Summer Profiles 2022 Saturday, June 11, 2022 | The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer 2
Fenton Family Dealerships: new and pre-owned options for every need BY VICTORIA CHERTOK For Vermont News & Media
First opened in 1985 by Bill Fenton, the Fenton Family Dealerships today are five dealerships that offer state-of-the-art showrooms with new and pre-owned vehicles, sales, parts and service centers, and finance departments. The dealerships include: Toyota of Keene, Volvo Cars Keene, Honda of Keene, Hyundai of Keene and Subaru of Keene. They serve all of Southern New Hampshire, including Keene, Peterborough, Claremont and surrounding areas; Southern Vermont, including Brattleboro, Bennington and surrounding areas; and northern Massachusetts, which includes Fitchburg, Gardner, Templeton, Athol, Winchendon and Baldwinville. If you’re looking for a used car, Fenton can assist you there, as well. Visit the inventory page to see a large collection of pre-owned vehicles from which to choose. It’s not just a premier new car dealership; it also provides top service dedicated to all customers. From car repairs performed by expert mechanics, OEM Auto Parts, to financing assistance, the Fenton Family Dealerships have something for everyone and work hard to make its customers happy. Purchasing a new car is a big investment, and each customer has different needs and wants. That’s why Fenton has a dedicated Customer Care Center that helps customers navigate its extensive new and used inventory and help point people in the right direction to get the best deal on a vehicle that meets all of their specific driving needs. “We are most proud of our community involvement and dedication to our customer’s satisfaction. We’re also very proud to support over 100 local charities and organizations through event sponsorships and fundraising each year,” says Scott Sartorio, of Fenton Family Dealerships. Fenton Family Dealerships is located at 591 Monadnock Highway in East Swanzey, N.H. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA PHOTO
Fenton is not just a premier new car dealership; it also provides top service dedicated to all of its customers. From car repairs performed by expert mechanics, OEM Auto Parts, to financing assistance, the Fenton Family Dealerships have something for everyone and work hard to make its customers happy.
More Information For more information, contact George Thompson at gthompson@ fentonautosales.com or 603-354-5100, or visit fentondealerships.com or facebook.com/ Fentonfamilydealerships.
VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA PHOTO
Purchasing a new car is a big investment, and each customer has different needs and wants. That’s why Fenton has a dedicated Customer Care Center that helps customers navigate its extensive new and used inventory and help point people in the right direction.
Summer Profiles 2022
Park-McCullough house: This historic site hosts weddings, events, tastings, more
| Saturday, June 11, 2022
PROVIDED PHOTO
The lush grounds and historic buildings are also home to community activities, such as outdoor movies, concerts, weekly block parties, a croquet league, theater, an author series and wine tastings.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Today, the mansion also has become a premier venue for weddings, private parties, fundraising events, and meetings large and small.
By Vermont News & Media
PROVIDED PHOTO
Since October 1967, the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion has been open to the public, offering guided mansion tours, memberships, a gift shop supporting local artisans and Vermont products.
NORTH BENNINGTON — At the Park-Mc-
More Information For more, visit ParkMcCullough.org, or email Info@ParkMcCullough. org, or call 802-442-5441.
McCullough family sold the house to the association for just $1 for it to be used as a historic mansion museum. Park-McCullough is one of the finest, most significant and best preserved Victorian mansions in New England. It is an important example of a country house in the Second Empire Style and incorporates architectural features of the Romantic Revival that were popular at the time.
To a great extent, the estate retains the integrity of its original design. “With four main event spaces, Park-McCullough house can be easily customized to fit all of your event needs,” says Christopher Oldham, house executive director. “The beautiful formal gardens, breathtaking veranda, historic mansion, and oneof-a-kind carriage barn are all available to make your event unique and memorable.” Oldham says the historic site books
special events all year long. The carriage barn offers a full catering kitchen, newly renovated bathrooms, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and of course, ambiance. For rental inquiries, contact jeanne@parkmccullough.org. Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion is at 1 Park St. in North Bennington. It’s open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 9.
