By Betty A. Little, Killington Arts Guild
posted
Oct 18, 2012
In the spring of 1999 Ann Wallen, Maurie Harrington and Alice
Score called a meeting at the Grist Mill to talk about an arts
guild for Killington. I don't know why I went. I was a retired
public policy analyst not an artist. Alice created a list of
potential members - "Painters, Sculptors, Craftsmen then Musicians,
Writers, Dancers, Dramatists"-"Gardeners" were added - the list
ended with "Candlestick makers, & YOU." By the time
the meeting ended Ann had been elected President and everyone
in the room had found a reason to join the Guild.
We worked to incorporate The Guild on April 17, 1999 as a
non-profit organization for cultural, educational, literary, civic
and social purposes. If you want to be a nonprofit you have to be
doing one of these things. We decided to do them all.
The struggles and successes of the Guild became a major part of
Ann's life as she traveled in many places promoting
art, artists and The Guild.
When the Sherburne Memorial Library was proposed, Ann
testified at the public hearing in favor of the new library saying
that Guild members would be volunteers and provide programs. As a
member of Friends of the Library she worked on the committee to
raise money for bookshelves, desks, tables and chairs; and
continued later working for art hangers in the community room
making it suitable for exhibits. After serving the Guild for 13
years as president she retired and conducted painting
workshops on Tuesdays and initiated with Lauren Wilder -Ars Poetic
- a monthly poetry session both for the Library. In Ann's
memory, The Guild has promised to continue these activities.
From life as a commercial artist in New York City, Ann came to
the Rutland-Killington area and used her talents and energy to
support the arts and develop a diversified community
atmosphere.
Ann's family and the Guild will be celebrating her life on
Sunday October 21 with a service at the Sherburne Memorial Church 9
-10 a.m. and afterwards hold a Tribute Potluck Luncheon in the
Sherburne Library from 10:30 to 2 p.m. where all of the groups with
whom Ann participated will have an opportunity to speak in her
memory.
Gail Weymouth will present a digital display of Ann's artwork.
The actual art is in the process of being preserved and prepared
for a Celebration of her life and Retrospective of her work to be
held at the library and then at The Guild Gallery in 2013.
Memorial contributions to the Ann Wallen Legacy Fund can be sent
in care of Gail Weymouth, Sherburne Memorial Library, 2998 River
Road, Killington Vt. 05751. We hope you will join us at these
events and support the Fund to restore Ann's Wallen's pictures.
Tagged:
Killington Art's Guild, Ann Wallen
