Plainfield poet wins first Vermont Book Award; potter featured at Saxtons River shop

Plainfield resident and poet Kerrin McCadden has won the first ever Vermont Book Award for her collection of poetry titled “Landscape with Plywood Silhouettes.” McCadden earned her award during the Vermont Book Award Gala at Vermont College of Fine Arts on Saturday, Sept. 26. VCFA President Tom Greene presented the award, which Vermont artist Tyrie Brown crafted. McCadden also received $5,000 with the award.

Poet Kerrin McCadden and VCFA President Tom Greene

McCadden thanked her family and the college as well as her students at Montpelier High School. “They asked me, about 10 years ago, to start taking risks with my own work like I asked them to do,” she said. “If I can say anything, it’s to encourage young people to show up at the page.”

McCadden has earned numerous awards and several fellowships for her poetry. Her work has appeared in the “Best American Poetry” series, and in journals such as the “American Poetry Review,” “Green Mountains Review” and VCFA’s “Hunger Mountain.”

“Landscape with Plywood Silhouettes” also won the 2013 New Issues Poetry Prize. Poet David St. John has called the collection “one of the most compelling and powerful debut collections in recent American poetry.”
The Vermont Book Award was created to honor a state uniquely suited for creative enterprise. To be nominated, the book must first be a work of outstanding literary merit. The book must also share a deep connection with the state of Vermont; it must be set in Vermont, published by a Vermont press or penned by a Vermont writer.

Potter Hepburn’s work featured at River Artisans

Mary Hepburn creates bowls with VA students for the annual Empty Bowl Dinner. Her work is featured at the RAC this month.

Saxtons River resident Mary Hepburn’s mostly functional stoneware pottery  will be featured in October at River Artisans Cooperative in Saxtons River.

The shop is located at 26B Main St. in Saxtons River. A founding member of the crafts cooperative, Hepburn has been involved with the group since 1975, serving as treasurer, jury member, publicist and shop volunteer. She has been on the faculty at Vermont Academy for more than 40 years and several of her students have gone on to become professional potters.

The shop displays the work of about 50 local artisans. New craftspeople are always welcome. For more information, call 802-869-2099.