Arlington to Celebrate Artistic Heritage with “The Impact of the Battenkill River on Famous Local Artists”

ARLINGTON, VT — We are proud to announce a special presentation by Don Trachte Jr. titled “The Impact of the Battenkill River on Famous Local Artists.” The event, scheduled for Friday, May 1st, will offer a rare, scholarly, and personal look at the legendary artists who once called the banks of the Battenkill home.

Growing up in Arlington, Don Trachte Jr. experienced a unique childhood in which American icons like Norman Rockwell, John Atherton, and Gene Pelham were not just names in history books but neighbors and friends. Trachte’s presentation will delve into the “lure of artists” to the region, exploring why this particular stretch of river became a sanctuary for some of the 20th century’s most influential creators.

“It was an incredible atmosphere,” says Trachte. “These men were neighbors before they were icons… Often, we would see artists on the river banks of the Battenkill catching the right light and texture of the valley. This was just a natural part of life.”

The presentation will highlight: insights into how artists like Gene Pelham assisted Rockwell in scouting local models and locations; how the specific light and texture of the Battenkill Valley influenced the aesthetic of Mid-Century American art; and personal anecdotes from Trachte about growing up in an artistic colony that shaped the visual identity of a generation.

This session celebrates the deep-rooted connection between the natural beauty of the Battenkill River and the creative spirits it continues to inspire.

The presentation is free and open to the public. It is at the Arlington Common Performance Hall, Arlington, VT, at 5 pm on May 1st. After the presentation, attendees are welcome to join the Battenkill Fly Fishing and Arts Festival for the Sauced BBQ dinner at the Lawson’s Beer tent. Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance.

For more information regarding the festival schedule and registration, please visit the official VTFLYFEST.COM website. To read an interview with Trachte, please visit the website.

About the Battenkill Fly Fishing & Arts Festival (BFFAF): The BFFAF is an annual fly-fishing and arts celebration held in Arlington, Vermont, raising money for the Battenkill Fund and the Arlington Common.