The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer
Cullough house, you can make its rich history a part of your own. Since October 1967, the ParkMcCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion has been open to the public, offering guided mansion tours, memberships, a gift shop supporting local artisans and Vermont products. Today, the mansion also has become a premier venue for weddings, private parties, fundraising events, and meetings large and small. The lush grounds and historic buildings are also home to community activities, such as outdoor movies, concerts, weekly block parties, a croquet league, theater, an author series and wine tastings. In 1865, Woodford-born attorney and entrepreneur Trenor Park built “The Big House” as a summer cottage for his family. It was designed by Henry Dudley, a prolific New York architect of the popular firm of Diaper and Dudley. The last family member to call it home was Bess McCullough, daughter of John and Eliza McCullough. She passed away in 1965. In 1967, after the formation of the Park-McCullough Association, the
3
Summer Profiles 2022 Saturday, June 11, 2022 | The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer 4
Bennington Museum spotlights region’s rich culture, history, art, artifacts By Vermont News & Media Located in the southwestern part of the Green Mountain State, Bennington Museum presents and explores the rich culture of Southern Vermont, eastern New York State, northwestern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire in all its forms, from the 18th century to the present. It connects visitors with objects of art and history, the culture and natural landscape, and puts it into context across time and place, through innovative exhibitions and programming, virtually and in-person. The museum collection boasts some 49,000 objects, curated from across the region. Within it are four collections of international repute: extensive and unparalleled primary resources documenting a Revolutionary War battle, the Battle of Bennington; the largest collection of iconic 19th century Bennington ceramics; the 1863 Jane Stickle quilt, a prime example of American textile craftsmanship; and the world’s largest collection of art, personal objects and ephemera of renowned American artist Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses. Bennington Museum also holds a collection of the work of contemporary self-taught (outsider) artists and the abstract paintings and sculpture created by a group of leading American modernists who gathered in Bennington in the 1950s through the 1970s. These significant collections embody a unique sense of place, and although they have been loaned throughout the world, they are best understood here, in the context in which they were created. “Bennington Museum strives to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in our community by celebrating our shared narrative through our new exhibitions and exciting slate of programmatic offerings this summer. Whether enjoying great music and food with friends, exploring the outdoor sculpture show, learning how to screen print, or celebrating the monumental events that transpired in this area to help shape a nation, visitors of all ages and backgrounds will find something that speaks to them,” says Martin Mahoney, executive director. “We can’t wait to share
A museum visitor eyes “May Suydam Palmer,” a painting by Frederick MacMonnies from 1901. the unique culture and creativity of this region with you.” The museum sees 20,000-plus annual visitors from near and far. Trails are free to the public, as are most of its programs. Summer 2022 offerings include: Concerts in the Courtyard, 14 free outdoor events on Friday evenings from June 3 through Sept. 2, with food and beverages by The Avocado Pit. There’s also the Summer Courtyard Cafe, where Corner of India chef Shanta Ghosh sets up shop in the museum courtyard for lunch on Fridays and Sundays, beginning in June. Opening on June 18, NBOSS at the Museum: the North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show celebrates its 25th year with pieces by over 25 regional artists sited throughout the 10-acre campus. Admission is $10 for seniors and $12 for adults, with further dis-
More Information For more information, contact administration@benningtonmuseum.org, 802-447-1571, or visit benningtonmuseum.org. Find Bennington Museum on Facebook and Instagram. PROVIDED IMAGE
“Parks & Recreation,” Bennington Museum’s major season exhibit, will look at the history and artistic depictions of Vermont’s state parks and other formally designated natural areas, and the role they’ve played in the helping to make yearround outdoor recreation an integral aspect of the state’s identity in the public imagination. counts for veterans and free admission for SNAP card holders, youth under 18, and students. Bennington Museum, located at 75 Main St. in Bennington, is open June through October, every day except Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with reduced hours in the off-season.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Summer Profiles 2022
Goodie Two Sue’s Vermont Guided Adventures takes you to inner peace, outdoors
| Saturday, June 11, 2022
PROVIDED PHOTO
Goodie Two Sue’s offers different tour packages at different unique outdoor locations. BY VICTORIA CHERTOK For Vermont News & Media DANBY — Goodie Two Sue’s Vermont
PROVIDED PHOTO
Goodie Two Sue’s has kayaks that can be decorated with flowers for a special proposal.
