50 Years of Bringing Art for Everyone to Brattleboro

When Barbara Merfeld Campman and Ric Campman opened River Gallery School in 1976, they started with a simple, radical conviction: that creativity belongs to everyone, not just the trained, the talented, or the fortunate. Ric’s work as an artist and teacher was rooted in the belief that creativity emerges from the present moment, that “not knowing” is not a barrier to art-making but the very heart of it. Barbara brought that same spirit to children, marveling at how naturally they trust the creative process — how they dive in before they’ve decided what they’re making, and somehow know it’s going to be cool. 

Fifty years later, their conviction that creativity belongs to everyone has grown and deepened in ways Ric and Barbara would recognize—and also in ways they might not have fully imagined. Today, River Gallery School’s programming, and especially our Art for All initiative, carries the founders’ original vision forward as an active, intentional commitment throughout Brattleboro and beyond. We collaborate with local organizations that support New Vermonters, people with disabilities, BIPOC and queer artists, seniors, elementary schools, and businesses, and provide tuition assistance to ensure access for those who need it.The belief in the accessibility of art-making hasn’t changed. What has changed is how deliberately and how broadly we bring that belief to life.

In our 50th year, River Gallery School is celebrating and reconfirming its vision that art is for everyone through a variety of events and programming. Explore below to learn more about our 50th anniversary events, and donate to support our ongoing commitment to helping people express themselves and find joy through art.