Art classes just a frog-hop away

Author: Jennifer Shapland

In June of 1971, a social phenomenon called the "Back-to-the-Land Movement" was beginning to build momentum across the United States. In an effort to escape the rampant consumerism of the 1950s, many people fled the polluted, industrialized cities for rural safe havens to pursue quiet, small town lives, living off the land and mastering the art of working with their hands.

And in a quiet country town called Middlebury, nestled in the Champlain Valley in Vermont, college students graduated into a unique social atmosphere that seemed to grant them the permission to tread off the beaten path toward a "business career" pioneered by their parents many years ago.

In the spirit of the '70s, many Middlebury College alumni found themselves so infatuated with the idyllic small-town experience that they never left. From a cooperative effort among like-minded college friends, "back-to-the-landers", and a few native Vermonters, the Frog Hollow Craft Center was born.

With the financial backing of prominent townsman Allen Johnson and the creative energies of Richard Wissler, the shady alley at the end of town overlooking Otter Creek became a regional cultural center, attracting tourists and craft connoisseurs alike. Soon Frog Hollow was the rave topic of college students' conversations.

Early on in its development, Frog Hollow gained non-profit status through a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts by virtue of the exposure and market it provided to so many local artists. Parents began to take their children to Frog Hollow for art classes that were not offered in local schools, and some ended up taking classes themselves.

College students also played a role in the early days, taking part in many classes and events offered. From ceramics to batik printing, and at one point even guitar instruction, Frog Hollow was a place for people of all ages to spend their time in a creative, productive and educational way.

Today, the Frog Hollow craft center boasts 250 juried-in artists at three Vermont locations: Middlebury, Burlington and Manchester. In order to become a Frog Hollow artist, one must submit a collection of pieces to the jury panel, which decides whether or not to bring the artist's pieces into the show room for display and sale.

Recently, the Middlebury Frog Hollow craft center has welcomed a new manager, Rob Hunter, who intends to breathe some life back into what he describes as "a sleepier town" than the one in which Frog Hollow was established. While officially named The Vermont State Craft Center, the center is not affiliated with the state of Vermont and therefore does not receive state funding. All the funds for Frog Hollow come through donations and enrollment in the many different art classes the center offers.

According to Hunter, the crafts industry has been experiencing financial difficulties in recent years. "We don't quite know why people have drawn back from the craft center - is it the Internet or perhaps the television that takes up people's time? It is my goal to get the community back into Frog Hollow."

Recent developments at Frog Hollow include a café on the main level of the craft center that takes full advantage of the beautiful view overlooking Otter Creek. In addition ,a variety of events for children, public shows and demonstrations are now always on the calendar at Frog Hollow. This weekend, woodworker Mark Krawzyk will give a demonstration on natural building and permaculture on Saturday at 4 p.m. As Hunter said, "Frog Hollow really supports the local creative economy."

For Middlebury students interested in getting involved in the craft center, beyond spending time perusing the gallery or attending events, a variety of art and craft classes are offered each year. To view the course schedule, visit the Frog Hollow Web site - which will be revamped as of Nov. 14 - at http://froghollow.org. Frog Hollow also offers a J-Term course every year. This year, Jessica Hart will be teaching "Master Colorists: Theory, Technique, and Writings."

In the midst of what some have described as our generation's own "Back-to-the-Land" movement, with organic agriculture booming and environmental concerns making headline news, we should keep an eye out for the return of the creative spirit that brought about a cultural treasure like the Frog Hollow Craft Center.

Though the pioneers of the movement may no longer be with us, the energy devoted to the arts here at Middlebury runs just as strong as it did back in the '70s. With a resource like Frog Hollow within walking distance of the College, all students have to do is show an interest in this small town gem for it to return to its former status as a cultural hub for the region.

After discussing a juried-in potter who uses a physical piece of Vermont, (clay, tree bark, ash, etc.) in every work of art he produces, Hunter described the philosophy that makes the Frog Hollow Craft Center so unique: "The pieces at Frog Hollow may be household decorations, but they are things you can't get at Wal-mart or Michaels. Everything you see here has its own story behind it."