Visiting Artist Program
When Spring Island was purchased in 1990 by Jim Chaffin and Jim Light, the Spring Island Trust was created for the preservation of both the environmental beauty and cultural history of the Island. As an integral part of that organization, the Visiting Artist program and the Spring Island Trust Art Collection were the dream of Betsy Chaffin. She wanted to invite artists to visit the Island, experience its beauty, find rejuvenation, and gain inspiration for their art. The Trust furnishes artists with housing, meals, studio space at the Art Barn, as well as use of the Club’s facilities. In turn, the artist contributes a lasting gift to the Spring Island Art Collection and is invited to give a presentation at the Thursday evening Trust Talk. The collection reflects the essence of Spring Island and artworks are displayed throughout the Island’s buildings. The list of invited artists includes not only nature and landscape painters, but photographers, ceramicists and sculptors. Currently there are over 165 pieces in the collection. The first artist to visit Spring Island was West Fraser. He has been followed throughout the years by other notable artists such as Linda Fantuzzo, Brian Rutenberg, Joellyn Duesberry, Lois Dodd, Michael Karas, Janet Fish, Mary Whyte and Charles Reid. The Nature & Arts Selection Committee, which is comprised of resident art advocates and professionals, selects candidates for the Visiting Artist Program. On average 14 artists participate in the Visiting Artist Program each year. Over half of these teach art workshops for our residents. Each year over 25 Trust talks are offered by the visiting artists as well as visiting scientists and naturalists. In addition to the Visiting Artist Program, The Nature & Arts Committee brings musical events of the highest caliber to our island. Performances include classical, jazz, bluegrass, choir and storytelling. Several music events are offered each year. Without the support of our community, the Spring Island Trust could not offer the high quality programs we have all come to expect.
