Chaffee Art Center (Chaffee), a501c(3) non-profit community-based organization housed in a historical 1890’s mansion in Rutland, Vermont, was founded in 1961 by the Rutland Area Arts Association with the mission to promote the arts within the region. The Chaffee is financed by donations, memberships, exhibit sponsors, events, and commissions on exhibit art sales. The Chaffee has a record of continuous community support since its inception 60 years ago, and is a rich resource in the Rutland region. True to the spirit of its founders, the Chaffee continues to preserve a unique part of Rutland’s history and Vermont traditions with tours for in-state and out-of-state visitors to get a glimpse of how life was like in Vermont in the 1890’s, while providing a critical resource for the arts and art education. The Chaffee’s mission has grown along with the needs of the region; to providing arts education, as well as promoting the arts.
The Chaffee is committed to promoting the arts in the community by providing educational classes, workshops, and camps for all ages. It also provides community enriching events and programs representational of a variety of arts programs (music, dance, fine art both 2D and 3D, and theater). The Chaffee feels the arts are essential for all, and displaying the work of talented artists and offering a wide variety of educational experiences is extremely valuable to the well-being of our community. The importance of the arts is well documented to show its ability to reduce anxiety, build confidence, increase communication and creative expression. Moreover, connection with the arts supports the development of cultural competency; allowing participants to be more open to exploring new experiences, new situations, new people. The Chaffee and the arts are a vital part of the well-being of our community, and enrich the lives of those living here, as well as those visiting.
The Chaffee needs your support, please become a member.
The Chaffee Art Center has provided our communities and guests to our state with opportunities to learn about and experience the arts for sixty-two years, earning the distinction of being one of the oldest arts organizations in Vermont. As a non-profit art organization, we fulfill our mission by actively contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of our community. Membership income helps support our general operations and ensure the continuation and expansion of our programs and events.
We invite you to join as an artist, single or family member to help the Chaffee to continue to inspire and cultivate creativity, while positively impacting the vitality of our community through the arts. Membership fee is fully tax-deductible.
The Chaffee provides a variety of membership levels that are listed below. Member artists can increase their exposure and sales through our exhibits and events.
Membership Fees
Single $75
Family $100
Artist $90
Student $25
Members Benefits:
- Discounts on: Classes — Workshops — Events
- 10% discount on Retail Gallery purchases
- Social networking opportunities at openings and events
- Tax Deductible
SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MEMBERS ONLY:
- 25% off one Adult Class
- 25% off one Kid’s Class
- 25% off one Kid’s Birthday Party
- 25% off a conference room rental