Jennifer Wagner didn’t set out to become a jewelry maker; she went to school to become an architect. But after going to a beach in California and finding a treasure trove of sea glass at her feet, she decided that the little gems would make lovely stones for handmade jewelry. During Open Studio Weekend, May 24 and 25, she opened her shop, j. wagner designs, in Greensboro to visitors. The shop formally opens at the summer solstice and will be open seven days a week. There will be an herbal tea shop next door as well. Photos by Jennifer Hersey Cleveland

Open Studio Weekend highlights NEK’s beauty, creativity

Vermont’s natural scenic beauty is enhanced each spring when the work of artists and craftspeople can be seen firsthand during the

Jennifer Wagner carries items produced by other Vermont artisans in her shop, j. wagner designs, in Greensboro. Shown is a selection of pottery made by Sarah Russell of Glover.

seventeenth annual Open Studio Weekend, May 23 and 24.

Open Studio Weekend is a statewide celebration of the visual arts and the creative process in which Vermont artists and craftspeople invite the public to visit them working in their studios during Memorial Day weekend.  More than 260 sites will be open, with more than 285 artists and artisans participating.

A few of Për Courtney’s guitars were on display during Open Studio Weekend in May. He uses analine dyes, which show the grain of the wood through the vibrant color. Photo by Jennifer Hersey Cleveland  To read more about Mr. Courtney's creations please click here.

Participating studios in Orleans County follow:  the Memphremagog Arts Collaborative in Newport, the Wooden Horse Arts Guild in North Troy, Dancing Pears and Adrien “Yellow” Patenaude in Lowell, Phogg Pottery in Newport, Long Meadow Farms Quilts in Newport, The Jurassic Potter in Derby Center, Karen Karnes Studio in Morgan, Normandy Alden Pottery in Holland, Bread and Puppet Press and Print Shop in Glover, Snap-Crackle Stained Glass in Irasburg, Elinor Osborn Photography in Craftsbury Common, Mill Village Pottery in Craftsbury Common, David Brown Woodworking in Craftsbury Common, Marion Mackenzie Stegner in Greensboro, and Jennifer Ranz’s studio in Greensboro.

Participating studios in Caledonia County follow:  Judith Kane Original Designs in East Hardwick, Vermont Glass Workshop in Hardwick, Charuby Studios in Hardwick, Lucian Avery — Blacksmith in Hardwick, High Beams in Sutton, Janus Press in Newark, Maple Ridge Gallery in Newark, Sanderson’s Woodturning in East Burke, Clarner Woodworks in East Burke, Furniture in Lyndonville, Meryl Lebowitz — painter and David Tanych — woodworker and metal sculptor in Kirby, Mario Messina Designer Craftsman in Lyndonville, Joe’s Pond Crafts in West Danville, West Barnet Woodworks, and The Peacham Barn Studio in Groton.

No Essex County studios will participate in the weekend.

Open Studio Weekend features the work of glass blowers, jewelers, printmakers, potters,

Marion Mackenzie Stegner of Greensboro looked out over the hills of her youth and remarked about how fortunate she is to be able to live here as an adult. But the view was nothing compared to her handmade jewelry in gold and silver. She uses many types of fossils in her work, including the orthoceras shown above. Ms. Stenger first became interested in making jewelry out of fossils 24 years ago when she was in the Peace Corps in Venezuela and Ecuador. She donates a percentage of her sales to human rights organizations.

furniture makers, weavers, ironworkers, painters, sculptors, quilt makers and wood carvers.  Many galleries will host talks and feature special exhibits in conjunction with the event.

The Vermont Crafts Council publishes a free map booklet with directions to participating sites.  The “Vermont Studio Tour Guide” is available at Vermont information centers, from individual studios and galleries, and by request.

Additional information about Open Studio Weekend can be found online at www.vermontcrafts.com or by calling the Vermont Crafts Council at (802) 223-3380.  — from the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and www.vermontcrafts.com.