Explore Stowe’s Best Art & Culture: Top 5 Picks
Stowe, Vermont, is more than just a ski town, that’s right! It’s also actually something of a hidden gem for art lovers and culture seekers. You’ll find that its amazing charm extends way beyond the slopes, with a pretty interesting array of galleries, performance spaces, and historical sites just waiting to be explored, wouldn’t you say? So, if you’re wanting to add a touch of creativity to your next trip, allow me to share the top spots you simply have to check out. With that said, it might even give you a new appreciation for this mountain town, as you discover some amazing art other offerings.
1. The Helen Day Art Center
The Helen Day Art Center is sort of the heart of Stowe’s creative scene, so that’s its value here. With exhibitions that switch all year long, there’s just about always something new and thought-provoking on display, basically! From paintings and sculptures to mixed media and photography, the art center tends to show it all. It is that wide-ranging, almost! As a matter of fact, they actually make an effort to show both emerging and established artists, which really keeps things feeling current and fresh, or at least that’s what it seems to me. And what is quite cool is that you can participate in workshops and classes and special events for the youngsters, the seasoned artist and basically everything in between. You’d like it! What you may find is that there are a variety of events held by this popular gallery and event space.
Here’s something quite funny that happened to me a little bit, actually, before, I tried my hand at a pottery class during one visit and, wow, it turns out art is definitely harder than it looks. You would not want to have seen the bowl that I produced from scratch! Still, that I believe is the perfect example of the fun, accessible environment that the Helen Day Art Center really does create. You can have the worst painting but laugh about it, as everyone did with my piece. That’s it right there!
Did you know that, the art center is found in a super nice building right in the center of Stowe? It’s also easy to make a part of your Stowe visit. After all, it doesn’t hurt anything. If you want a good, well rounded cultural visit, don’t neglect to see some of the classes held by Stowe locals, and you will have plenty to discuss later. Check out their web page for info and upcoming events and to actually get to know some artists there.
2. Stowe Theatre Guild
If you enjoy theater, well, you will want to know that the Stowe Theater Guild can provide amazing evenings. Since its beginning around seventy years ago, this community theater group actually has consistently been putting on great shows for locals and visitors. It’s one of Stowe’s oldest institutions, to be honest with you. From classic plays to modern musicals, there’s truly something for just about every taste and interest here at this theater group, if it does suit your particular fancy! In other words, people who like the stage will love to go to these incredible performances.
The first time I saw a show by the Stowe Theater Guild I actually expected something sort of basic, to be real with you. Boy, oh boy, I’ve never been more surprised to see amazing and surprising talent coming from the locals in this little state! The sets, costumes, and performances actually felt professionally done and made it memorable. And so seeing a play can make a lasting and long memory for anyone, not least of whom is probably the thespian. So, that’s a great point to note.
Performances usually take place at the Town Hall Theater, which has a very cozy and intimate feel. A fun place to see anything! Make sure to check their schedule because they usually have shows that run only certain weekends of the season, almost. This location will likely lead to a great appreciation of local talent, no doubt!
3. West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park
For something more outdoorsy, visit West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park, if you have not been already! Found just outside of Stowe’s center, it has a distinctive combination of indoor art displays with outdoor art and open area views! The art in the gallery is extremely interesting, too, with a variety of media and themes. They actually put art made by artists from every place, the USA, and world citizens alike. It tends to be inspiring, with loads to be seen both indoors and outdoors.
Then the best thing is that after enjoying their indoor exhibitions, you can wander outside to their outdoor space that has beautiful sculptures arranged thoughtfully into the area surrounding it. The park has walking trails that let people get close to art while enjoying the beauty found around. This mix is so unique, so inspiring that it will lead to conversations you didn’t see coming. So keep in mind the outdoor space will depend on the weather, a bit. Dress for rain or shine!
They’ve got things like events from time to time like artist meet and greets, which will add something more to your overall gallery visit. Do check their event listing to get everything prepared and avoid trouble. The Gallery and park should provide enough memories.
4. Remarkable Things at Stowe Craft
To see stuff that’s more crafty, go to Remarkable Things at Stowe Craft. Here you’ll get things made of different materials like jewelry, ceramics, glass works, and cloths that make people remember something and even things people love doing. If it happens that you’re out scouting for the very perfect piece to make your house better, or to even bring home a gift to family back in your home town, you might even get to stumble across this spot during your visit. Now this unique art store features the work of regional artisans.
What’s funny is, that after going through like many stores, what makes this shop awesome is it has the feel of that you might like and could even add something special and interesting to. The staff at this building also tend to be art enthusiasts, eager to really provide any information, the stuff to do when in Stowe and even facts regarding art from those found in Stowe, Vermont.
It sits at Main Street which causes people to easily locate or even enter here just for sightseeing whenever going around Stowe! Just drop by and check whenever visiting all that Stowe holds! Be on alert for seasonal item changes when holiday moments approach! This gives this shop the kind of freshness that tends to attract everyone that has passed!
5. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
If you appreciate various types of showmanship then it might be advantageous to swing by and explore Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center. This site provides any types of event which includes songs, dances, play acting and cinema events as well which makes each moment spent quite awesome. Do try to read and find out that programs available that are found there and make each time well planned with consideration. Spruce has an elegant theater with awesome views and sound so there’s nothing there that’d prove awful and disappointing when appreciating a beautiful evening out on such a trip.
Here’s something funny: my mom actually told me, to tell her regarding some events taking place since it provides the opportunity of enjoying beautiful stuff in different styles whenever on these locations. Also don’t fail to be notified of annual occasions just like the Stowe film fest.
Take caution that the place of Arts sits just outside in Stowe area though organizing journeys would guarantee moments with minimal difficulties with no effort, actually. Do book earlier! All seats tend to go rapidly since Spruce represents a loved Stowe landmark. I can say pretty certainly, just that going or seeing each art that Stowe provides may result in many moments and give the chance and space that provides artistic development!