LUDLOW—The State of Vermont has named Fletcher Farm School the latest Vermont State Craft Center, a distinction designed to promote Vermont’s high-quality craft galleries and craft schools as well as its craftspeople.
The well-known Ludlow art and craft school joins the Vermont Woodworking School in Fairfax–Vermont’s other State Craft Education Center–as well as the State Craft Center Galleries: Frog Hollow in Burlington, the Artisan’s Hand in Montpelier, the Gallery at the VAULT in Springfield, and the Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild in St. Johnsbury.
Galleries and education organizations that apply for state designation are judged on a variety of criteria, including the diversity and quality of work displayed in galleries and the breadth and quality of class offerings in education organizations.
Fletcher Farm School opened its doors in the summer of 1948 with the support of the Society of Vermont Artists and Craftsmen and the Fletcher Farm Foundation, established in memory of Governor Allen Fletcher. That first summer, the school offered five courses and accepted 33 students. Fletcher Farm School now offers more than 200 classes yearly as well as a Young Artist Program, which focuses on pairing young up-and-coming crafters with seasoned artist-mentors.
Nancy Brooks, chief marketing officer for the State of Vermont, officially welcomed the Fletcher Farm School into the State Craft Center network in a presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the School in Ludlow.
“I’m very pleased to recognize Fletcher Farm School as our state’s newest state craft education center,” Brooks said. “Our network of Vermont State Craft Centers—now six of them across the state—foster and promote high-quality crafts and craftspeople, which are an integral part of the Vermont brand. With the addition of Fletcher Farm in Ludlow and the NEK Artisans Guild in St. Johnsbury, our traditions of quality, authenticity and handmade art are now officially recognized in every region of the state.”
“It is an honor and a privilege for us to be designated a Vermont State Craft Center,” said Layne Herschel, board chairman of Fletcher Farm School. “Our community, both on campus and off, is an integral and important part of what we do here, and this designation provides us an important and meaningful connection to the craft community throughout the state of Vermont.”
Galleries and education organizations that apply for state designation are judged on a variety of criteria, including the diversity and quality of work displayed in galleries and the breadth and quality of class offerings in education organizations. Designated craft centers are entitled to use the State Craft Center emblem in their marketing materials and at their site.
Fletcher Farm School is located at 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow, Vt.
