The Valley Arts Foundation has created a comprehensive walking map of WaitsfieldVillage to highlight and promote arts-related businesses in the area. “I noticed, as I drove into Waitsfield each day, that Route 100 is chock full of arts-oriented places. The area has so many galleries, studios and even outdoor sculpture,” said director Karen Nevin, “It is all within walking distance, so it made sense to create a map to highlight it all.”
The walk is 1.2 miles long from the Wait House to Three Mountain Cafe. Along the way are galleries and art shops, including those that are concentrated at the intersection of Bridge Street and Main Street.
“As you walk up the hill, you find the wonderful sculptures in the garden surrounding Pizza in the Valley. Once you arrive in Irasville, there are always arts exhibits on display at the Big Picture, the Festival Gallery and Three Mountain Cafe. Even People’s United Bank has a small exhibit space that often presents the work of area artists,” she said.
Key features of the map are the markers for outdoor sculpture. Nevin encourages folks to stop and take a look. In addition to the sculpture garden at Pizza in the Valley, public art can be found in front of the Village Grocery, by Tempest Book Shop and the Festival Gallery and on display outside of John Matusz’ studio.
A directory on the back includes contact information and the hours for the 18 studios, galleries, museums and stores that are on the map. In addition, it includes a list of “Places to Eat Along the Way.” Making sure to highlight dining options encourages visitors to get out of their cars and wander around. The maps are available at the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce and at many businesses in town.
In addition, the Valley Arts Foundation is making them available to inns and lodges. Because the map is not being professionally produced it is easily updated. The most recent addition is The Hidden Gallery, which is located behind Mad River Quilting and is the gallery of artist Peter K. K. Williams. The map was created by June Anderson of Resort Guides.
“Taking the Waitsfield Artwalk is a perfect rainy day activity for visitors to The Valley!” said Nevin. “We want to encourage people to explore all aspects of our beautiful home. When it’s not a great hiking or skiing day, come on down the mountain and see what else we have to offer!”
To acquire a copy of the map, it can be downloaded from www.vermontartfest.com, contact Karen Nevin at the Valley Arts Foundation (802-496-6682) or stop by the Festival Gallery next to the Tempest Book Shop.
{loadnavigation}
