The Art of Action: Reunited!

It's been more than two years since the seeds were planted that came to be known as The Art of Action.  Informed by the voices of ordinary Vermonters, the work created for this project was inspired by the social, cultural and political issues affecting the future of our state. It grew to be an astounding project: 300 artists applied, 10 were commissioned and 105 pieces of artwork were created.

Two concurrent exhibitions traveled the state between September 2009 and July 2010. The artwork was displayed in galleries and museums, as well as in non-traditional venues including a car dealership, libraries, town halls, empty storefronts, an American Legion Hall and the Burlington Airport. Along the way, more than 85,000 people viewed the art and experienced its power. It stimulated conversations across the state and, in some cases, inspired people to take action.

The entire collection was reunited for one final exhibition and closing events from July 1-17 at Host Sponsor Main Street Landing's Union Station in Burlington. Its component pieces have now been disbursed to some 60 private collections across the country.

Farewell Reception and Absolute Auction - July 17

The Art of Action finale took place on Saturday, July 17th at Host Sponsor Main Street Landing's Union Station in Burlington. Fans, friends, and followers turned out for a final chance to own 'a piece of the Action.'

The Farewell Reception and Bidders' Preview: The project artists welcomed guests to view the final exhibition and enjoy sumptuous delicacies from Occasions Catering of Rochester. Miriam Bernardo and Jairo Sequiera provided music. 

The Absolute Auction: Thirty-two pieces from the ten artists commissioned for the project were available and the work ranged in value from $450 to $7500.  This was an Absolute Action meaning there was no reserve or minimum bid and all 32 pieces were sold.  Proceeds will help seed a future commissioning project for Vermont artists.

.CLICK HERE to see the artwork acquired at Absolute Auction.

For more information on the auction, please contact the Vermont Arts Council at 802.828.5423.

26 Pieces Donated to Community Organizations

Twenty-six pieces of art from the Art of Action collection were donated to community and cultural organizations in Vermont.

The project was designed to capture the views of the people of Vermont at this point in time. A number of pieces were acquired by private collectors and a selection of artwork was made available at the live auction on July 17th.  The work that was donated, however, will help ensure that the legacy of this project is preserved for the public for generations to come.

The art presentation to community organizations was Friday, July 2 at Host Sponsor Main Street Landing's Union Station as part of Burlington's First Friday Art Walk.

.CLICK HERE to see the artwork donated to community organizations.

The Artists and the Artwork

Susan Abbott, Gail Boyajian, David Brewster, Annemie Curlin, Phillip Godenschwager, Curtis Hale, Valerie Hird, Kathleen Kolb, Janet McKenzie and John Miller were commissioned to create suites of work for the ART OF ACTION in February 2009. Click here to see the complete Art of Action collection, comprised of all 105 pieces of artwork the ten artists created for the project, along with their individual bios and artist statements.

Art of Action Exhibition Series 2009-2010

There were two concurrent ART OF ACTION exhibition tours. Beginning in September 2009, nineteen 'non-traditional' and seven 'traditional' venues in 23 communities across Vermont showcased selected works from among more than one hundred pieces of art created for the project. The final exhibition, "Reunited!" was installed at Union Station in Burlington, VT from July 1-17th.

In addition, selected pieces were showcased in Washington, DC at the Russell Senate Office Building Rotunda in April 2010 in an exhibition hosted by Senator Patrick Leahy. Forty pieces from the Curator's Choice Tour were on display for a week in this prestigious setting, and were seen by more than 8000 Congressional staff and visitors in that time. We are very grateful to exhibitions curator Janet Van Fleet and Senator Leahy's staff for setting up the display. Check out our Facebook page to see images of the installation, and the Reception that was part of National Arts Advocacy Day!

Art of Action Exhibition Openings at a Glance

See a complete listing of additional events produced by our local hosts over the course of the 10-month exhibition series:

.CLICK HERE to see the complete Exhibitions and Events Schedule.

and learn more about the exhibition-related events our host communities produced to ensure that "ideas+action=change".

Contact 

For more information on the ART OF ACTION, email project director John Zwick.  Become a fan of our Facebook group.