Shelburne Museum unveils exhibition lineup for this summer

Kristen Levesque, Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum has announced its 2024 exhibition season which opens on May 11 and runs through Oct. 20.

The upcoming season includes an immersive journey through the history of the railroad in American Art, diverse artistic expressions from contemporary artists in New England, stunning black and white circus photography from the 1970s and masterfully crafted 19th-century Vermont furniture.

Northern New England’s largest art and history museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Saturday, May 11-Sunday, Oct. 20.

All Aboard: The Railroad in American Art, 1840-1955
June 22-Oct. 20
Embark on a journey through American history and explore the captivating world of trains in American visual culture during the transformative period of industrialization from 1840 to 1955.

New England Now: Strange States
May 11-Oct. 20
From Nathaniel Hawthorne to Stephen King, the depths of the psyche and the surreal have long fascinated New England artists. Twelve multidisciplinary artists from the region tap into a rich tapestry of mediums and techniques to create their perceptions of the ethereal grounded in topics of mythology, environmentalism, the ideals of beauty, transformation, and gender and cultural identity.

Elliot Fenander, Outdoor Tightrope Walkers, 1965–69. Negative, 1½ x 1 inches. Collection of Shelburne Museum, gift of Elliot and Phyllis Fenander.
Elliot Fenander, Outdoor Tightrope Walkers, 1965–69. Negative, 1½ x 1 inches. Collection of Shelburne Museum, gift of Elliot and Phyllis Fenander.

Confected, Borrowed & Blue: Transferware by Paul Scott
May 11-Oct. 20
The first in a series of “interventions” by contemporary artists features works by British artist Paul Scott, known for his provocative reinterpretation of 19th-century transferware. Plates, platters, and jugs by Scott will be displayed alongside objects from the museum’s collection creating “segues” that spark dialogue between the old and new.

Lorna McMaster: Stewarding a Seed Collection
May 11-Oct. 20
Contemporary fiber artist Lorna McMaster explores the interdependence of pollinators, native plants and local communities through her exquisite felted wool portraits and landscapes. Lorna McMaster: Stewarding a Seed Collection offers a poignant reflection on the delicate balance between nature and humanity, highlighting the importance of preserving our ecosystems.

A Grand Spectacle in the Great Outdoors: Elliot Fenander’s Circus Photography
May 11-Oct. 20
Transport yourself to the enchanting world of the circus with A Grand Spectacle in the Great Outdoors. Elliot Fenander’s black-and-white photography captures a rare “Blue Sky” outdoor performance by the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus in 1972, offering a unique glimpse into the magic and excitement of circus life.

Vermont Furniture at Shelburne Museum
May 11-Oct. 20
Discover the craftsmanship and artistry of Vermont furniture in this new installation showcasing some of the finest chests, chairs, tables and more from the 19th century to the present. Vermont Furniture at Shelburne Museum celebrates the rich material culture of the state and its enduring influence on interior design.
For more information, visit the website.