Situated in a historic 1892 Queen Anne victorian mansion, the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland, Vermont is just as beautiful as the artwork within it. The building features machine cut marble blocks, gothic windows, and a three-story tower, and its gallery offers a variety of spectacular pieces made by local Rutland artists. Just a quick 15-minute drive from GetAway Vacations, guests can spend an afternoon exploring the gallery, taking art classes, attending events, and more! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the Chaffee Art Center.
Take a Trip to the Chaffee Art Center
1. Exhibits
The mission of the Chaffee Art Center is to nurture the relationship between the arts and the community through exhibition, education, and collaboration. Upcoming exhibits at the center include a juried artist showcase from August 6 through September 23, Politics: Political Cartoons and College Art from October 1 through November 6, Surface Design Associates from November 9 through December 9, the Celebratory All Member Winter Showcase from December 15 through January 28, and an Animal Kingdom Gingerbread Construction Contest from December 14-30, 2016. Be sure to check their website frequently for exhibit updates!
2. Classes & Programs
From figure drawing and landscape art to slate carving and writing courses, the Chaffee Art Center truly has something for everyone. Throughout the year, guests can enjoy a wide variety of classes, camps, and educational programs that will get your creative juices flowing! One of the most popular workshops is the Sip and Dip painting class, where you can bring a friend and your favorite bottle of wine and follow along with an instructor to complete your own painting. All materials are provided, including paint, canvas, brushes, and smocks, and the cost is just $30 per person.
3. Art in the Park
Each year in the summer and fall, the Chaffee Art Center hosts Art in the Park, an exciting fine art and craft festival for locals and visitors alike. Voted one of the best arts festivals in the country, this renowned event features specialty food vendors, live music, craft demonstrations, and kids activities, and all donations go towards the Chaffee Art Center’s exhibitions, art education classes, and community outreach programs. The 55th Annual Art in the Park Festivals will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 6 & 7 and October 8 & 9, 2016.
Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations!
After a wonderful day at the Chaffee Art Center, feel free to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many incredible Rutland restaurants, then come home to our gorgeous Killington vacation rentals and relax! Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, our homes feature outdoor fire pits, grills, private hot tubs, and other amenities that will make your getaway unforgettable. Plus, there are tons of other fun things to do in Rutland, VT, including visiting the Castleton Downtown Gallery and the Hildene family home, so you can plan an entire afternoon of adventures after you visit the art gallery. We can’t wait to see you in Vermont!
For more information on the best attractions in VT,
request a copy of our free Killington vacation guide.
