Governor Jim Douglas today announced that Vermont artist Kate Gridley has been commissioned to paint his official portrait, which will eventually hang in the State House. Working with Vermont State Curator David Schütz, the Governor asked a number of Vermont artists to submit proposals and samples of their work. Governor Douglas eventually selected Ms. Gridley.
“I am so pleased to be working with Kate on this portrait and feel confident she will be able to capture not only my physical likeness, but also my commitment to public service and my deep and abiding love for our state and its people,” said Governor Douglas.
“I am very thrilled and honored to receive this commission from the Governor,” Gridley said. “I will work very hard to create a portrait that will be seen as part of his legacy.”
Ms. Gridley is a seasoned portrait and landscape artist. She has painted portraits of a number of prominent Vermonters, including former Middlebury College President Timothy Light, former Green Mountain College President Thomas Benson and Vermont Law School Dean Max Kempner. She lives in Middlebury with her husband and children.
“The State House collection includes portraits of most of the governors who have served the state for the past 230 years,” said Schütz. “With the Governor’s choice of Kate, I feel confident that we will get a portrait that will not only be a work of art, but records an important piece of Vermont political history.”
The portrait will be paid for with funds privately raised and the portrait will eventually be donated to the State House collection.
