Bartlett Arkell and the Southern Vermont Artists

In partnership with Southern Vermont Arts Center

Bartlett Arkell, American businessman and philanthropist had a leading role in the evolution of the Southern Vermont Artists, from an informal group of talented artists in the early 20th century into the formal organization that formed the nucleus of the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Arkell was the president of the Beech-Nut Packing Co. of Canajoharie, NY, and summered in Manchester. His philanthropic legacy can be seen throughout his hometown and his summer hometown, especially through his collection of art. His inspiration was: “Art for the people.” Thanks to his support, and especially that of his wife, Louise, who was instrumental in the early success of SVAC and her daughter, Elizabeth deC. Wilson, the Southern Vermont Arts Center is today a vibrant arts organization and leading cultural institution in Vermont. Manchester Historical Society Curator, Shawn Harrington will describe the impact Bartlett Arkell had on the arts community, both in Manchester and in Canajoharie, through the works of artists who made up the heart of Arkell’s collection, many of which are currently on display at the Southern Vermont Arts Center and Bennington Museum in the exhibition, For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection.

Free admission – registration is required through Southern Vermont Arts Center.

GUEST SPEAKER:
Shawn Harrington serves as Curator of the Manchester Historical Society and is a lifelong resident of Bennington County. Over the past eight years, he has been digitizing the thousands of pieces in the MHS collection to use for outreach and education at local schools, as well as in print and social media. He has worked for the past two decades in the financial services industry with a tenure as a member of the New York Stock Exchange and resides in Manchester Center with his two sons.