Brattleboro-West Arts (BWA)

Brattleboro-West Arts was founded in 2009 by neighbors who recognized the vibrant creative community that exists in the watershed of the Whetstone Brook west of downtown Brattleboro. Since then, membership has grown to include the professional artists and craftspeople shown here, who gather socially each month to share a meal and explore ways to enrich the artistic life of southern Vermont.

To that end, many members share their knowledge with the public and fellow artists by teaching classes, leading workshops or taking on apprentices. BWA also sponsors a series of occasional public forums called Making It in the Arts that tap the wisdom of successful local artists.

But the most accessible path to appreciating fine art is simply to view it firsthand. After hosting its own fall open studio tour for six years, BWA instead is now joining forces with the Vermont Craft Council for its two established statewide tours, one Memorial Day Weekend and the other the first weekend in October. The tours offer the public a chance to meet the artists and see demonstrations of art in the making. Although not all BWA members participate in the tours, many are available by appointment to show their studios year-round. In addition to selling their work directly, many members also regularly exhibit individually in area art shows, galleries and the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, as well in Brattleboro-West Arts group shows.

For details about Brattleboro-West Arts, including profiles of member artists and information about past and upcoming events, visit www.brattleboro-west-arts.com.