Posted by Karl A. Rinker on Nov 05, 2020
Picture at left is of cartoonist, Jeff Danziger, one of our artists.
Some artists were asked to decorate their art item with a certain theme requested by the sponsor and others just let their creative juices flow!
 
Cindi Griffith With Posy!
 
Allison Randall with Powder Hound.
I was born and raised in Barre, VT. Growing up I had always wanted to become a professional artist. My parents' construction business, Randall Contracting Inc., gave me my first opportunity to use painting as a way to make money. The first gig I can remember was painting the windows in their renovation of Studio Place Arts when I was 14. Graduating from Spaulding High School in 2004, I pursued a degree in Multimedia and Graphic Design at Champlain College in Burlington, VT. I have always had a passion for fine arts, taking every opportunity to fill every elective I could with art classes. Sitting down at a computer never sparked my interests, however, and I came back to my roots as a painter for my family's construction company. Specializing in historic renovations and then also federal contracts at the Burlington courthouse, I eventually began doing my own independent painting in residential and local area businesses. I have had a lifelong connection to small business in Barre through my father and through those relationships I have been commissioned to make quite a few murals along the way. I have two large murals in the former Project Independence in Barre, and another small mural in Our House. For the last two years I have turned to a career working as a butter maker at Vermont Creamery and have left painting to remain as a hobby. Along the way I have become a mother to two amazing boys, Javion (10) and Tre'shaun (5). Motherhood has been my main focus and love, where I share my passion for art with my children every chance I get.
Jeff Danziger with Algonquin J. Katz, Attorney at Law.
Jeff Danziger served in the United States Army from 1967 until 1971. An intelligence officer and linguist during the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal in 1970. In 1971 he began teaching English at Union 32 High School in East Montpelier, Vermont, where he taught specialized classes in journalism and expository writing at an advanced level, and worked for the Christian Science Monitor between 1987 and 1997. As of 2009, he has been published by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate.[1] 

Jeff is represented by CWS Syndicate and the NY Times Syndicate. He is the recipient of the Herblock Prize and the Thomas Nast (Landau) Prize. He served in the US Army in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Air Medal. He has published eleven books of cartoons and one novel.

Fred Swan with TUXEDO CAT, a one of a kind cat decorated for the BARRE ART SPLASH project. You will also see Tuxedo Cat in many of Fred's paintings.
Fred is a self-taught artist working exclusively in acrylics. He developed his own distinctive style over the past 40 years while also teaching high school math in Vermont. Upon retiring from teaching, Fred focused all of his creative energy toward painting. His highly detailed works have become instantly recognizable, stirring the emotions and evoking “memories of home” for admirers far and wide.
Fred Swan's meticulous attention to detail gives his paintings an immediate, recognizable style. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he is entirely self-taught. Due to the length of time necessary to complete a piece, he is
often unable to fill the demand for his work. Despite this fact, he has retained the integrity of his art by consistently limiting the number of each publication.
Fred's paintings are filled with nostalgia. The extreme realism and beauty of his creations cause others to look to the future and remark: "now that is the kind of peaceful setting 1 want when I retire!" Margaret Ewing of Station
Square Gallery in Pittsburgh writes: "Fred Swan's images are nostalgic and heartwarming. They instill peace and well-being. I include his work in my gallery because of it's simplicity and beauty. People like his work - it taps an
appreciation for those things in life that are good and wholesome. For this reason, his images are timeless." Dick Tatem of Stoneagle Frame Studio in Newport, New Hampshire remarks that: "Fred is one of my most popular artists. The customer often has the same reaction that I do: 'I would just like to be there'."
 
"Anyone would love to spend a weekend in one of Fred Swan's paintings."
 
Fred Swan's paintings are found in many public and private collections including those of Johnson & Johnson, Malcolm Forbes, and The Vermont Council on the Arts. He is a winner of the 1979 Saturday Evening Post Cover Contest,
and his work has been featured in many national publications, including Yankee Magazine and Vermont Life.
Fred lives in Barre, VT with his wife Diane. To watch a live interview with Fred click here.
 
