We’re excited to announce the four artists selected (with help from Brownington Central School and Katie Runde) to interpret our Twilight Educational Trail for our Open For Interpretation community art project. They are Alessandra Nichols, Isadora Snapp, William Tulp and Misuk Weaver.

This one-mile outdoor walking trail, established in 2020 with funding from Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and named for the 19th century African American educator, Alexander Lucius Twilight, interprets elements of the natural and human world. It encircles our 60 acre property and winds through pasture, forest and the historic village. The trail provides a place to hike, snowshoe or cross country ski all year round.

Students from Brownington Central School’s 7th and 8th grades recently visited the museum to learn about the history of Orleans County, including Mr. Twilight’s legacy and importance to the institution. Students explored the natural and built environment of the museum’s 60-acre campus and considered what kind of art might complement or recontextualize this backdrop.

Students reviewed artists’ applications and chose the artists whose work they felt would express Brownington’s history and offer engaging classes to local students. Finally, a team from the museum’s staff that included professional portrait artist Katie Runde—whose depiction of Mr. Twilight will grace the halls of the Vermont State House next year—weighed in to make the final choice of four artists.

These artists will spend the winter and spring researching and developing their own work which will be celebrated at the museum during summer 2022. The artists will also spend the coming months working with local students to teach them about public art interpretation during their teaching residencies at the museum. Details on each artist can be found along with their image in our press release.

click here for the press release

Funding for this project was made possible by the Vermont Arts Council and a Northern Forest Destination Development Initiative grant from the Northeastern Vermont Development Association, Northern Forest Center and Northern Border Regional Commission.