Artist Installed Mural at Vermont Welcome Center

The large-scale vinyl print features a Newfane farm scene and greets visitors to the state with accompanying postcards.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Painting

Artist Installed Mural at Vermont Welcome Center

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Artist Walter Hagedorn has installed a new mural at the Vermont Welcome Center in Guilford. The artwork, which depicts a tractor from Newfane's Dutton's Berry Farm, aims to welcome travelers to the state.

Why it matters

The installation serves as a visual greeting for visitors entering Vermont. It highlights local agricultural heritage while providing free commemorative postcards to the public.

The mural measures 80-by-120 inches and is a vinyl print framed in barnwood. It was adapted from a smaller 20-by-30-inch original oil painting.

The players

Walter Hagedorn

An artist based in Brattleboro who spent 30 years creating toys for disabled children.

The details

The mural was created after the artist met the Welcome Center manager during a school fundraiser. Hagedorn produced 1,000 free postcards featuring the artwork for distribution to center visitors.

2021: Hagedorn exhibited his artwork at 118 Elliot in Brattleboro.
Late November or early December 2026: The current mural is expected to be replaced with a winter scene.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader trend of utilizing public infrastructure to showcase local agricultural identity. It follows established precedents set by the Vermont Arts Council's public art initiatives to connect travelers with the state's rural character.

Visitors stopping at the Guilford welcome center can view the installation and collect one of the 1,000 free postcards provided by the artist. Residents and travelers should note that the display will likely rotate to a winter scene before the end of the year.

The takeaway

Public art can serve as a simple yet effective way to welcome visitors and highlight local history. Travelers are encouraged to enjoy the current seasonal depiction before it is updated later this winter.