“The participants in Verve were selected precisely because their work puts energy front and center. They somehow manage to capture the intrinsic tension of line and color, revealing energy and visual vitality. Whether in concept or in presentation, these works celebrate verve and unveil vibrant forces.”

Thus reads the sign that greets you as you climb the stairs into the Verve exhibit at the Kent Museum in Calais, Vermont. The Kent Museum has been showing art here in rural Calais for eight years now, one show a year each fall. Each show is made up of entirely Vermont artists.

The Kent has been an essential part of the community for a long time. According to David Schutz , one of the three co-curators for the exhibit: “There’s this great historic building that has been an institution in Calais for decades; many years it was a museum… and when it was closed to the public, the community actually missed it.”

A group of people, including Schutz , started an organization called “Historic Kent’s Corner” and discovered that the demand for an art museum was strong. Schutz remarks that this “vibrant museum in the middle of a fairly rural place…. seems to be working. People love seeing the art in this way, and I think we’ll probably continue doing it.”

To visitors like Barbara Weedon, the Kent museum really is an important part of the community: “I haven’t missed one of these Kent museum shows… each has been extraordinary… there’s always something wonderful to see.” Verve is no exception.

The first piece you’re faced with once you’re in the exhibit is a full wall-sized, blue and green painting. It really captures what the sign describes: color, energy, vitality. It’s beautiful.

The building itself is a work of art. While there are some parts that are remodeled (the entire building is handicap-accessible, with chair lifts and safety rails), most is left completely untouched by time: vintage wallpaper, beautifully framed fireplaces, a grand piano, pencil writings dated 1914 on the unfinished wall, original 1900s windows between the works that reveal the rolling hills, old barns, and changing leaves of Calais.

Schutz explains that, in setting up the exhibits, he and his fellow curators try to make it appear as if the works are “having a conversation with the building.” In one room, works are arranged around one of the beautiful fireplaces. There are many paintings whose colors perfectly match the wallpaper behind it.

A visit to the vibrant, beautiful Kent is the perfect addition to a Vermont fall afternoon. Verve is showing from 10–5 at the Kent Museum this weekend (the 25th-27th), next weekend (the 2nd-4th), or by appointment. Admission is by donation. For more information, contact the Kent at 802–223–6613 or [email protected].