By Lynn Barrett.
The annual Putney Craft Tour is celebrating its 48th tour Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 27, 28, 29) from 10-5pm as the oldest continuous open-studio craft tour in the United States. Established in 1978, this beloved Thanksgiving weekend tradition brings hundreds of visitors into the scenic, winding back roads of Putney and Westminster West Vermont.
The tour offers a rare, intimate look at the creative process, inviting the public directly into working studios to be welcomed this year by 23 artisans and the opportunity to admire or snag one-of-a-kind holiday gifts directly from the makers.
This year’s tour features, fiber artists, glassblowers, potters, jewelers, painters, sculptors, stained glass artisans, photographers, and award-winning wine and cheesemakers.
The opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the number and the variety of craftspeople and artists in a small rural environment is the real draw of such tours,” says glassblower Robert Burch (#19), one of the founders of the tour. Burch is an entertainer, glassblower and teacher and his studio is alive with demos all weekend long. For him, the tour is a family affair with both his daughter and son on the tour as well. His daughter, Caitlin Burch, (#20) specializes in hand-blown glass and lampwork jewelry and his son Ryan Burch (#18), focuses on functional ceramics.
Additional glass artisans include Julia Brandis (#16) whose work features nature-inspired stained-glass lamps and panels. While glassblower Josh Letourneau (#15) specializes in unique glassware, cups, mugs, shot glasses, vases, ornaments, hearts, and more.
Don’t miss The Green Mountain Spinnery (#4) right in Putney, now celebrating 45 years in operation. Since its founding as a cooperative in 1981—the Spinnery has marketed sweater patterns designed by Putney artists to go with their array of many-colored yarns.
For a great view combined with artistic talent, visit Susan Jarvis’s Overhills Studios (#7). Her work features nature inspired imagery in ceramic, sculpture mosaic and paintings.
A must stop is the internationally award-winning Parish Hill Creamery owned by Peter Dixon and Rachel Fritz Schaal (#14). Their seasonal handmade cheese is natural and represents something that is an expression of the land, the animals, and the transformation of raw milk into exquisite natural cheese.
Painter and stalwart Judy Hawkins (#11) who is inspired by the Vermont landscape, especially interpreting the mood and feeling of weather, skies, and water. Her paintings are colorful and bold with gestural brushstrokes and fine detail. Hawkins’s studio is in Westminster West near painter Nancy Calicchio’s studio (#9) whose work is deeply inspired by the Vermont landscape as well. Award-winning painter Deborah Lazar’s studio (#5) features oil painting, photography & jewelry.
Be sure to visit one of our new members Richard Crocker (13) at Red Barn finnsheep and apiary. Nearby, find silver jewelry designer Jeanne Bennett (#12) crafting jewelry that is elegant, expressive, and comfortable enough for everyday wear. She also teaches jewelry-making to students of all ages, both in her home and at local schools.
Don’t miss Annie Quest (#10) who specializes in assemblages, silver jewelry and prints; and silversmith Ja Ja Laughlin (#6) copper, brass, gold, semi-precious stones, glass buttons; and Joshua Gold Pottery (#8) Wood fired and soda fired pottery.
Assemblage artist, Kathy Kemp (#17) transforms found objects and reclaimed materials into layered compositions that bridge past and present.
Several artists will be together at one address (Pierces Hall 121 Putney Falls Rd.) including Mucuy Bolles (#22) featuring Mayan inspired ceramics, Creations by Kerrianne (#21) offers needle felted and soft sculptured wool dolls and animals. New to the tour, Mary Ann Bennett Loom in Vermont (#23)– offers hand woven kitchen towels, table linen, scarves and throws.
If You Go
Well-marked signs, and tour maps lead the way. Start at the Putney Mountain Winery & Spirits featuring award-winning artisanal wine and spirits. In addition to tastings, you’ll find info, an exhibit, and tour maps. Also, Kate Dodge, (#3) former owner of the Winery will be displaying her landscape photography at the winery. See more information putneycrafttour.com
Be sure you plan your day to enjoy the evening performances that are all part of the Putney Craft Tour’s Thanksgiving Weekend of Arts.
Sandglass Theater’s “A Rafter of Crankies” returns to Green Mountain Orchards for the 12th consecutive year! Performances will take place on Friday, November 27, at 5 PM and 7:30 PM, and on Saturday, November 28, at 5 PM and 7:30 PM. For more information: https://www.sandglasstheater.org/contact