Cindy Griffith with Posy.
www.cindygriffithart.com
580 West Hill Road,
North Middlesex, VT  05682
cindy.griffith.vt@gmail.com
 
Being born and raised in Waterbury Center, Vermont contributed to becoming an artist of nature.  My art training began early at the hands (and brush) of my father, Artist Leon Griffith.  Though he died when I was only 17, he imparted in me respect and appreciation for nature and my initial interest in art.
 
Graduating magna cum laude in college, I minored in art and continued taking art classes in many other venues. Though my professional life was diverted to a career in public service, I eventually made art my second career.  My art career consists of non-stop exhibiting and networking.  In addition, I’ve been juried into many art exhibits such as Southern Vermont Art Center, The Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, MA, Art in the Round Barn, Waitsfield, VT, various shows at the Bryan Memorial Gallery in Jeffersonville, VT, Studio Place Arts, Barre, VT, Vermont Governor’s Office, Chaffee Art Center in Rutland, VT, Gruppe Gallery, Jericho, VT, Arabella’s Gallery, Windsor, VT and T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier. Other achievements include being juried into the University of Vermont Medical Center Annual Artist Calendar in 2013 and for 2016 as well as being selected to be an Artist in Residence for the Appalachian Mountain Club, Highland Center, Crawford Notch, NH. 
 
In addition, I am a past President of the Vermont Pastel Society, past Board member of the T. W. Wood Art Gallery and Museum, ongoing juried member of the Pastel Society of America, a member of the Vermont Pastel Society, Art Resource Association, Studio Place Arts, T.W. Wood Gallery and Bryan Memorial Gallery.
 
Painting in pastel, oil and acrylic, my art has been described as magical realism.  Oil painting was the first medium I fell in love with as a child, enjoying the sensation of oils gliding over a smooth surface with a fine brush. A few years ago, I fell in love with the physical intimacy of pastel as well as the vibrancy of the colors. Click here to see the artist video.
 
For more, go to her website: www:cindygriffithart.com
Linda Kiniry with Bernice
I grew up in Vermont and only start painting as an adult.  I enjoy painting with multiple mediums.  When I am working, I totally lose time and myself in the creative process.   Bernadette Eddy was my earliest mentor.  She taught me Eglomise or Reverse Glass Painting and Faberge' styled eggs.  Later I took many workshops and classes at galleries, art organizations and attended Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts.
I enjoy working with watercolor, acrylic, oils and pastels.  Most of my present work is in pastels and oils.  I work with my husband in our Arts and Carving business, decorating Santas that are carved from cypress trees.  I enjoy the challenge of working with the shapes that mother nature has given us.
I am a member of the Paletteers, Vermont Hand Crafters, Vermont Pastel Society, SPA and the Wood Art gallery. I served twice as president and many years on the board of the Paletteers, six years on the Vermont Hand Crafters board and a board member at large for the Vermont Pastel Society.
My work has been shown in The Chandler, The Chaffee Art gallery, The Governor's Office, The Bryant Art Gallery, Studio Place Arts, T.W. Wood Gallery and many years at the Barre Heritage Festival.  I have been fortunate to have my work recognized and receive awards in many of these shows. 62 Cassie Street, Barre, VT 05641 - 802.479.9563 - lkdhvt@aol.com (Linda is also doing two Coupes.) CLICK HERE TO SEE ARTIST INTERVIEW.
 
Landy, John with Schatzie.
Recently, I have reconnected to my love of painting and have been exploring ways to connect my painting with natural landscapes. I find inspiration in nature and our natural environment. I employ a combination of land, sky and water to capture the natural world and its peaceful inspiration primarily through the use of soft pastels. I am particularly inspired to create works of art for families with a personal connection to a landmark or location. The site that holds special meaning in the family history or experience. I am a member of the Vermont Pastel Society, The Paletteers of Vermont and The Art Resources Association. I am also a long term board member of the T W Wood Gallery & Museum and the Center for Arts & Learning in Montpelier VT. Click here to see the artist video.
16 Greenfield Terrace Montpelier VT 05602 802-498-4451 jlandy32@comcast.net 
Miranda Lauzon - VinCat Van Gogh
Miranda is a (Barre) Vermont native and graduate from Spaulding High School and the University of Vermont. Miranda graduated with a BA in International Relations and double-minored in Italian and Art History.
Miranda is passionate about all things art and drew inspiration from one of her favorite artists (Van Gogh) to paint a rendition of “A Starry Night.”
Miranda lives in Denver, Colorado where she works for a local nonprofit that provides nutrition and food skills education to families in need, with a focus on parents and caregivers with children ages 0-5.
In her spare time, Miranda enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing, yoga and playing the ukulele. Click here to see the artists video.
Lunn, Jeneane with Smile, It's the Tooth Fairy.
Jeneane Lunn studied at the Art Students League of New York. She has won numerous awards in national art exhibitions including The American Artist Professional League, The Pastel Society of America, The Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Exhibition, The Salmagundi Club and others. For the last 30 years she has lived in Vermont and taught classes for children and adults in her own studio, Studio Place Arts in Barre and the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. She is a high school art teacher at Twinfield Union School. 
 
