Artists of the Gihon River Collective and Guest Exhibitors
"WE MET DURING OUR INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY AT VSC"

The Vermont Studio Center

The Vermont Studio Center (VSC) is the largest international artist and writers residency in the United States. Every month for the past 25 years, VSC welcomes to Johnson, Vermont, over 50 sculptors, painters, installation artists, printmakers, photographers, muti-media artists, poets and writers from around the world. By providing studio, housing and meals, the artist is given the opportunity to concentrate fully on their work. The ability to step out of daily work habits and distractions and step into a supportive artistic community is an opportunity to re-evaluate work, make connections with other artists, and broaden experience of the world through art. The conversations that arise in these environments encourage new expression, and deepen the understanding of personal work. During these month long residencies, the residents have an opportunity to invite any of the Center’s distinguished Visiting Artists to meet personally with them in their studios to give counsel. VSC both supports individuals in their creative pursuits and provides the companionship and inspiration of creative peers and mentors.

The Gihon River Collective is an assembly of writers and visual artists who were in residency at the Vermont Studio Center in September 2009, VSC staff, Visiting Artists from this time, and alumni who encouraged residents to apply. This show is being developed by VSC alumni; all September 2009 residents and visiting artists and writers were invited to join the collective. VSC staff representation was then added, as we wanted to create a rounded view of that month. As individuals, we have all gained invaluable experience during our time there and it was the interaction with all these people that made that happen. COPY0909 is the continuation of the international artistic community established during our residency. The countries and climates we live in are as diverse as our art and we have a desire to bring our art to one space. This show is created in an effort to sustain the creative energy and motivation to make new work that occurred in Vermont. We have the opportunity to bring our shared experience and passion to our home communities, to continue to grow as artists and to cultivate and encourage new audiences. As a result of this show we hope to persuade others to travel beyond their everyday lives.