A photograph of a red Vermont barn in summer
A Vermont barn in summer

An Invitation to Our Customers From Lyman Orton

I have been collecting Vermont art for some 45 years. For the first time, the collection will be on public exhibit from July–October 2023, divided between two of Vermont’s premier art institutions, Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, and Bennington Museum in Bennington. The sweet spot of the collection is 1920-1960, Vermont art’s golden era when many superb artists moved here, fell in love with Vermont, and joined local artists—their paintings express that love.  

We also published a book where author Anita Rafael and I tell the story behind my quest to retain 20th-Century Vermont art and repatriate pieces that found their way across the country over the years. Many photographs, from over 200 paintings in the collection, are featured in the book. Each painting and each artist have their own story. The book and the collection are both titled For the Love of Vermont.

I look forward to seeing you this summer. Here’s a link where you can purchase the book and find more information about the art exhibits (www.fortheloveofvermont.com). You can also buy the book from our catalog and our website, as well. Reading it before you visit will help you enjoy the exhibitions even more.