More Information For more information, contact Susan Houghton and Sue Miller at goodietwosues@gmail.com or 802-4303870, or visit goodietwosues.com or facebook.com/goodietwosues.
PROVIDED PHOTO
New this year for Goodie Two Sue’s is its two-person clear kayak, which can be reserved for special occasions, wedding proposals, anniversaries, etc.
The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer
Guided Adventures opened in July 2021 by two friends named Sue. They offer “adventures with a twist,” including hiking or kayaking, and combine it with crafting — all of this takes place out in nature. They welcome any age group and any fitness level. The “twist” part, or SIP, stands for “Seeking Inner Peace.” It includes painting, wire-wrapping jewelry, mandala painting or reiki. Goodie Two Sue’s offer different tour packages at unique outdoor locations. New this year is its two-person clear kayak, which can be reserved for special occasions, wedding proposals, anniversaries, etc. It includes a picnic basket full of snacks, and the kayak can be decorated with white flowers for a special proposal. Co-owner Susan Houghton is a professional artist and reiki practitioner for humans and animals. From being on the water or in the middle of the forest, she started to find that inner peace that comes from being immersed in nature, with only her thoughts and the sound of the birds and the leaves rustling in the breeze. That’s when she came up
with the idea of combining all of her various passions — hiking, kayaking, painting, nature and reiki — to create a business. She believes that all of these activities are healing for the body, mind and soul. Sue Miller, co-owner, has been an outdoor enthusiast for as long as she can remember. Her youngest memories are those of camping in an old school bus on her father’s hunting property. She spent summers on Lake St. Catherine in Rutland County in her parent’s cottage, fishing, hiking, swimming and exploring the green mountains of Vermont. She would find her inner peace on her morning fishing trips, which set the foundation of her adult life. She has always found solitude and comfort in the arms of Mother Nature. Goodie Two Sue’s Vermont Guided Adventures is located on Tinmouth Road in Danby and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5
Summer Profiles 2022 Saturday, June 11, 2022 | The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer 6
Call Power Guru for your solar, green energy needs, knowledge By Vermont News & Media BENNINGTON — Whether residential or com-
mercial solar needs arise, Power Guru can enlighten you — and also lighten your load of energy consumption. For those interested in finding their energy needs accommodated in a sustainable way, Power Guru at the Benmont Mill is ready to assist. Power Guru offers a wide variety of services, most notably the installation of solar systems for residential and commercial customers. It specializes in roof mounts and low-profile ground mounts. The company also installs the latest lithium-ion batteries, so its solar customers can rest easy, knowing they have reliable backup energy when the need arises. Power Guru also offers cutting-edge electric vehicle charging stations. Power Guru is the brainchild of the late company founder Bhima Nitta, known to many as the original “power guru.” Educated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Nitta graduated with a doctorate in chemical engineering and received a certificate in systems engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Nitta was passionate about being a part of the solution to fight global climate change. Though he passed away unexpectedly in 2020, he left behind a fitting legacy that continues to this day: a solar company dedicated to helping create a more sustainable future. “We love solar energy and believe deeply in its contribution to making the future a better, greener place for all of us to call home,” says Alexander Mintz, chief executive officer of Power Guru. He assumed responsibilities there in August 2021, after a transitional period following Nitta’s untimely passing. Mintz has been in the solar industry since 2008. What Power Guru offers its customers is care and commitment for every aspect of each job. “From design to completion to customer satisfaction, we are tuned in. Our emphasis on the importance of each job and meeting each customer’s unique needs is what drives our
PROVIDED PHOTO
Power Guru is the brainchild of the late company founder Bhima Nitta, known to many as the original “power guru.” Educated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Nitta graduated with a doctorate in chemical engineering and received a certificate in systems engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Now the company is run by Alexander Mintz, who has over a decade of experience in the solar industry. day-to-day,” Mintz says. “We at Power Guru are most proud of the fact that we have the opportunity to not only provide great solar solutions to customers, but also to be an active part of the green energy revolution.” The company — in merger talks with Solar Pro, a small solar company based in Arlington — is a community-focused organization. “We pride ourselves on helping Bennington County residents achieve energy independence. It is our dedication to a cleaner, more sustainable future paired with our dedication to the residents of this region that set us apart from the crowd,” says Mintz. Power Guru is at 160 Benmont Ave., Suite C4-86, in Bennington, and is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
More Information For more, visit power-guru.com, email info@power-guru.com or call 802379-9973. Find its LinkedIn profile at linkedin.com/company/power-guru.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Whether residential, above, or commercial solar needs arise, Power Guru can enlighten you.
