Calling All Art Book Lovers: Book Sale

Collections of prints from the old masters, biographies of famous artists, instruction manuals in pottery and wood working, historical treatises on artistic movements around the world! You can find them all at Shelburne Art Center’s ongoing book sale on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays between 10:00am and 5:00pm at the Gallery on 54 Falls Road. Browse the stacks of over 700 volumes priced to sell and take away some great gifts for friends and family.

Donated to the Art Center’s resource library over the years, many of these books are no longer current, but have historical and artistic value. They are being sold to benefit the Art Center’s education programs and create additional work space in our Visual Arts Studio. Each has been carefully examined by Connell Gallagher, Library Professor Emeritus from the University Of Vermont Special Collections Department. Experienced in book appraisals Professor Gallagher has valued each item in our collection based on both content and condition. The Art Center is grateful to Professor Gallagher for his assistance with the book sale.

Art Center Has New Artist-In-Residence

Shelburne Art Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Efchak as Resident Artist in the Ceramics Studio. With over 20 years experience in clay, painting and drawing, Barbara has a strong belief in the Art Center’s mission of art education. Through a well-established Artist-in-Residence program, the Art Center offers students the opportunity to learn from professional artists who both teach and work on site.

Barbara has taught both children and adults and has worked as a studio assistant at Montclair State University, where she recently earned a master’s degree in studio ceramics. Here in Vermont, Barbara’s ceramic ware and her special skill with colorful glazes can be enjoyed at the Art Center Gallery. In addition, she is currently being featured in a two person show at the Brandon Artist Guild, near her home in East Middlebury.

Along with creative accomplishments, Barbara worked as advertising/marketing director for The Rag Shop, Inc., a retail sales operation based in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Her combination of artistic and business skills will provide a practical enhancement to the learning process for students aspiring to earn their living as artists. In addition, Barbara will assist the Art Center in building the clay program and developing new educational offerings for children and adults.

Mission Awards

Three community members were recently honored for their outstanding support in helping the Art Center fulfill its educational Mission.

Linda Fishell of Shelburne is a dedicated, reliable Art Center Volunteer. She has shown tremendous interest in helping the Art Center thrive. Linda not only puts in regular gallery hours helping visitors with purchases and financial transactions, she has taken initiative, along with husband, Ken, to make repairs, plant flower boxes and bring new faces to our door. Recently, she has taken on the task of establishing an in-house newsletter to enhance communication among staff and volunteers. Most significantly, Linda has promoted all our programs in the community and encouraged folks to come to events and to enroll in our classes. Those who are acquainted with Linda know that she has a decidedly engaging way with others and so is a great asset to our organization.

Valerie Graham of Charlotte has been a student in our clay program over the years. She has distinguished herself as an inspiring leader, serving as both a board member and as president of the Board. In addition, Valerie has been a generous donor and fearless fundraiser. Her energy and enthusiasm in support of the Art Center has been unwavering and encouraging to others. Our current board president, Marshall Webb, likes to tell the story of the two of them selling tickets to an Art Center event at the Shelburne Supermarket. Valerie approached every individual coming through the door with a fearless, disarming manner, whether she knew the person or not. Most of the time, of course, she did and so they came away from their two hour shift with a full cash box, having informed many community members about the Art Center's educational programs.

Julie Windsong of Monkton has been a student in the clay program for over ten years. Through a work/trade agreement, Julie showed initiative in maintaining a clean, orderly work environment and facilitated a schedule for daily tasks in the studio. But, more significantly, her experiences as a student made her feel a great connection to the Art Center and helped her find a new direction for her life. Over the years, Julie became an articulate spokesperson for the Art Center's programs and for the educational services that we offer to the community. Most important, in the words of Resident, Hoyt Barringer, Julie nurtured a bond of community in the clay program which has enhanced the learning experience for many others.

Wish List

Shelburne Art Center seeks to improve office function and maintenance with the donation of:

1. Small desk lamp
2. Two-drawer file cabinet
3. Working telephone
4. Shredding machine