The Montshire Museum of Science forges and empowers lifelong learners through engagement with science.
The Montshire Museum of Science is an interactive science center in Norwich, Vermont, with more than 150 hands-on exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. Outdoors, visitors can explore nature trails and exhibits on wind, water, and sound in David Goudy Science Park. Visiting exhibitions, educational programs, and special events are offered throughout the year.
The Montshire Museum of Science is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is supported by admission, membership, grants, and charitable contributions.
NORWICH, VT, March 21, 2011— The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich and Frog Hollow announce a collaboration that involves Vermont artists in the creation of five benches for the Montshire Museum's Woodland Garden. Members of the Vermont Furniture Guild and juried Frog Hollow artisans were invited to submit proposals that were juried to select five designs for commission by the Montshire Museum.
“I am very excited about this collaboration,” says David Goudy, Montshire Museum's executive director. “The Museum's Woodland Garden is a spectacular area showcasing native and medicinal plants—handcrafted benches made by Vermont's premier artisans along the path will greatly enhance both the natural beauty of the Woodland Garden and the visitor experience.”
Frog Hollow will host a gallery exhibit May 1–31, featuring the five completed benches. After the show, the benches will be permanently installed in the Montshire Museum's Woodland Garden for visitors to enjoy. The goal is to expand public awareness of and appreciation for the work of Vermont artisans, while providing artistic and functional features that will enhance visitors' enjoyment of the Woodland Garden.
Frog Hollow director Rob Hunter comments, “In our constant effort to integrate arts and education, we are delighted to partner with the Montshire. We look forward to exhibiting the benches in our Burlington gallery prior to the installation at the Montshire. Our hope is to bring about a deeper understanding and appreciation of two of Vermont's treasures—the fine craftsmanship of Vermont artisans and the Montshire Museum.”
Entries were judged on the artistic merit of the proposed design, the dimensions, materials and fabrication techniques, and the appropriateness of the piece to the Woodland Garden environment and the mission of the Montshire. Selected artists will be provided a commission for their work.
The five benches being commissioned include work from Doug Clarner (East Burke), Mark Dablestein (Burlington), Dave Hurwitz (Randolph), Lars Larsen and Rolf Kielman (Burlington), and Dan Mosheim (Dorset).
About the Montshire Museum of Science
The Montshire Museum of Science is a hands-on museum located in Norwich, Vermont, offering more than 100 exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, the environment, and technology. The building is located on 110 acres bordering the Connecticut River. The Museum’s outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience. Science Park is a two-acre outdoor exhibit area in a beautiful, park-like setting and connects to a network of easy to moderate nature trails for visitors of all ages. More information about Montshire Museum of Science can be found at https://www.montshire.org.
About Frog Hollow
Frog Hollow is dedicated to the exposure and appreciation of Vermont fine craftsmanship. Frog Hollow's gallery in Burlington exhibits a unique collection of fine traditional and contemporary Vermont art and craft. We work statewide with a variety of organizations in arts education programming and the promotion of art and craft.
Frog Hollow began in 1971 and in 1975 received the distinction of being named the first state craft center in the nation. More information can be found at http://www.froghollow.org