Summer Profiles 2022
Malisun brings Thai, fair-trade gifts, clothing, jewelry to Southern Vermont
| Saturday, June 11, 2022
VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA PHOTO
Owner Kim Murray says Malisun offers a wide variety of fair trade, handmade products, women’s clothing, T-shirts, home goods and Vermont specialty products, such as maple syrup. Malisun’s own brands feature comfortable, versatile clothing, which is affordable and always fair trade. BY VICTORIA CHERTOK For Vermont News & Media
world to me when a new customer tells me their friend or family member said, ‘Just go see Kim’ when they’re having a wardrobe crisis. Since the beginning, my business has always been about relationships. It is my main goal to make sure that level of excellent customer service carries over to the new, much larger space.” One thing that is unique about
Malisun is that with every purchase, the business automatically pays for the planting of one tree. Malisun is located at The Vermont Marketplace, 580 Canal St., Brattleboro. It has temporary hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed Sundays and Mondays. On July 9, Malisun will host its grand opening.
More Information For more information, contact Jonas Murray at info@ malisun.com or 802-490-2216, or visit malisun. com, facebook. com/malisunboutique or instagram.com/ malisunfashion.
VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA PHOTO
Malisun is moving into a 4,000-square-foot retail store in the new Vermont Marketplace.
The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer
Kim Murray came to the United States in 2006 to get married, and as soon as she had her work papers, she started selling her handmade jewelry at the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market. She then began featuring her wares at some of the biggest craft shows in the Northeast. During that time, she transformed her small studio into a full-fledged boutique, and opened Malisun in June 2007, featuring gifts hand-picked from Thailand by Murray herself. Today, the boutique is transforming once again into a 4,000-squarefoot retail store, located in the new Vermont Marketplace. Malisun offers a wide variety of fair trade, handmade products, women’s clothing, T-shirts, home goods and Vermont specialty products, such as maple syrup. Malisun’s own brands — “Malisun” and “Harmony 44” — feature comfortable, versatile
clothing that is affordable and always fair trade. Both lines are available at Malisun’s online store, its brick and mortar store, all three Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters stores, as well as Lahout’s Country Store in Littleton and Lincoln, N.H. locations. “I personally have bought several pieces from her line, which reminds me there is a cute top downstairs I need to get,” says Althaea Carroll, Sam’s adverting manager and proud Malisun customer. Murray says she feels fortunate to be part of the Brattleboro community. “Without their support, we never would have made it. Over the past 15 years, we’ve been through a Great Recession, a flood, a fire, followed by years of construction, and through it all, the support from the community never wavered,” says Murray. “I’m so happy that, even though I’m expanding, I’m staying in the town I love — the one and only Brattleboro.” She continues, “It means the
VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA PHOTO
Kim Murray opened Malisun in June 2007, featuring gifts hand-picked from Thailand by Murray herself, in addition to her own creations.
