Burlington City Arts is a complex organization being both city funded and a membership organization. They maintain a public gallery in their headquarters building on the Church Street Marketplace next door to City Hall. In addition to the exhibits they organize many public events and offer a very wide selection of classes. Any city would be happy to have such a good organization for their citizens and visitors.
we took a spontaneous drive to burlington, vt (3.5 hours from home) and spent several hours enjoying the church street marketplace. we came upon a door way professing to be the Burlington City Arts Center Museum - Open and Free to the Public! (Donations are accepted in the lobby area.) We stepped inside the modern glass entryway and were immediately greeted by a staff member, who directed our attention to the artwork in the general area and informed us of what was housed on the four floors of the arts center. the building is long and narrow, but houses many interesting pieces. photographs were allowed - with the request that if pictures were posted in a social network or blog, that we credit the artist. unfortunately for us, we arrived at the arts center late in the afternoon on a sunday and the gallery was closing in only a short time. we were only able to peruse the collection housed on the fist floor, but those items were very interesting and beautiful. in addition, we could see that a modern elevator system was available to reach the upper levels. we all (our teenaged children included) were disappointed that we didn't have time to go up to see the rest of the exhibits, as we are sure they were as impressive as those showcased on the first level. we have put the Burlington City Arts Center on our list of "must visits" for our future weekend trip to the area! Definitely worth your time!
I love art but the exhibits that were offered up when I visited where awful. I haven't spent so little time in a gallery. The audio-visual presentation of a light bouncing off walls in a dark warehouse, of a lit candle and a couple spray painted sheets left much to desired. Let's hope something better comes along soon.
Constantly changing exhibits of local artists. All different. Great photo exhibits.
always stop in to see what's on. contemporary , usually, and varied, wall pieces AND sculpture... have done wine tastings upstairs.... nice !
So when you are wandering (not just trying to get somewhere) around the fantastic small City of Burlington Vermont, and you are soaking up so many cool, wonderful, unique and "so Vermont" places, people, sights, sounds and smells- BCA as we call the Burlington City Arts Center is one more place you should walk into. It's that simple. who knows, you might meet someone new and special, or see some art that makes you feel something, or you might even decide to further you own art.
Our family lives close by and never gets tired of visiting the arts center and seeing the new exhibits. The center is centrally located and it is easy to make a day of the trip and shop and eat nearby on church street.
Great exhibits, friendly staff, interesting receptions. The gallery spaces accommodate most types of art exhibits and events. It is free. The big front windows draw people in.
We enjoyed visiting this gallery while spending time here in Burlington. Staff was great and the exhibits were enjoyable.