BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – “What is it about a particular spot that makes us feel like we belong? Is it what we see, what we feel, what we hear? Is it the people? The scenery, or the day-to-day energy? Probably all of those, but there’s something else, that one thing that resonates; that strikes at something deep, makes us stop; that allows us to observe and be a part of it all simultaneously. It is a Sense of Place,” says historian Gail Golec.
“Bellows Falls, a Sense of Place,” is an exhibit of artwork by eight local artists whose work is inspired by the unique geography, culture, and industrial history of Bellows Falls. The artists include Charlie Hunter, Jean Cannon, Nancy Fitz-Rapalje, Arlene Scully, Robert McBride, Phyllis Rosser, Gregory Thorpe, and Kristen Fehrenbach, who work in a variety of media, including painting, watercolor, sculpture, and photography. The exhibit is open until Oct. 6, at the Flat Iron Coffee House, located at 51 The Square in downtown Bellows Falls.
Curated by Robert McBride, director of the Rockingham Arts and Museum Project (RAMP), the exhibit encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to think about how they have creatively developed their sense of place in relation to Bellows Falls.
RAMP is taking the opportunity to develop the theme of “Bellows Falls, a Sense of Place,” to reach out and include the community at large in a process of reflection.
“To enhance the exhibit and offer the opportunity for people to participate in the exhibit even if they cannot attend it, or after it has come down, RAMP is collaborating with historian-archaeologist Gail Golec and Alex Stradling, director at FACT TV, to develop a five to seven minute video and text that captures the exhibit and the voices of the participating artists.” McBride explains.
Each artist has a brief caption on how Bellows Falls has inspired their work. The video effectively captures the images of the artists’ work, as well as the locations in the village that inspired them.
Come and experience Bellows Falls through these artists’ eyes.
For more information about the Rockingham Arts and Museum Project, visit their website, www.ramp-vt.org. And with accessibility questions, please contact Flat Iron Cooperative Coffee House at 802-732-8371.