Sheldon Ghetler and William W. Reed, both of Chester have joined the Board of Directors of the non-profit (pending) organization of the Vermont Institute of Contemporary Arts (VTica). Gallery exhibitions, performances and workshops are presented in a renovated building completely redesigned to showcase the contemporary arts.
Ghetler with his wife, Francy own the Stone Hearth Inn in Chester. His prior experience includes more than three decades in the family’s fashion business with duties overseeing design, manufacturing, distribution and sales. Currently, he serves on the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce and has previously served on the board of the Champlain Development Corporation in New York. Ghetler said “I am excited about VTica; it offers a place for people to enjoy the arts through exhibits and education.”
A love of foreign languages and travel has shaped Reed’s career. After graduation with a degree in art from Yale, Reed taught in France on the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program; he was a three time recipient of National Endowment for the Humanities grants. He has taught at Stratton Mountain School, the School for International Training, Green Mountain Union High School and at Black River High School. Since 2001 he and his wife, Lynne have owned Misty Valley Books in Chester. He is a board member of the Vermont Humanities Council, a post he has held for a number of years.
Ghetler and Reed join Robert Sarly, President; Abby Raeder, Executive Director; Ronald J Theissen, Treasurer; Debra Boudrieau; William Dakin Jr. and Marji Graf on the board. In the coming months, efforts by the board and staff will focus on grand opening festivities including two new exhibitions: “Paradise Suite”, watercolors by Jeanne Carbonetti from May 5 – June 17 and “27: When the Music Died” June 21 – August 19 portraits of the iconic rock-n-roll musicians who died at the age of 27 painted by Jack Dowd.
VTica is located at 15 Depot Street, off the Chester village green. Gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm; Sunday noon – 5 pm.
