About Art on Main

Art on Main has been selling the wares of Vermont makers for over 20 years.  In the early 2000s, long before the current abundance of farmers markets and artisan fairs, Bristol Friends of the Arts (now 5-Town Friends of the Arts) acknowledged the need for a retail gallery to represent local artists and craftspeople. In 2001, a successful fundraising campaign allowed Art on Main to open in a modest space in the back of Deerleap Books in downtown Bristol. The gallery’s mission would be to provide space for local artists to sell their work and act as a community hub for the visual arts.

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And that it did. Staffed primarily by volunteer artists and community members, interest in the endeavor grew and it became apparent that a more visible presence was needed for long-term success. To that end, Art on Main formed a separate Board of Directors in 2006 to focus exclusively on gallery development. In 2007, Deerleap Books was sold and the gallery was invited to renovate and occupy the larger, light-filled space where it has remained ever since.

 

Now an integral part of the vibrant Bristol shopping scene, the gallery displays the creative work of about 75 artists and also offers special exhibits, featured artist shows and craft classes.  We participate in popular Bristol seasonal events like Pocock Rocks, the fall Harvest Fest and the beloved December Chocolate Walk.