Art On & Off Campus: A Guide to Burlington’s Best

Art

Frances Murray-Gurney

1 month ago

“Art is the center of the real world” – I saw this phrase etched into a mural in Philadelphia in 2019. I wrote it down in my note’s app on my phone so I could remember it. It’s stuck with me ever since, probably because I think this phrase will always reign true. Art is the center of everything, we need it.

I have found that art is the most transformative when it is intertwined into communities. Murals in small towns, art on college campuses, even graffiti on mailboxes and trash cans. It paints a picture (literally) of who and what communities represent.

As Burlington grows in population and as more UVM student roll in, I believe it’s the perfect opportunity to provide you with a guide of the ins and outs of some of my favorite art pieces, facilities, and exhibitions both on and off campus, so that you can enjoy it too! Local art is everywhere in Burlington – let’s check it out!

GUESS WHAT?

I am thrilled to announce that UVM Bored has collaborated with the Davis Center Art Curators on an extra special project, coming to the 4th floor of the Davis Center soon!

The 6 Words Memoir Project was created by Larry Smith. The 6-Word Memoirs project aims to inspire a new kind of depth in personal storytelling, inviting people to reflect on the complexity and uniqueness of their own lives and human experiences…in just 6 words.

What makes this SO extra special is that YOU got to be a part of it!

Many of you submitted your very own 6-word memoirs, and we can’t wait for you all to take a look at them soon.

These memoirs give us a sneak peek into other’s lives, fostering empathy and creating a safe space for connection between people near and far, known and unknown.

The main goal of our exhibition is to encourage creative self-discovery and spark connection between members of our community at the University of Vermont.

STAY TUNED…we hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we enjoyed the process.

ON CAMPUS

FACILITES:

Colburn Gallery

The Colburn Gallery has been around for years – it resides in Williams Hall, home to many of the art studios and classrooms on campus. The art that is installed is changed on a regular basis – although the space is small there is plenty of beautiful art to see!

The Fleming Museum

The Fleming Museum is located on the north side of campus and is home to 25,000 objects from many cultures worldwide, with nine special exhibitions annually. It is likely you’ve been here for some sort of art class, but I highly recommend checking it out on your own time! There are also on-campus job and internship opportunities here.

Michele and Martin Cohen Hall for the Integrative Creative Arts

Cohen Hall features classroom space; display space for digital and two-dimensional student work; an audio recording studio; a drawing studio; a digital lab for graphic design and film & television study; an equipment lending room; a production classroom for film & television study; and a lighting studio. Oh my goodness! Cohen has everything you need if you are interested in the arts.

ART PIECES: SHOUT OUT

Lamentations by Judith Brown, restored by Jeffery Sass (pictured)

I’m sure most of us recognize the statue pictured above…but do you know its origin? It joins many others that are almost identical, creating a full set named “Lamentations” by Judith Brown. These statues reside on campus, in between the Fleming Museum and Central Campus Residence Hall. This is my favorite art on campus – I used to be able to see them from my dorm window last year!

Below is a Seven Days article with a full run-down of their story – it’s a very interesting one!

The ‘Lamentations’ Sculptures Return to UVM | Seven Days Vermont

OFF CAMPUS

FACILITIES:

Burlington City Arts

Burlington City Arts (BCA) is a melting pot of art and community in Burlington. Their physical locations include the BCA Center, a three-level, year-round exhibition space, as well as BCA Studios, which hosts art classes, camps, and open studio hours in our state-of-the-art facilities. BCA also produces city-wide festivals, events, concerts, films, artist markets, and more! It’s an incredibly worthwhile experience to get involved, even if it’s simply walking around the exhibition space downtown.

Shelburne Museum

As a Vermont local, I can confidently say that Shelburne Museum is one of the best places to go if you’re hoping to be immersed in art and history. I’ve been here countless times; field trips, Christmas light shows, and simply for enjoyment – and I will never get tired of it!

The S.P.A.C.E Gallery

The S.P.A.C.E Gallery has been around since 2009. It features 13 working artist studios! I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to let you know that the gallery is hosting their 2024 Annual Small & Large Work Exhibition starting November 1st! It is the perfect opportunity to shop small and support local with works created by 130 local artists.

Karma Bird Gallery

Karma Bird House does incredible work – they provide 47,000 sq.ft of space for art, music, organizations, events, nonprofits, and more. They are home to Karma Bird Gallery, Iskra Print Collective, and Kestrel Cafe. It is the perfect blend of everything!

Karma Bird Gallery hosts many different forms of art, and the artists are regularly changing! I highly recommend getting a cup of coffee from Kestrel Cafe and checking out the art.

Soapbox Arts

Soapbox Arts is a contemporary gallery space – it hosts rotating exhibitions of works in a variety of media by local and nationally recognized emerging artists. I have checked it out previously and can confidently say that it’s worth it.

Amy E. Tarrant Gallery

The Amy E. Tarrant Gallery is an exhibition and reception space that is an extension of the Flynn’s Main Stage lobby. The gallery provides a professionally lit space to showcase multi-media works by regional artists. The gallery is open prior to most Main Stage shows and during intermission, as well as by appointment! I can’t even count how many times I’ve been here as a former Flynn member. And every time I’m amazed.

SEABA Center

I have saved my absolute favorite for last! The South End Arts & Business Association (SEABA), is “where artists, entrepreneurs, businesses and communities thrive, supported by programs and services that enhance opportunity for all.” Each fall, SEABA hosts Art Hop – one of my favorite things to do in the entire world! The three-day event invites upwards of 35,000 visitors to explore local art studios and businesses, as well as breweries and food.

ART PIECES: SHOUT OUT

Hummingbird Mural by Mary Lacy

I needed an opportunity to include my favorite mural in Burlington – I sure hope you’ve seen it. Located near the intersection of College Street and St Paul Street, on the brick wall of American Flatbread.

Check out this Seven Days article that dives into its origin story.

A Giant Hummingbird (Mural) for Burlington | Seven Days Vermont