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by Marisa Crumb
Owner Greg Worden and his wife visited friends in Brattleboro about 12 years ago, and decided to stay. "We walked down the street and felt like it was home." The couple thought that it was time for a change and took advantage of the opportunity to purchase the store that "felt good to be in," Worden recalls. The store features the work of predominantly Vermont-based artisans. Together with Kitchen Sync, the Worden's complementary, adjoining shop, this happily makes for one-stop shopping. From honey dippers and fragrant, hand-cut soaps to furniture and wearable art, Vermont Artisan Designs offers a selective variety that is sure to please travelers and natives alike.
Back on the road again, over Hogback Mountain, through quaint Marlboro, and turning onto Route 100 from Route 9, the next discovery was the Stone Soldier Pottery, off the beaten path in the modest, quiet village of Jacksonville, Vermont. Home to beautiful and unique, yet functional pieces, the pottery was founded by husband and wife team Robert and Connie Burnell in 1968. Their daughter Jenepher carries on the tradition of utilizing the wonderful reduction glazes that her father began, and that instantly captures the visitor's attention. Directly across the road from the Stone Soldier Pottery is the Burnell's sister store, Avant Garden, a one-room gallery filled with unusual, imaginative art for the garden and patio. The interesting array of various artists' work is attractively displayed in a subtle, relaxed atmosphere, and that by their very nature evoke a quieter, more relaxed pace. The collection includes hammock chairs, tabletop fountains, wind chimes, planters, bird feeders and floral prints. Stroll across the road; you won't be disappointed.
Back on Route 9, the road wound past the shops in Wilmington and curved through the Green Mountain National Forest, a very scenic interlude before the next discovery, Hawkins House, situated in what is considered Vermont's first town, Bennington. The two pale gray, adjoining buildings are inhabited by an impressive variety of American and international crafts. Owners Ron and Inga Spivak, tired of the commute from Westchester County to Manhattan, began their Vermont business in 1978, and took advantage of the opportunity to purchase the old Ed Levin building in 1980. Another quote came to mind that seemed to fit the day. "Well, this is the end of a perfect day, near the end of a journey, too." |
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The winding road that meandered through lush forests, past gurgling streams, and over grassy hills interspersed with ponds and traditional, red New England barns, contradicted an adage that came to mind as we made our way into historic downtown Brattleboro, Vermont. "Life is not a destination, it's a journey." Today, it was proving to be both. Descending into the center of town, the old-fashioned brick buildings, park benches scattered along the sidewalks and steepled churches gave a cozy, inviting feel to the southeastern town of Brattleboro. Housed in a three-story brick structure, Vermont Artisan Designs is a welcome change from the cookie cutter businesses that shape malls across the United States today. One step inside the attractive contemporary craft gallery, and the allure is evident in the extensive selection of fine handcrafted items. Established 30 years ago as a business to showcase American-made crafts, Vermont Artisan Designs has grown five times what it was originally. The shop currently carries the work of 350 different artisans; 6,000 to 7,000 crafts people a year vie for a spot to display their works of art in this gallery.
Signature pieces with glazes that are labeled seascape blue, cobalt blue, Persian blue and other, earthy glazes such as amber ash and moss green, line the shelves and adorn center display tables. A large window overlooking a rock-strewn mountain stream frames handmade dinnerware. At the other end of the room, an extensive seconds section invites perusing. Intriguing curved wall vases grace the wall above stacks of place mats that are woven in Vermont. Stacking mugs nested in each other are early samples that create a backdrop for the distinctive dinnerware, mixing bowls that pour, candlesticks, canisters, casseroles, and quiche and pie pans. Hand-dipped candles made in Maine are at the entrance to another room that exhibits prints and sturdy, decorative lamps. The unique Yünnan Steamer, the most popular item sold for wedding gifts, kindles interest, as do the handmade apple bakers, complete with recipe, which were featured in Vermont Life. Leave plenty of time to wander and take in all that there is to admire.
Inga, who at the time was making handwoven clothing professionally, and Ron, an architect, liked the idea of living and working "where people know your name." Well known and now regarded as an institution, the Hawkins House contemporary crafts market is refreshing with its carefully chosen inventory of jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber, wood, metal, clothing and special exhibits by 450 American craft artists. Ensconced between Bennington Potters and The Bennington Museum, Hawkins House is truly stimulating, and offers a wide range of one-of-a-kind wares. The bright, open, spacious rooms are conducive to highlighting the merchandise that supports some famous local artists, such as Ed Levin and North Bennington jeweler Jeff Gray. "There is a long tradition in this town of handcrafted items of good quality and price that the local folks as well as the tourists appreciate," says Inga. The Hawkins House boasts the largest collection of handcrafted jewelry in Vermont, as well as quilts, rugs, jewelry boxes, books, art and a section devoted to unique and fun things for children. There is something decidedly intriguing and tempting about the surroundings that entice the Hawkins House visitor. As Inga explains, "We wanted something unique that wasn't only a business, but something that we could also be excited by. It continues to be a tradition, and we're still excited." That feeling is contagious, and it's pretty safe to say that they've reached their goal.