Labor of Love

The “Labor of Love” exhibit was created by Vermont Works for Women in collaboration with the Vermont Folklife Center in celebration of Vermont Works for Women’s 25th anniversary. Pairing portraiture and interview excerpts, “Labor of Love” recognizes and honors women who are passionate about their work, who are an inspiration to others, and who exemplify excellence in their field.

The honorees come from all parts of Vermont. They are farmers, doctors, tattoo artists, college presidents, electricians, and general store clerks. They hail from Newport to Vernon. They are young and young-at- heart, well-known and not.

"Through Labor of Love, we have the invaluable opportunity to discuss our experience of work … so let’s do it! Let’s talk about the choices we’ve made and the twists and turns of our individual journeys. These are stories worth sharing. And, because storytelling is an act of communion between two or more people, it has the potential to forge relationships that can support us over the long haul.” - Tiffany Bluemle, Executive Director of Vermont Works for Women.

“Labor of Love” features portraiture by Mary Claire Carroll in combination with excerpts from interviews conducted by young women from around Vermont and produced by the Vermont Folklife Center. The “Labor of Love” project was made possible by support from the Vermont Women’s Fund and FairPoint Communications. The Middlebury exhibition is supported by Chellis House, Women's Resource Center, Middlebury College; Clementine; Ingrid Punderson Jackson Real Estate; Macintyre Fuels; and the Vermont Bookshop.