Tales of Oppression, Abolition, and Reform in the Hopper & Gibbons Families

On June 23rd, 2021, Angela Schear presented a talk on her abolitionist ancestors, Isaac T. Hopper and Abby Gibbons. Hopper authored a column in the “The National Anti-Slavery Standard“ entitled “Tales of Oppression,” and was a well-known abolitionist… Read More

Rokeby Celebrates Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month and Ruth Farmer, shared a few “Rokeby poems” in this short video. She notes in her presentation, the Robinsons are “exemplars of artists paying attention” and “for me encountering the visuals and the words… Read More

Reading Rowland Evans Robinson

On March 16, 2021, Rokeby Trustee, Dean Leary, presented on the life and works of Vermont author Rowland Evans Robinson.  At one point Ferrisburgh resident Rowland Evans Robinson (1833–1900) was one of Vermont’s most beloved writers. Leary, a… Read More

Righting the Erasure of Black History and Creating an Inclusive American Story

On February 2, 2021, Rokeby Museum hosted a virtual Black History Month Lecture that explored current efforts to recognize and right missing historical narratives in history. Three panelists joined the conversation to discuss their research and community work… Read More

Rokeby Museum Distance Drawing Course — Week 6: Illustration

Courtney Clinton

In this final installment from Rokeby artist-in-residence Courtney Clinton, she shows us that art can be accessible to all of us. It’s possible for us to unlock our own creativity when we take a systematic approach and let go of our self-doubt.

Rokeby Museum Distance Drawing Course — Week 5: Self-Critique

Allison Gregory reading in Rachael Robinson's room

This week, with the help of Allison Gregory, Courtney explores the idea of perspective through the working relationship of Rachael and Gabrielle, a children’s book author. Learn how to look at your work from a different angle, especially when a second set of eyes isn’t possible.

Rokeby Museum Distance Drawing Course — Week 4: From Life

It’s self-portrait week! Building on the “Copying” lesson of week 2, Rokeby Artist in Residence Courtney Clinton will show you how a drawing by a favorite artist can play the role of your teacher and guide you in your drawing process.

Rokeby Museum Distance Drawing Course — Week 3: Mistakes

Courtney Clinton

Engaging with feedback is a central step in the learning process. It forces us to ask new questions and look at our work from a new perspective. Once we get over our emotional response, knowing what is not working becomes a point of departure and gets us closer to our learning objectives.

Rokeby Museum Distance Drawing Course — Week 2: Copying

Courtney Clinton

In the same way that Rachael learned to work with magazines by emulating her father’s career, she learned art theory by copying the works of accomplished artists. Rachael learned her craft well and there is a lot we can learn about the academic drawing tradition by copying Rachael’s work.

Rokeby Pie and Ice Cream Social News

Donna Fraser-Leary at the Rokeby Pie & Ice Cream Social in 2009

Has the mention of pie and ice cream in Rokeby’s backyard got you pining for a taste? Sadly, you will have to wait until next summer, when Rokeby hopes to hold this classic event again, in the true spirit of a “Social.” We hope you will join us again for this perennial favorite in the summer of 2021.

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