By Layla Kalinen
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
SPRINGFIELD,Vt.- The VAULT is holding a holiday open house on December 3rd from 11 AM to 5 PM with ‘Open The Wall’ Festival Of Color exhibit of up and coming local artists contributing their work, a moravin star workshop taught by local artisan Karen Engdhal, n sample desserts from Stephanie Taft of Pink Lady Pastry, artisan offerings for Christmas stocking stuffers and gifts starting at under five dollars.
The gallery will be filled with beautiful music from Kathi Byam on flute and Karen Engdahl on keyboard ready to share classic holiday favorites. Music and pastry will be from 1 to 3 PM.
Diane Kemble said that post-COVID this past year has been both challenging and incredible.
“We have been trying to make sure people stay connected and they have. We are offering events at the Springfield Town library and The Great Hall on Maine Street,” Kemble said. “This year’s response is getting better and we are trying to find new ways for everyone to connect.” Kemble said the gallery is not only exposure for local and sometimes regional artists but a refuge for dome on a lunch break.
“We have all sorts of people come in at times from late breakfast, lunch and midday just getting what they call, ‘their art fix’, and this is incredible,” Kemble said.
Kemble said their brand new website tells the history of the space, originally being a bank with the vault now transformed after the bank dissolved from an empty space to a donation to the art by owner Steve Green.
“He gave the space miraculously. We have two major fundraisers asking for membership to cover heat, electricity, an accountant who is amazing and then the rest is mostly volunteer,” Kemble said. “Any membership, donation, purchase of any size is welcome.”
“Last year was our 20th anniversary and we built this website which is user friendly and tells everyone about our updates,” Kemble said. “We want to rebuild our art community of all ages.”
Kemble said this year is special since it’s the first open house since COVID. “It brings hope to everyone. Without art life would be so gray and dull,” Kemble said.
She also recommended for those who are avoiding too much human contact, and okay with missing the Moravian Star Workshop and live music, only preferring to pop in at least crowded times recommended are 11-12:30, according to Kemble.
The December 3rd event is a family friendly open house from 11 AM to 5PM event open to the public and is a free event.
The Gallery at the VAULT, a Vermont State Craft Center, is located on 68 Main Street in Springfield, Vermont.
For more information and to shop online.
https://galleryvault.org/
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