Southwestern Vermont is a region rich in culture and art, with a diverse and vibrant creative community that has been nurtured by its picturesque landscapes, historical heritage, and the eclectic mix of residents and visitors alike. This area is a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary influences, offering a unique experience for those seeking artistic inspiration and cultural enrichment.
Southwestern Vermont's culture and art are also deeply influenced by its natural surroundings. The area's breathtaking landscapes, including the Green Mountains and the lush valleys, have long been a muse for artists seeking inspiration. Plein-air painting and photography are popular activities, as artists attempt to capture the essence of the region's beauty on canvas or film.
We take a look at 9 famous figures who have used the restoration and reflection of Southwestern Vermont to create their greatest work:
Robert Frost (1874-1963) - A renowned American poet, Frost lived in South Shaftsbury, Vermont, and his poetry often drew inspiration from the rural landscapes and nature of the region. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" was written by Frost in 1922 at his house in Shaftsbury, Vermont. His gravestone is available to visit at the Old First Church graveyard.
Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) - A celebrated American painter and illustrator, Rockwell resided in Arlington, Vermont, for many years. He was known for his iconic covers for The Saturday Evening Post and his illustrations depicting American life. It was in Arlington where he painted his Four Freedoms collection.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher (1879-1958) - A prolific author and social activist, Fisher was born in Lawrence, Kansas, but later settled in Arlington, Vermont. She wrote numerous novels, short stories, and children's books. She strongly supported women's rights, racial equality, and lifelong education. Eleanor Roosevelt named her one of the ten most influential women in the United States.
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) - The famous British author and poet, known for works like "The Jungle Book" and "The Man Who Would Be King," had a home in Dummerston, Vermont, during his time in the United States.
Hildene (The Lincoln Family Home) - Although not an individual, Hildene is famous for being the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln. It is located in Manchester, Vermont, and serves as a museum open to the public.
Bill Wilson (1895-1971) - William Griffith Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), was born in East Dorset, Vermont. His former home is now the Wilson House, a retreat and conference center for individuals in recovery.
Morgan Bulkeley (1837-1922) - A businessman, politician, and the first president of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs (predecessor to MLB), Bulkeley was born in East Haddam, Connecticut, but later lived in Manchester, Vermont.
Shirley Jackson (1916-1965) - A renowned American writer known for her works in horror and psychological suspense, has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. It was her later life in Southwestern Vermont that shaped and inspired much of her haunting prose including "The Lottery," is a short story set in a fictional small town that eerily echoes the atmosphere of North Bennington and "The Haunting of Hill House," which was greatly influenced by her Vermont surroundings.
Grandma Moses (1860-1961) - Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, was a celebrated folk artist. She lived in Eagle Bridge, New York, which is near the Vermont border.
Of recent years, Jonathan Goldsmith, Dos Equis’ Most Interesting Man, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin, Tim Daley, Treat Williams and Ezra Miller have used The Shires to create, rest and restore.