The Orton family's collection of 20th-century Vermont art is a fascinating story of artistic appreciation and cultural preservation. Lyman Orton, the patriarch of the family that owns the Vermont Country Store, has amassed what Yankee Magazine calls the largest private collection of 20th-century Vermont art in the world. This collection, spanning over 300 works, has filled his home, office, and even touring exhibits, and is now set to get its first permanent home at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. The center, a 120-acre Manchester campus, is undergoing a $14.5 million capital project that includes a two-floor, 12,000-square-foot addition designed to showcase Orton's 'For the Love of Vermont' collection, as well as a rooftop terrace and lower-level gallery named for Bob Van Degna, a top project donor. The expansion also includes a climate-controlled storage space for 1,000 other works accumulated since the nonprofit's founding three-quarters of a century ago.
What makes this story particularly interesting is the personal connection Orton has to the art. As a seventh-generation Vermonter, he was in his 20s when he bought his first painting, not knowing it would seed a lifelong mission to 'repatriate' local art sold and scattered across the country and around the world. Orton can tell similar tales about Vermont scenes he owns by artists like Luigi Lucioni, Kyra Markham, and Ogden Pleissner, whose works have appeared in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art. The collection is so big that curators will periodically change which 100 works they spotlight, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving display.
Orton's passion for the art is evident in his efforts to create a comfortable and educational environment for visitors. He believes that galleries and museums often overlook the importance of comfort and education, and he has set out to change that. By providing large-print labels and ample seating, he aims to create a gathering place where people can appreciate the art and learn about its historical and cultural significance. This approach is a refreshing departure from traditional museum practices, and it reflects Orton's deep appreciation for the artists and their work.
The Southern Vermont Arts Center, with its rich history and architectural grandeur, is the perfect setting for this collection. The center, which includes a 400-seat auditorium and the state's largest sculpture garden, is a cultural destination not only for the local community but also for folks from major markets like New York and Boston. The center's marketing director, Sean Osborne, emphasizes the transformative nature of the project, highlighting the center's commitment to providing not only exhibitions but also performances, public events, and nature trails. This comprehensive approach to cultural engagement is a testament to the center's dedication to becoming a hidden gem that is now being unhidden.
In conclusion, the Orton family's collection of 20th-century Vermont art is a remarkable testament to the power of artistic appreciation and cultural preservation. Lyman Orton's lifelong mission to 'repatriate' local art, combined with the Southern Vermont Arts Center's efforts to create a dynamic and educational environment, makes this a truly fascinating and inspiring story. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of a region, and how personal passion and dedication can transform a cultural institution into a vibrant and engaging destination.