7
Summer Profiles 2022 Saturday, June 11, 2022 | The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer 8
Vermont Hempicurean & Vermont Grow Barn: For your growing or CBD needs BY VICTORIA CHERTOK For Vermont News & Media BRATTLEBORO — You could say that Scott
Sparks can smell the winds of change. He had spent 30 years in food service sales, with the last 10 years as an executive overseeing farm-to-table purchasing and sales. He worked closely with Vermont farmers, cheese makers and producers to help them bring their products to market. Amid the upheaval when the company he worked for was sold and went national, Sparks had an epiphany: It was time to explore a new way to work with Vermont farmers to help them stay productive in a changing world. He turned to his coworker and told him he was going to open a hemp store. Within a few hours, fate further nudged him along. Out of the blue, Sparks received a “spam” email inviting him to attend the Northern Colorado Hemp Expo. He took it as a message from the universe and bought VIP tickets. He started Vermont Hempicurean in early 2018 and has never looked back. It offers CBD and hemp from Vermont growers and producers. “We have gathered what we believe are some of the best hemp-based products available, supporting local farmers and producers whenever we can,” says Sparks. “We are most
proud of supporting local hemp farmers and helping people and pets with issues like stress, anxiety, sleeplessness and pain management.” After four years in downtown Brattleboro, Hempicurean recently moved to its current location in West Brattleboro. Although it sold grow supplies on a limited basis in its original shop, it now has a full service grow supply store at its sister store, the Vermont Grow Barn. It offers a large selection of high quality, well-respected brands of grow supplies, as well as cannabis grow consultation with purchases, and touts “the best selection of grow supplies in Southern Vermont.” Vermont Hempicurean and Vermont Grow Barn are located at 257 Marlboro Road in West Brattleboro. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.
More Information For more information, contact Scott Sparks at scott@vthempicurean.com, 802-246-4367 or hempinfo@vthempicurean.com, or visit vthempicurean.com, vtgrowbarn.com, facebook.com/vthempicurean, facebook. com/vermontgrowbarn, instagram.com/ vermonthempicurean or instagram.com/ vermontgrowbarn.
VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA
Vermont Hempicurean founder Scott Sparks stands next to his new location for Hempicurean, on Route 9 (257 Marlboro Road) in West Brattleboro. Also open in this site are his Vermont Grow Barn, a grow supply business. The Vermont Bud Barn, a retail cannabis operation, is to come.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Although Vermont Hempicurean sold grow supplies on a limited basis in its original shop, it now has a full service grow supply store at its sister store, the Vermont Grow Barn. It offers a large selection of high quality, well-respected brands of grow supplies, as well as cannabis grow consultation with purchases, and touts “the best selection of grow supplies in Southern Vermont.”
PROVIDED PHOTO
Scott Sparks started Vermont Hempicurean in early 2018 and has never looked back. It offers CBD and hemp from Vermont growers and producers.
Summer Profiles 2022
River Gallery School of Art makes art accessible to all BY VICTORIA CHERTOK For Vermont News & Media
| Saturday, June 11, 2022 PROVIDED PHOTO
Through mentoring, River Gallery School of Art provides the techniques to develop skills, inviting the possibility of art to become a vital force in one’s life.
More Information For more information, contact Donna Hawes at donna@rivergalleryschool. org or 802-257-1577, or visit rivergalleryschool.org, facebook.com/RiverGallerySchool or instagram.com/rivergalleryschool.
