Natalie Van Vleck

True to Her Art, Life & Land

Organized by guest curator Marc Chabot and the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, this exhibition presents more than 50 paintings, works on paper, hand carved wood frames, furnishings and archival material by the American Modernist artist Natalie Van Vleck (1901-1981), longtime resident of Woodbury. It traces her commitment to an art career at age 14 and later study with Modernist masters, her evolution through cubist, abstract and precisionist styles and her gender-fluid persona. Her commitment to the environment and her transition in 1934 to farming, land preservation and the establishment in 1963 of Flanders Nature Center are also explored.

More about this exhibition

Supported in part through a gift from Brass Axe Capital to underwrite exhibitions in the Munger Room.

 

RELATED PROGRAMS

MEET UP
Natalie Van Vleck: From Artist to Agrarian
Friday, October 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
OFF SITE: 596 Flanders Rd, Woodbury
Pre-register by 10/17
$10 Mattatuck & Flanders Members / $15 General
Hear a presentation on artist Natalie Van Vleck’s farming and her nature-inspired art by Flanders Nature Center staff and their Curator, Marc Chabot. Then, walk to Flanders North Barn to interact with barnyard animals and visit the Buzz Russell antique farm tool museum. End your visit by celebrating Natalie’s October 19th birthday with cake and refreshments.

 

Natalie Van Vleck: American Woman Modernist in Men’s Clothing
Thursday, December 6
Reception: 5:30 p.m. / Presentation: 6:00 p.m.
FREE for Members & College Students / $10 General
For 55 years, (1926-1981) American modernist artist, artisan, and environmentalist Natalie Van Vleck made her home and studio in rural Woodbury, CT, bringing with her the first flowering of modern art to the area. Always true to herself, she had the courage to chart a fascinating life rich with creative personal expression, visionary insight and impactful accomplishment. Guest Curator Marc Chabot will shed light on this avant-garde, multi-talented, gender-fluid woman and celebrate her legacy as a significant American modernist painter and founder of Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury, CT.

Enjoy a wine and cheese reception after the talk and an opportunity to purchase a newly published catalog on Natalie and her art.