|
Stockbridge, VT -- When Hurricane Irene washed away the roads and bridges, this Central Vermont town was cut off and became one of 13 "island communities" with no way in or out for many days.
One of the most devastated places in town, Stony Brook Road, is home to local artist Deborah Goodwin, her family, and her collection of pillows and cushions known as ShapeShiftas. While her home and studio are perfectly intact, the road, bridge, and driveway to the address are damaged and remain inaccessible 25 days after the floods.
"I had submitted my application for the fall Art in the Park just before the hurricane," said Ms. Goodwin. "I was disappointed when I had to contact the event organizers and withdraw. I saw no way to get my display and my pieces out for the show."
But the Chaffee Art Center's Mary Mitiguy wasn't ready to give up on seeing ShapeShiftas at the fall festival. She asked to submit the application to the jury anyway, even knowing that it might not be possible for Ms. Goodwin to get there. "Your product is very different and presentation very professional," she said. "I really would like to have you as one of our vendors."
As the jury was convening, Stockbridge was digging out from the flood. The residents of Stony Brook were determined to stay in their homes, and the town was determined to provide access to every resident. As amazing as the progress has been, three weeks later, Ms. Goodwin's home and studio was one of the few without a driveable way in.
Ms. Goodwin was informed of the jury's decision on Sept. 20. "Actually, several jury members were so excited by the uniqueness of your product they offered to get some ATVs together to get to your studio!" Ms. Mitiguy said in her e-mail confirming ShapeShiftas' acceptance. On that same day, Ms. Goodwin was able to drive up a very temporary road to the front door of her studio.
So - somehow, someway - you will be able to find ShapeShiftas artisan-made pillows and cushions at Art in the Park Oct. 8-9. Ms. Goodwin will be selling a special-edition of one of their styles, the Eye of the Hurricane, to raise money for flood relief.
This year, the Chaffee Art Center is holding their 50th anniversary Art in the Park Fine Art and Craft Festivals in Rutland, Vermont. The festivals are held twice a year, in August and the upcoming Foliage season event Oct. 8-9.
http://www.chaffeeartcenter.org/art_park.html
ShapeShiftas are designed by Deborah Goodwin and made in Vermont. Each pillow is individually sewn by a skilled artisan and filled by hand. They are available in select catalogs, home furnishings boutiques and craft galleries, and through on-line retailer Wayfair. You can find more information on the website: www.ShapeShiftas.com
|
