Mrs. Webb founded the Shelburne Museum in 1947 to exhibit her collection of 150,000 works of art, textiles, folk art, quilts, tiles and sculptures. Of the museum’s 39 buildings, 25 are historic structures, including a covered bridge, which Mrs. Webb purchased and had moved to the grounds.
On display are impressionists’ paintings by Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, and Mary Cassatt. And, an important collection of 19th- century American paintings by Thomas Cole, Albert Bierstadt, John Singleton Copley, Fitz Henry Lane and Winslow Homer.
There’s even a 1906 steamboat, the Ticonderoga that once plied the waters of Lake Champlain carrying passengers to and from Vermont and New York.
Each year the museum hosts changing exhibitions of art, textiles and furniture. This year’s exhibits are of Audubon prints, Shaker furniture, quilts, contemporary furniture, chandeliers and eco-friendly designs.
May 20th – October 28th John James Audubon: The Prints
Taken from the Shelburne Museum’s vast collection of Audubon prints is his Birds of America series the visual frontrunner for wildlife appreciation in America.
May 20th – October 28th – Something Pertaining to God: The Patchwork Art of Rosie Lee Tompkins
Fifteen quilts by California quilter/artist, Rosie Lee Tompkins, make up this exhibit. Tompkins drew on her African American heritage when designing her boldly colored free-form designed quilts.
May 20th – July 15th – My Bad – It’s All Good: The Designs of Jason Miller
Designer Jason Miller uses his unique art style and sense of humor to showcase the blemishes on everyday items. Of special note is his “Duct Tape Chair” and “Beautifully Broken Glasses”.
May 20th – October 23rd – Chandelirious! The Dazzling World of Contemporary Chandeliers
Designers have let their imaginations run wild here; there’s chandeliers that move, chandeliers made of ping pong balls, and chandeliers using new lighting techniques such as LED, light emitting diodes.
June 16th – October 28th – Out of the World: Shaker Design Past, Present and Future
This is the first museum exhibition illustrating the influence of classic 19th-century Shaker furniture on contemporary design. Included with 50 pieces from museums and private collectors are works by master craftsman George Nakashima.
July 26th – October 23rd – Going Green: 20 Eco-Friendly Designs for a Healthier Life
The goal of this show is to teach consumers how to live a healthier, sustainable lifestyle by buying green.
