Think of Vermont, and it may conjure images of bucolic hills dotted with fabled hamlets inhabited by eccentric intellectuals, passionate liberals, earth mothers and artists. This predominantly liberal-leaningtoward-radical state was not long ago staunchly republican, with a social fabric vastly different than that of today. Yet, many elements of Vermont’s traditional agrarian roots remain. Tolerance of opposing opinions, neighbor helping neighbor, a disdain for idle gossip and a love of the land are all hallmarks of the Vermont way of life. Vermonters are by and large good listeners, and will eschew the obvious for a more studied view of things, in politics and in life. The 1960s brought great change to Vermont, both demographically and politically. Phil Hoff was elected as the first Democratic governor since 1853. In 1965, the federal government ruled that Vermont must reapportion … [Read more...] about BACK TO THE GARDEN: FIELDS OF CHANGE AT BENNINGTON
Helen Frankenthaler
FRANKENTHALER AT PAAM: AN ODE TO PROVINCETOWN SUMMERS
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is the subject of one of the most important exhibitions to come to the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) in its 104-year-old history. “Abstract Climates: Helen Frankenthaler in Provincetown,” opening July 6 and on view through September 2, weaves together the fabric of what makes the very tip of Cape Cod a remarkable arts colony: working artists, families (original or logical) and the light. The show begins with works dating from the time when Frankenthaler studied briefly with Hans Hofmann in Provincetown in 1950, and unfolds with expansive works created from 1960 through 1969, when she summered there with artist Robert Motherwell, her husband from 1958 to 1971. The exhibition is co-curated by Lise Motherwell — a daughter of Robert Motherwell, stepdaughter of Frankenthaler, and PAAM board president — and Elizabeth Smith, founding executive … [Read more...] about FRANKENTHALER AT PAAM: AN ODE TO PROVINCETOWN SUMMERS