Vermont's Public Spaces Just Got a Glow-Up, Thanks to Art!
Ever walked into a government building and thought, "Wow, this place could use a splash of... anything?" Well, Vermont heard you! Get ready for a serious upgrade because art is officially moving into our state buildings, transforming them from drab to fab!
We're talking about the revival of the "Art in State Buildings" program, spearheaded by the awesome folks at the Vermont Arts Council. Imagine beautiful, thought-provoking, and downright cool artwork popping up in places you least expect it – like your local DMV (okay, maybe not quite yet, but a girl can dream!). The idea is simple: make art accessible to everyone, not just those who visit galleries, and shine a spotlight on Vermont's incredible artists.
So, how does this magic happen? It's thanks to a super smart "percent for art" model. Basically, when new state buildings are constructed or major renovations happen, a tiny slice (we're talking 1%!) of that project's budget goes directly towards commissioning public art. It's like a built-in beauty fund! This genius idea has actually been around since 1988, but it kinda took a 20-year nap. Now? It's wide awake and ready to party!
And boy, has it started with a bang! One of the first showstoppers is a magnificent piece by artist Katama Murray called "River of Light." It's a huge, shimmering metal sculpture gracing the Waterbury State Office Complex. Picture this: it flows and gleams, inspired by the mighty Winooski River, symbolizing connection, community, and that incredible Vermont resilience we all showed after Tropical Storm Irene. It's not just art; it's a story, a feeling, right there in a public space.
But wait, there's more! Our very own Vermont State House is also getting in on the action with rotating exhibits. Right now, you might catch "A Sense of Place," featuring stunning landscapes and narrative works that truly capture the spirit of our state.
This isn't just about pretty pictures or cool sculptures. It's about making our public spaces more welcoming, inspiring, and unique. It's about giving Vermont artists a platform and a paycheck. It's about bringing a little more joy and beauty into our everyday lives. So next time you're heading to a state building, keep your eyes peeled – you might just stumble upon your new favorite piece of art!
Original article inspiration: https://www.timesargus.com/features/vermont_arts/vermont-visual-arts/article_9b67b4ae-f810-5b23-95ec-d7f20f629b7e.html