Art Show Opening Reception and Artist Awards
On the Veranda from 1 pm-3 pm on June 4, 2023. The reception is open to the public, and the exhibit will be free of charge, although donations are graciously welcomed.
This unique art show will proudly be displayed at Park McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion from June 2 until October 8, 2023. While visiting the mansion, guests will be asked to vote for their favorite pastel for the "People's Choice Award." The winner will be announced at the end of the Park McCullough season.
Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion is delighted to announce a new and unique exhibition in partnership with the Vermont Pastel Society! Founded in 1999, The Vermont Pastel Society aims to build and strengthen connections among pastel artists across the state. In addition, they promote the beauty of pastel painting and the growth of artist members through many different venues.
So why a pastel art exhibit at Park-McCullough? What is the connection to the Parks or McCullough's? The answer is Sister Mary Veronica of the Community of St. Mary. Born July 20, 1874, Ella Sarah McCullough was one of three daughters of Eliza "Lizzie" Park McCullough and Governor John McCullough. She grew up living in the refined atmosphere of "The Big House," currently known as the Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion in North Bennington. Ella entered St. Mary's Episcopal Convent in Peekskill, New York, in 1903 and took the name Sister Mary Veronica. She was Professed on St. Mark's Day, 1906, and almost immediately began working on the mural and reredos of St. Scholastica's Chapel on the second floor of the Convent.
Sister Mary Veronica was a pioneering female artist whose recognition is long overdue. She was one of the early twentieth century's most gifted ecclesiastical painters, creating images in a Medieval/Renaissance style with beautifully gilt backgrounds and frames. She also painted portraits in a unique waxy, crayon-like medium. Many family portraits in this style are displayed inside the Park-McCullough mansion and will be highlighted during this season-long exhibit along with other rarely seen artifacts.
The Park-McCullough Mansion's first-floor main hallway will be transformed into an art gallery showcasing art from members of the Vermont Pastel Society and Sister Mary Veronica. Executive Director Christopher Oldham describes the season-long exhibit as a tribute paying homage to Sister Mary Veronica in a unique way that blends family history, the arts, and the promotion of Vermont artists.
In addition to showcasing Sister Mary Veronica's artwork at the mansion, the Vermont Pastel Society 2023 Members Exhibition will be judged by well-known artist Marlene Wiedenbaum PSA-MP (Pastel Society of America-Master Pastelist) and an Elected Member of the Audubon Artists Organization. Marlene is also an active member of such prestigious arts organizations as the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum, NYPAP, and LongReachArts. Her work is in private and public collections throughout the country and is represented in the tri-state area. In addition, Marlene is currently serving on the Board of Governors of the Pastel Society of America.
The artists are competing for the following awards:
Judge's First Place Award, Judge's Second Place Award, Judge's Third Place Award, Luminous Landscape Award, Reflective Waterscape Award Lively Still Life Award, Figuratively Speaking Award, Abstractly Appealing Award, Totally Tonal Award, Touchingly Textural Award, Colorfully Crafted Award, Lovely Lines Award, Shapely and Edgy Award.
