Portraits of Resilience
2024-05-04 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-13 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Billings Farm and Museum, 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT, 05091, United States
This thought-provoking exhibition of 26 original artworks from the Vital Communities “Climate Farmers Stories” project will be displayed in Billings Farm’s Historic Barn from April 4 – June 23.
Through portraits in paint, print, fiber, and digital media, the works highlight the resiliency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities of farmers in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Each portrait is intentionally crafted by local artists to connect viewers with climate farmers. The artwork, along with educational panels and quotes from artists and farmers, help convey both the problems and solutions that climate change presents and provides an important platform for raising awareness.
The exhibition will continue outdoors where guests will find examples of approaches to improve climate resiliency at Billings Farm. A few of the methods include rotational grazing of the dairy herd, solar panel usage, low or no-till fields with organic-only fertilizers.
This collaboration between Vital Communities and Billings Farm & Museum provides accessible ways for individuals to take meaningful action to help farms address climate change.
To learn more about the Vital Communities Climate Farmers Stories Project, visit vitalcommunities.org/climate-farmer-stories.

Find resources and more information about the Exhibition.

Today's Schedule
2024-05-04 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-13 10:00 - 16:00

Barn Quilt Exhibition
2024-05-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-16 10:00 - 16:00
Billings Farm & Museum is bringing the rural artistry of barn quilts to our scenic site from April 4 – December 1. Barn quilting recreates the concept of quilt squares on durable mediums such as plywood. These squares, starting at 4 feet by 4 feet and up, feature striking colors and simple geometric designs.
Collaborating with Vermont artists as well as artisans from the Chelsea Barn Quilt Project and Barn Quilts of Northern Vermont who have been working to highlight barn quilting in Vermont, each space will host a uniquely crafted piece inspired by nature, math, agriculture, and the history of the Billings Farm site. Guests can wander through the picturesque farm and take in the boldly painted patterns that will adorn historic barns and buildings.
This exhibition is included with admission.

CLOSED
2024-05-07, 2024-05-08, 2024-05-14, 2024-05-15

Pre-k Story Time
2024-05-08 09:30 - 11:00
And Then it’s Spring

by Julie Fogliano
This story brings the anticipation of spring as a young boy and his dog eagerly plant a garden after a long winter. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait…and wait for the first signs of spring. Following the story, there will be a visit to the Farmstead Gardens to plant seeds and enjoy a snack of carrots with hummus.

Billings Backyard: Vermont Vineyards
2024-05-11 10:00 - 11:30
Price: $15/person, $10/Billings Farm member
Presenter: Sharen Connor
For Ages: 16+
For those curious about starting a vineyard or looking for creative ways to use grapes, this workshop will explore the evolving landscape of grape growing in Vermont. Guided by viticulturist Sharen Conner, this class will delve into key considerations for cultivating a thriving vineyard site, covering aspects such as sun exposure, soil depth and composition, and irrigation methods. Participants will be introduced to optimal grape varieties suited to Vermont’s unique climate and topography. The class will include an introduction to making verjus, an unfermented juice derived from unripe grapes, with a chance to savor a dish prepared in class. Whether you are interested in making homegrown wine or simply curious about the steps to fulfilling that Vermont Vineyard dream, this introductory workshop will get you started.
The session will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A.
About the Presenter
Sharen Conner is the viticulturist and verjus entrepreneur for Lincoln Bridge Farms. She formerly worked 40 years in education as a learning specialist for special needs students. Her family planted a one-acre vineyard (600 vines) in 2009. In 2016 and 2017, she learned to make wine in a commercially conventional manner and in 2018 and 2019, she experimented with “wild fermentation” using an ancient technique called “pied de cuve” or foot of the barrel. In 2020, Sharen turned her focus to verjus and produced some for the farm stand and again the next year. In 2022, she obtained a food producers license and began to sell to restaurants and retail outlets. Sharen is committed to caring for the environment through employing organic methods and providing experiential education to her “farm stay” guests and wwoofers (wwoof.org) who come to help and learn these aspects of agriculture firsthand.
Cancellation Policy: There are often waitlists for our courses, so please let us know in advance if you are unable to attend. Refunds are available up to 7 days before the class is held. There are no refunds within 7 days.
Contact info@billingsfarm.org with questions.