PROVIDED PHOTO
River Gallery School provides a studio space in which students of all ages can explore their creativity through the practice of making art. It is located at 32 Main St. in Brattleboro and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer
BRATTLEBORO — All are welcome at the River Gallery School of Art, the 46-year-old organization proudly declares. The school is built on the belief that everyone can benefit from creative expression and is committed to fostering an inclusive art-making community, with a variety of experiences built around equity and access. First opened in 1976 by founders Ric Campman and Barbara Merfeld Campman, it offers art classes in different mediums for all ages, without regard for financial need, and afterschool studio classes for children and teens. River Gallery School of Art provides a studio space in which students can explore their creativity through the practice of making art. The school is based on the belief that each person will find unique and valuable expression through art. With mentoring, the school provides the techniques to develop skills, inviting the possibility of art to become a vital force in one’s life. A parent of a student at the Gallery School recently told the staff: “My daughter is always so proud of her creations and we are thankful for the gift of the River Gallery School. The school allows the opportunity for all aspiring artists to be heard, sometimes without saying a word.” “RGS is the only place I can let my imagination out!” said one the school’s studio students, who feels the same way. River Gallery School of Art is located at 32 Main St. in Brattleboro and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9
Summer Profiles 2022 Saturday, June 11, 2022 | The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer 10
The Stone Church: Come and revel in the sights, sounds at this unique live music venue By Vermont News & Media BRATTLEBORO — Since its rebirth in 2016, the Stone Church in downtown Brattleboro has established itself as the most unique and diverse live music destination in Southern Vermont. Music lovers from throughout New England have flocked to the “House of Music Worship” to enjoy a wide diversity of musical styles complemented by its ornate surroundings — stained-glass windows, a stately pipe organ and biblical passages on the walls — along with great acoustics and lighting. “We want folks to have those ‘I will never forget the experience I had at the Stone Church‘ reflections after they attend an event or show with us,” says assistant manager Erin Scaggs, who promotes the venue with community outreach and social media. “I love the word indelible — it leaves a mark that can’t be removed. That’s what we’re creating here. That is our endgame.” Built in 1875 and serving as the All Souls Unitarian Church until the 1960s, this Gothic gem has been painstakingly renovated, paying special attention to maintaining as much authenticity as possible. Owner and general manager Robin Johnson estimates that more than $500,000 has been spent on transforming the space into a first-class venue for live music, with a new floor and sub-floor, a rebuilt stage using some wood from the old pews, a new sound booth and acoustic panels, two ADA-compliant bathrooms, a green room for wedding parties, and a bar and kitchen. At the Stone Church, you’ll catch regional favorites such as the Gaslight Tinkers or Bella’s Bartok, as well as internationally-known acts such as Robyn Hitchcock, David Bromberg and the David Wax Museum. The Stone Church navigated the pandemic with help from the National Independent Venue Association and its “Save Our Stages” campaign, which appealed to Congress to fund venues that were forced to “go dark” during much of the last two years. In recent months, the Church has
COLBY DIX PHOTO
Music lovers from throughout New England have flocked to the Stone Church to enjoy a wide diversity of musical styles complemented by its ornate surroundings — stained-glass windows, a stately pipe organ and biblical passages on the walls — along with great acoustics and lighting. continued to stage amazing concerts while expanding its bar and food menu, increasing its focus on private rentals, and kicking off a series of high-end dinner parties. “Through the pandemic we have seen that music and the arts connect people like nothing else,” Scaggs said. “And we have all needed that more than ever. Collaboration continues to be the name of the game in our business. It’s all about connecting the venues and the musicians and the resources.” The Stone Church is at 210 Main St. in Brattleboro. See its website for shows and performance times.
More Information To see the full schedule of upcoming concerts and events at the Stone Church, go to stonechurchvt.com or follow the Church on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
COLBY DIX PHOTO
At the Stone Church, you’ll catch regional favorites such as the Gaslight Tinkers or Bella’s Bartok, as well as internationally-known acts such as Robyn Hitchcock, David Bromberg and the David Wax Museum. In these photos, Kat Wright performs.
BRATTLEBORO — What began 30 years ago
“We love how Gallery Walk is so expansive that there’s truly something for everyone,”csays Erin Scaggs, Gallery Walk program director. “Many components are free, creating accessibility. Brattleboro is all about art and community, so we feel the Gallery Walk program really embodies Brattleboro’s heart and soul.”
PROVIDED PHOTO
By closing Elliot Street to traffic for four hours, Gallery Walk organizers have created a “block party” vibe, with festivities including live outdoor music, dancing, hula hooping, juggling and special activities for children and adults. Patrons can browse various local crafts in the Harmony Parking Lot, or sit at a long table and savor diverse offerings from local food trucks.
Gallery Walk is planned for the first Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Brattleboro, through December. More information is available online at brattleboro.com/downtown/ gallery-walk.