Three generations decorated Mighty Meow, the worlds latest Super Hero!
Erin Murphy King, her daughter Nelle King and her Mom, Pam Murphy.
 
Erin Lives in Montpelier, Vermont with her husband, their two children, a cat and a 9 month-old puppy (the newest addition to the family).
 
Erin has always been interested in finding outlets for creativity - whether within formal education, career path or self-practice. When she studied abroad in Florence, Italy in college, it felt like a literal immersion into an art history text book.  She was enrolled at an art school and took courses in photography, art history and painting restoration. Erin has also worked as a floral designer, a graphic designer and designed paper invitations for special occasions.  Taking joy in the minute details that go into creating a larger work - color and font choice, image use and placement and how those choices can impact how the piece will be received and viewed.  
 
Having two kids has allowed her to encourage them to find their own creative outlets, while also passing on the ones she has found to be interesting as well.  Art in any form is something to be appreciated and enjoyed!
 
Pam lives in Barre, Vermont, and has two daughters, Erin and family in Montpelier, and Meghan in Burlington.Pam will tell you she’s not an artist and she can’t paint, but she has loved taking pictures since she was first given a Brownie Kodak camera at the age of ten.  She has gotten creative in her job as a librarian taking pictures for newsletters and public relations materials.  She likes artistic endeavors and has tried most types of arts & craft projects at one time or another.  She joined the Paletteers when she was asked to be the secretary in 2019. Since then she has exhibited her photography at various shows. She really enjoyed decorating Mighty Meow with her daughter and granddaughter! Click here to see the artist video. Click here to see second video.

DJ Barry with World Dog.

Vermont artist D.J. Barry is the founder of World Cow; a global brand and art movement promoting unity. World Cow’s message is “we’re all spots on the same cow.” D.J. has been featured by many publications across the world. His artwork can be found in 17 countries.

D.J. dropped out of college to become a musician, playing music on the street while living in Martha’s Vineyard and Seattle. He started painting with acrylics when he moved back to Vermont in his early 20’s and was invited to an exhibit in NYC for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Shortly after, D.J. was inspired by Banksy and his movie, Exit Thru The Gift Shop. He started cutting stencils and using spray paint instead of a brush.

D.J. has painted murals across the USA including NYC and Las Vegas. He plans to continue delivering World Cow’s message of love and to have fun along the way. Contact: Email , Instagram , Facebook , World Cow

Jeb Wallace Brodeur with Dog Houses.

Jeb is the Chief Photographer at The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, a position he has held for more than 25 years. He grew up in Montpelier, attended Middlebury College and lives in North Montpelier with his wife, two cats and a dozen chickens. He is also a staff photographer at Seven Days weekly alternative newspaper in Burlington. His work appears regularly in Vermont Life Magazine (before it closed), Eating Well Magazine, Men's Journal, AMC Outdoors, VT Ski & Ride and other national outlets. Click here to see the artist video.

Isabella Bevins with her aunt, Heather Milne Ritchie with Fetch.

Heather Milne Ritchie with Hunter.

Heather Milne Ritchie is a professional granite memorial carver, artist in many mediums and mother of two.

She is a graduate of Bennington College, a twice resident of the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT and regular contributor to the Central Vermont Arts community. A member of Studio Place Arts and The Surface Design Association, her sculptures are shown in New England galleries and across the country in cemeteries nationwide. A recipient of public and private art commissions, Heather is an active independent artist.

