By Brooke Geery
Painter Maurie Harrington has been called the “traveling artist” for her penchant for jet-setting to exotic locales around the globe, but she is happy to call Vermont home.
“Travel and art have been a big part of my life,” Harrington said. “I love painting snow scenes in Killington. I only have to look out my studio window to be inspired.”
Originally from Torrington, Connecticut, Harrington and her husband John first got a ski house in Killington before making it a permanent home more than 20 years ago. The couple worked as ski instructors and Ambassadors at Killington, and their two sons competed in freestyle events. She also founded the Killington Arts Guild, and is a signature member of the Vermont Watercolor Society. She is well known for hosting paint and sip classes at Killington Sports and other events to help others with their artistic pursuits. She hopes to continue these once Covid-19 subsides.
In the summer, the Harrington lives at her home in North Hero, where she is also active in the art community. She has served as the art director at Fisk Farm in Isle la Motte on Lake Champlain for 20 years. She has also illustrated several books, and painted murals in both Killington and North Hero.
These days, Harrington’s most prolific project is fine art cards, featuring her watercolor and acrylic and oil paintings.
“About four years ago I decided to print fine art cards,” she said. “My first big order was for Kinney Drugs. I showed them a sample—they ordered cards for all the stores in Vermont. I now have 200 stores in New England carrying my cards. So happy to know that my cards are being sent all over the world.”
Harrington especially enjoys plein air (outdoors) painting, another Covid-safe activity. “I am inspired by nature, and my favorite subject is landscapes,” she said.
Her painted landscape scenes grace the walls of many hospitals throughout Vermont, and several local stores in Killington also carry her prints and cards. Liquid Art and Cabin Fever both sell her original art including prints, cards, and canvas bags.
For Harrington, her success is truly a blessing. “I’m so happy to know people appreciate my paintings,” she said.
For more information, visit MaurieHarrington.com.