Valley Arts’ Multi-Medium Mania, the show defined by “wow!” opens on Thursday, August 30, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Red Barn Galleries at Lareau Farm.
It’s the second year of this eclectic exhibit of fine arts and crafts created in every possible medium – and sometimes more than one at a time – from paint to photography, fiber to glass, clay, metal, mosaic, wood and more. The show demonstrates the diversity of materials artists use and how works created in different mediums complement each other.
Meet and mingle with the artists at the opening reception and plan to return for another look at the range of work presented. Multi-Medium Mania will be open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 9 p.m., and the gallery will be open on Labor Day during the same hours.
And speaking of “wow!” the Barns and Bridges Festival, a community celebration of the history and creative culture of the Mad River Valley, is just around the corner. Kick off the foliage season with this three-day festival from Friday, September 14, through Sunday, September 16. Spurred on by the interest in and success of the one-day self-guided tours in previous years, the event includes a range of activities to engage and excite residents of The Valley and visitors alike.
Tour working farms and talk with the farmers, explore historic barns and discover how some barns have been repurposed, learn how the iconic covered bridges of The Valley were built and are maintained, enjoy art and photography exhibits and explore shops with local art and craft. And there’s more: a car show and fireworks, visits to local gardens, creating a mosaic, a glassblowing demo, learning about wellness practices, among other activities, and top off the weekend with music and fun at a party late Sunday afternoon. And eat! From truffles to lunches to afternoon tea to dinner, the farmers’ market, restaurants and inns of the Mad River Valley are open, warm and welcoming.
On Friday, September 14, the annual Photography Show opens at the Red Barn Galleries at Lareau Farm. Meet and mingle with the photographers at the opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. The show will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. On Saturday, September 15, join expressionist artist Deanna Chilian at the Valley Arts Festival Gallery in Village Square for a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. The Photo Show runs through October 7; the Chilian exhibit will be up through December 22.
Visit vtbarnsandbridgesfestival.com for a detailed calendar of events, or contact Valley Arts at
