nature of Wood is a State of Craft Showcase Event. The 2010 State of Craft Showcase was organized by the Vermont Crafts Council, in cooperation with the Bennington Museum, the Vermont Folklife Center, and the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing.
TheseVermont furniture makers will be featured in conjunction with the exhibit during the following months:
May: Craig Fellow
June: Douglas Brooks
July: Jim Geier
August: Kit Clark
September: Edward Allen
October: Timothy Clark
The Nature of Wood has received generous sponsorship from  | |
One of Vermont’s premier collections of furniture, paintings, documents
The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History