The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer
More Information
| Saturday, June 11, 2022
PROVIDED PHOTO
as a series of coordinated monthly “openings” among Brattleboro art galleries has evolved into a full-fledged downtown arts and community celebration. Held on the first Friday of the month from May through December, Gallery Walk is a street festival, featuring a flea market, live music, community art-making and food. The Downtown Brattleboro Alliance recently took over the Gallery Walk program from the Arts Council of Windham County. By closing Elliot Street to traffic for four hours, organizers have created a “block party” vibe, with festivities including live outdoor music, dancing, hula-hooping, juggling and special activities for children and adults. Patrons can browse various local crafts in the Harmony Parking Lot, or sit at a long table and savor diverse offerings from local food trucks. Last year, a local “university” held a mock “UFO crash site excavation” at Gallery Walk, drawing a bevy of skeptical but amused spectators. Brattleboro has long been a creative and eclectic town, and the core of the Walk is still the galleries, which keep their doors open into the night for locals and visitors to enjoy the quiet experience of viewing all mediums and all genres of artwork. Stephanie Bonin, executive director of the alliance, says Gallery Walk “is about seeing and showing and feeling and touching art in all its many different forms.” Erin Scaggs, Gallery Walk program director, says the goal is “to create a shared positive experience for all community members in the heart of downtown Brattleboro. “We love how Gallery Walk is so expansive that there’s truly something for everyone,” Scaggs says. “Many components are free, creating accessibility. Brattleboro is all about art and community, so we feel the Gallery Walk program really embodies Brattleboro’s heart and soul.”
Summer Profiles 2022
Gallery Walk makes entire downtown Brattleboro come alive
By Vermont News & Media
11
Summer Profiles 2022 Saturday, June 11, 2022 | The Bennington Banner | The Brattleboro Reformer 12
River Garden Marketplace brings curated craft selection to menu, venue, arts and music scene By Vermont News & Media BRATTLEBORO — When David Hiler, and Tim and Amy Brady were aiming to open the River Garden Marketplace in 2021, they knew what they wanted: a bright, cheery space that continued to focus on the natural beauty of Brattleboro, while bringing a cosmopolitan “Chelsea Market” vibe to the area, with upscale food and beverage in a casual atmosphere. A proud part of the family-owned Whetstone Brands, the marketplace is downtown Brattleboro’s “Craft Beverage, Craft Kitchen, Craft Market and Entertainment Venue,” the owners tout, with live local music three nights a week, with Open Mic Monday, Piano Bar Thursday and Live Music Saturdays. The combined restaurant and venue is a regular supporter and promoter for local artists and artisans. The marketplace also offers a private event space on its lower level, well-suited for birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, business meetings, or just private hang time to watch the game. Over 100 unique, hard to find, primarily New England craft brews, in-
cluding beer, hard cider, kombucha and artisan nonalcoholic libations, are available at the marketplace. The owners know you’ll be excited about the same things they are when you visit the River Garden Marketplace: the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, river views, a curated selection of excellent food and beverages, with options for lunch and later experiences on Sundays. It’s rotating menu also brings a new approach to dining in Brattleboro. “We want all of our guests to savor the experience of an exceptional craft beer with their friends while taking in some of Brattleboro and Vermont’s exceptional arts, music and culture,” says Hiler, co-owner of the marketplace. He says its deck and stunning views make for a unique and memorable visit, whether night or day. The River Garden Marketplace at 157 Main St. in Brattleboro is open Sunday and Monday from noon to 8 p.m.; Thursday from noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. It is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
More Information Visit rivergardenmarketplace.com for more, email shop@rivergardenvt.com or call 802-200-2040. Find the River Garden Marketplace on social media at facebook.com/rivergardenmarketplace and at instagram. com/rivergardenvt.
PROVIDED PHOTO PROVIDED PHOTO
Have a curated, riverside experience at the River Garden Marketplace in Brattleboro.
A proud part of the family-owned Whetstone Brands, the River Garden Marketplace is downtown Brattleboro’s “Craft Beverage, Craft Kitchen, Craft Market and Entertainment Venue,” the owners tout, with live local music three nights a week with Open Mic Monday, Piano Bar Thursday and Live Music Saturdays.