LUDLOW, Vt. – This summer marks the 70th Anniversary of the Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts. The picturesque Fletcher Farm campus lies along Route 103 in Vermont’s Black River Valley between Ludlow and Proctorsville. Since its inception, the Fletcher Farm School has offered thousands of classes in traditional and emerging arts and crafts, many led by world-class artists.

As arts programs lose funding in the educational system, the importance of a vital resource like the School increases. Besides providing the basic skills in the arts and crafts taught there, instructors provide historical background and strive to link them to contemporary culture. Students are invited to explore their creativity and are given support in this endeavor by nationally renowned instructors.

One of those renowned instructors is Vermont’s own Peter Huntoon. Peter Huntoon has been painting professionally since 1994. A lifelong passion for art and his native state of Vermont are evident in his work.

His distinctive award-winning paintings feature innovative color, strong composition, and enthusiastic brushwork. Educated in Vermont and Colorado Huntoon received his BA in Art from Castleton University. He has studied and painted with many contemporary masters, including Frank Webb, Zoltan Szabo, Cheng Kee Chee, Stephen Quiller, Robert Burridge, Robert Sydorowhich, Mark Boedges, and Mike Svob. For over 20 years Peter held the position of Color Group Manager for Sto Corp, the world leader in architectural coatings. He is a founding member of the Vermont Watercolor Society.

At 11:30 a.m. on July 1, during the 70th Anniversary Festival, Fletcher Farm School will present its first Robert Frost Award for excellence in artistry and art education to Peter Huntoon. Robert Frost was an honored member of the original Board of Directors the Fletcher Farm Foundation. Everyone is invited to join the festival and to watch Peter demonstrate his watercolor painting. Peter may also be teaching future classes at the school.

The Anniversary Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Fletcher Farm Campus on July 1st during our 34th Annual Craft Festival.  n addition to 60+ craft vendors, the following activities are planned:

·      Live Music all day – Uncle Hal’s Famous Crabgrass Band

·      Silent Auction with donations from artists and area businesses

·      Craft demonstrations

·      Vendor giveaways all day

·      Pets and their people photos (bring your pet to commemorate the day!)

·      Novelty photos

·      Presentation of the First Annual Robert Frost Award to Peter Huntoon

·      Children’s activities

·      Jewelry beading

·      Face painting

·      Paper crafts

·      Beanbag toss with prizes

·      Food: Sushi, sandwiches, walking tacos, Lazy Cow Ice Cream, strawberry shortcake, Lemonade Ladies

·      Raffles all day – drawings between 3-4 p.m.

Plan to spend the day with us, meet Peter Huntoon, and help us celebrate the Arts and Crafts in Vermont. Find out more about our classes and the benefits of membership in the Society of Vermont Artists and Craftsmen by visiting our website at www.fletcherfarm.org.