An innovative sculptor, she brings a unique vision to the traditional stone art trade. As a painter and mixed media artist, Heather finds inspiration in natural world subjects. She resides in her lifelong stomping ground of Central Vermont and works out of her granite carving studio located at 12 Mill Street Barre, VT 05641. http://www.heathermilneritchie.com/ Click here to see the artist video

Heather Milne Ritchie & Isabelle Bevvins did Hunter & Fetch together.

Isabella Bevins is an active and motivated Sophomore at Spaulding High School. An All-Star athlete, she is co-captain of the varsity field hockey team and brings positive sportsmanship to her game whether it be field hockey, track or lacrosse. She is well rounded academically and within her community; a member of the debate team, member of Key Club and honors student. Isabella has shown great promise as a young artist. Recently her original landscape painting of Camel’s Hump was chosen as feature artwork for the Vermont Natural Resources Council stationery and brochure. She regularly participates in contests to show her artwork to a broader audience. She has great reference for this project as her dog, Tully, is a yellow Labrador.  CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTIST VIDEO.

Kathy Ravenhorst-Adams with Freddie The Flagger.
“I wish through my art to celebrate the wonder and beauty of nature, to call
attention to its intricate details, infinite variety, power and fragility. 
 
“My expression of nature through art reflects the joy and peace and beauty of
the natural world and my concern for it under the hand of humankind. 
 
“It is my hope that through my art others may gain a similar appreciation for all of
creation and realize and accept their responsibility for the care and protection of it.”
 
Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams is a fine artist residing in Northfield, Vermont.  She received her BA from Mary Baldwin College, studying under Dr. Ulysse Desportes and Dr. Mary Echols and later studied watercolor with Mitsue Elston in Aberdeen, Maryland, where she was an active member of the Harford Artists Association. 
 
After moving to Vermont in 1982, the artist earned her Master of Arts Degree in Art and Natural History through The Graduate Program at Vermont College of Norwich University, spending many hours wandering the fields and woods painting and drawing from nature.  During this time, she taught watercolor painting, nature drawing and pen and ink sketching through Creative Education, Inc. of Northfield, Vermont.  She participated in many exhibitions including the Norwich University Exhibition of Vermont Artists, The Vermont College Sesquicentennial Exhibition, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Annual Wildlife Art Show, and held one-woman exhibits of her work at Norwich University and Vermont College. 
 
While living in Natick, Massachusetts, Ravenhorst-Adams was active in the Concord Artists Association and the Framingham Artists Guild and taught watercolor at the Danforth Museum School, during this time exhibiting in many individual and group shows including the Guild’s show in Symphony Hall in Boston.  As a volunteer at the Broadmoor and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuges in Massachusetts the artist taught teacher workshops and led workshops in Nature Drawing, Watercolor Painting and nature sketching walks as well as providing illustration work for the refuges and their publications. 
 
 Since returning to Vermont in 1992, Ravenhorst-Adams has taught watercolor at Studio Place Arts in Barre and is active in many local groups including the Barre Paletteers, the Chandler Gallery in Randolph, the Art Resource Association, the Brookfield Art Group, Greater Barre Craft Guild, the Bryan Memorial Gallery, the Vermont Pastel Society, the Vermont Watercolor Society and the Northern Vermont Artists Association.  She is a member of the art show committee of the Paine Mountain Arts Council and shows her work in the Annual Paine Mountain Art Show in Northfield.   Her work may be seen in several Vermont galleries including Art, etc. in Northfield, the Wood Gallery in Montpelier and the Bryan Memorial Gallery in Jeffersonville. Scenes of the details of nature and the landscape continue to be favorite subjects for her work.
540 Bear Farm Road, Northfield VT 05663, 802-485-8387, kathrena@tds.net Click here to see the live interview with Kathy.

 
Jeffry Tuper-Giles with Justice For All.
Jeffrey Tuper-Giles has served as a city councilor, president of the Barre Partnership and is currently the chairperson of the cities Public Arts Committee. Jeffrey is not a professional artist but enjoys working on Art projects in all mediums. Jeffrey is very civically minded and promotes the good that happens in Barre City and is proud to call the city his home.  http://www.reynoldshouse1892.com/ To View The Interview With Jeffery click here.