Bundy Modern Honored by AIA Vermont

The Bundy Modern Gallery in Waitsfield was honored with an American Institute of Architects – Vermont Excellence Award. Coinciding with the organization’s 75th Anniversary, AIAVT is celebrating 75 years of architectural design excellence in Vermont by announcing the winners of the 75-year Awards. The Bundy Modern is one of eleven buildings selected by an esteemed jury as deserving of awards. All are architectural works constructed in the state of Vermont since 1948. Awards were given at two levels, with the 75 Year Award being the highest honor, followed by the 75 Year Award Citation.

Built in 1962 as an art gallery and sculpture park, one approaches this massive floating brick and glass cube up a long, steep dirt road through a tunnel of evergreens. Sited on a 15 acre light-filled natural high plateau, the building is reflected in a half-acre parabolic pond and softened by massive trailing berms. The Bundy Modern is a stunning example of pure modernism in a country setting.The Bundy has been a gallery, art school, concert venue, host of the VSO and Circus Smirkus, along with countless community events. It has always been a center for the arts and continues that mission today. Some 2,000 people visit each year to enjoy the curated exhibitions. The powerful and flawless design continues to delight visitors as much today as when if first opened to the public.

Nominations were open to the general public, and a total of 38 entries were received. All entries were reviewed by an outstanding jury of New England-based architects, historians, and educators, including Devin Colman, Vermont State Architectural Historian; Ann Beha, FAIA, Founding Principal of Annum Architects (née Ann Beha Architects); Maryann Thompson, FAIA, Founding Principal of Maryann Thompson Architects; Susan Evans McClure, Executive Director, Vermont Arts Council; Cara Armstrong, Assoc. AIA, Director and Professor of Architecture, Norwich School of Architecture + Art; and Glenn Andres, Professor Emeritus of History of Art & Architecture, Middlebury College.

Congratulations to June and Wendell Anderson for taking on this esteemed property and enabling the public to enjoy it. The MRV is fortunate to have this important architectural asset in our community.