The Chaffee Art Center is a great place to spend some time looking at art pieces you might not find anywhere else.
Located about half a mile from Rutland Station, the museum is easy to get to and contains unique art, done by local artists.
The Chaffee Art Center opened in 1961. The building was built by George Chaffee, an influential businessman who resided in Rutland in the 1930s, and who also built what is now the Paramount Theatre. The building was abandoned for quite some time until the owners of the Chaffee Art Center were able to revive the magnificent building.
The architecture of the mansion is impressive, featuring turret-looking towers and beautiful stonework. It is a building that you cannot miss! The inside is even better.
The artists featured in the museum have the opportunity to share as many pieces as they would like, so long as the work gets approved. Some artists have full exhibits in The Chaffee Center, while others have smaller versions. They do this on a system of juried members. Once an artist gets accepted into the program, their work can be showcased in the museum.
Most artists are returning artists, meaning that they continuously have their work shown in the halls of the former mansion.
With their attention to supporting local artists, they stick true to the people and the communities around them. This causes people to return time after time and purchase memberships.
The Chaffee Art Center is open from Wednesday to Friday from 12-4 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Classes and Events
In addition to displaying artwork from the community, The Chaffee Art Center also offers various classes for both adults and children. These include art classes, yoga, and music lessons for instruments such as the banjo, guitar, mandolin and more.
In addition to these classes, this summer the Chaffee Art Center is hosting an Artisan Marketplace each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until August 27. Here, visitors can peruse the grounds and purchase handmade items including jewelry, paintings, and stained glass from different vendors.
On August 12 and 13 and October 7 and 8, the Chaffee Art Center is holding the 62nd Annual Art in the Park Festival. This event has drawn a large crowd in the past, eager to enjoy the fine arts and crafts, specialty foods and beverages, kids’ events, and entertainment. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will end at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays.
“Always a very welcoming place and fun to do with some friends while supporting a local historic site.”
—Cindy, TripAdvisor
Take Amtrak to the Chaffee Art Center
Experience this unforgettable attraction via Amtrak to Rutland Station in Vermont—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
