Russell Risley (1842-1927)
Carved Fence Post, c. 1900
47 ½ high x 7 ½ inches diameter
Museum purchase with support from Lyman Orton

Vermont Folk Sculpture: A Recent Acquisition

On view February 1

A small yet captivating installation titled Vermont Folk Sculpture: A Recent Acquisition is on view in the John T. Harrison, Jr. Orientation Gallery. This exhibition highlights the recent acquisition of a Carved Corner Post, c. 1900 created by Russell Risley (1842-1927) of Kirby, Vermont. Risley spent his entire life on his family’s farm where he went about painting on the walls of the house – inside and outside – as well as the out buildings such as the barn. He also carved fence posts, rock, and blocks of wood. The Carved Corner Post is one of the Museum’s newest acquisitions which was purchased with the assistance of Lyman Orton. This work is accompanied by other iconic examples of sculpture created by individuals from Vermont who worked in popular vernacular traditions.