Vermont Studio Center Church Studios Ribbon Cutting

The Church Studios at The Vermont Studio Center has officially opened after an extensive preservation and renovation project following a devastating fire in June 2016. The opening was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony held on Sunday, May 6th on Main Street in Johnson, Vermont.

In attendance to celebrate with the community, VSC staff, directors, and artists in residence were Milford Cushman and Terri Gregory of Cushman Design Group, Jeff Schoellkopf of The Design Group, Architect of Record, and Travis Cutler, Vice-President and Tom Bjerke, Project Manager of project general contractor Donald P. Blake Jr, Inc.

Remaining exterior and site work will be completed as favorable spring and summer weather takes hold for the season. However, this occasion was all about celebrating and honoring the hard work of all who contributed to the project's success. CDG's philanthropic work with the Vermont Studio Center on the Campus Master Plan and for the schematic design of restored and preserved buildings is a core component of our commitment to the community where we have been building relationships for more than 35 years.

The Church Studios preservation and restoration is the second project to be completed as part of the Vermont Studio Center (VSC) Campus Master Plan developed by CDG in collaboration with VSC. Because of a June 2016 fire which caused significant damage to the historic building, the preservation and restoration of the building was prioritized by VSC.

Thanks to the hard work of the VSC staff and directors and tremendous community and donor support, the project moved forward and the building has been re-opened as VSC's first highly energy efficient, fully accessible studio building. 12 renovated studios, a wheelchair-accessible lift, and an accessible entry have given new life to the space and made enjoyment of it possible for all.

CDG would like to acknowledge the committed professionals who contributed leadership to this project including VSC's Gary Clark, President, and Jim MacDowell, Plant Manager; CDG's Michael Perpall, Architect, and Milford Cushman, President; The Design Group's Jeff Schoellkopf and Jim Edgcomb, Architect of Record; and Donald P. Blake, Jr. Inc., general contractor. Read more about this project's background and the team that made it possible here.

Congratulations Vermont Studio Center!

The ribbon has been cut!

The building's central hallway connects the studios, and is naturally lit by a high indoor clerestory

A group of artists and visitors in a renovated studio

A renovated studio space currently in use by an artist in residence

L-R: Gary Clark, President of the Vermont Studio Center, Fred Osborne, Co-Founder of the Vermont Studio Center, and Fred's wife Judith

L-R: Travis Cutler, Vice-President, Donald P. Blake, Jr. Inc., Amber Cutler, Office Assistant, Donald P. Blake, Jr. Inc., Milford Cushman, President, Cushman Design Group, Terri Gregory, Interior Design Specialist, Cushman Design Group

 

Photos: Lindsay Raymondjack