VPS Newsletter January 2026

Happy New Year! And on to 2026!

Winter is here along with our typical January thaw! Hope you can get out and enjoy the respite from the chill we had in December. That has not prevented HUB meetings and lots of painting along the way. Check out the HUB reports for inspiration and amazing paintings!

Our October Member Business Meeting on Zoom was well attended with an interesting and informative pastel demo by Robert Carsten, a Vermont resident with impressive pastel credentials. And there was time for Q & A – he was so easy and a treat to learn from. Thank  you to those attended both 

2026 WORKSHOPS

May 1-3: Lyn Asselta, a 3-day workshop at The Meeting House in Colchester. Cost TBD, further information to come.

October 2-4:  Marlene Wiedenbaum, a 3-day workshop at the Monument Art & Cultural Center, Bennington, cost TBD, additional information will be posted  

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Scholarships are available for workshops.  Please check the VPS website for Application details!

2026 VPS SHOWS

JURIED SHOW: April 1- May 15: Hosted by the Champlain HUB at the South Burlington Public Art Gallery

MEMBER EXHIBITION:  August 28 – September 26:  Hosted by the Upper Valley HUB at Artistree in Pomfret

VPS BOARD NEWS … 

There was an electronic email Board Meeting which began on December 12 and concluded with a positive vote electing Ruth Sterling in Web Site Services (our new name for Webmaster). You are most welcome on the Board with many thanks for stepping into the large shoes of John Landy.

Speaking of John Landy, he was elected at our new Treasurer after the retirement from the Board of Linda Masten – more big shoes! Thank you both for all your past and present services, vital to the functioning of VPS!

Insurance for VPS is being renewed now. And a financial analysis is being done to keep our income and expenses in continued order.

Here I go again:  Our Board will require some members to step up and run for office in September/October when the Board elections take place.  We currently have a vacancy in the Vice President chair which could be filled NOW instead of waiting. In the fall we will need a new President as well. Usually the VP becomes President, but if there is no VP….you get the picture! The Workshop position may also be up and there will be other positions which, though up for a vote, may keep their present Board members.   

All our Board members are so very talented and amazingly committed to keeping VPS strong, vibrant, and successful. Could YOU add your strength to our Board – please think seriously of joining this extraordinary group – they help us all. Let me know…or talk to your HUB leader!!

AND FINALLY: Don’t forget about our scholarship availability… and boost our Art Community: ask someone to join us!

Shirley Carlson                                                                                                                                            VPS President