READING—As spring bursts into bloom across Vermont, the Hall Art Foundation in Reading is again opening its indoors and outdoors for a new season of contemporary art, nature, and community engagement. With its season officially launching on May 10, the foundation invites visitors to take advantage of the fresh air and renewed creative energy by exploring four new exhibitions and enjoy its sprawling 400-acre sculpture park—making it the perfect spring arts destination for families, day-trippers, and art enthusiasts alike.
Located just off VT Route 106, the Hall Art Foundation transforms a former dairy farm into a dynamic space for art and reflection. More than 6,000 square feet of gallery space and installations stretch across fields and woodlands along a tributary of the Black River. The picturesque setting and the thoughtfully curated exhibitions provide a rare combination of cultural depth and natural beauty that’s especially inviting in the season of renewal.
Four compelling spring exhibits
“Pop Perspectives”: Ramos, Rosenquist, Ruscha
This vibrant show brings together works from three titans of American pop art—Mel Ramos, James Rosenquist, and Ed Ruscha—each challenged and reshaped mid-20th-Century visual culture. From Ramos’ provocative takes on consumerism to Ruscha’s typographic landscapes, these artists highlight the witty, critical, and sometimes irreverent character of the pop movement. First championed by legendary dealer Leo Castelli, their works converge here in a celebration of postwar commercial aesthetics.
Joel Sternfeld
“Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, July 1984.”
Known for his large-format color photographs that capture the American landscape with haunting beauty and subtle irony, Sternfeld’s exhibit includes pieces from his iconic “American Prospects” and “Walking the High Line” series, alongside his lesser-known 2016 video work, “London Bridge.”The exhibit encourages reflection on change, space, and the passage of time—an especially fitting theme for spring.
Gladys Nilsson
“Three Women,” 1965.
Nilsson, a key figure of the Chicago-based “Hairy Who” art collective, brings a riot of color, texture, and form to her solo exhibit at the Hall. Over 15 pieces trace her decades-long journey from whimsical 1960s watercolors to complex, large-scale figurative paintings in recent years. The works are playful, politically tinged, and wholly absorbing—a testament to an artist still exploring with childlike curiosity and masterful technique.
David Wojnarowicz
Untitled (Shark), 1984.
Bold, raw, and emotionally charged, Wojnarowicz’s works from 1982 to 1990 speak powerfully to identity, resistance, and the human condition. A self-described outsider, Wojnarowicz confronted marginalization head-on, weaving together imagery, symbolism, and visceral emotion. The show includes over 15 paintings and sculptures created during the peak of his career, offering a deeply moving counterpoint to the other exhibitions.
Nature, sculpture, and community
Beyond the gallery’s walls, visitors can explore the outdoor sculpture park, which features installations by internationally renowned artists, including Olafur Eliasson, Antony Gormley, Richard Long, and Marc Quinn. These works are integrated into the landscape, providing an immersive experience that changes with the seasons.
Visitors can also enjoy a meal or snack at Café Lex, located on-site, which serves food by Brownsville Butcher & Pantry. Outdoor seating near the Black River offers a serene place to unwind and reflect after taking in the art.
Café Lex will offer visitors a perfect atmosphere for dining while enjoying the surroundings of Hall Art.
Visitor Information
The Hall Art Foundation is open on weekends from May 10 through November 30.
Self-guided visits: Saturdays and Sundays, entry times between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. ($15 adults, $5 children 12 and under, 50% off for Reading residents)
Guided tours: Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. ($18 per person, limited capacity, reservations recommended)
For more information, visit: hallartfoundation.org.
