Multi-media Artist Clara Gilman
Turns 85, But Doesn’t Slow Down
By Cornelia Cesari

She scoffs at the praise, according to her daughter Rhoda Ackerman, but artist Clara Gilman’s work speaks for itself. Its sheer breadth of media—quilts, hooked and loomed rugs, stained glass, copper-punching, wooden furniture, toys and carved figures—seems impossible.

Gilman didn’t undertake artwork until she was in her 70s and her husband, Roger, passed away. She began by making wooden toys for her seven grandchildren, and from there she explored a wide variety of projects. At one time, she had a little workspace, "The Odd Shop," at her family home, a farm on Route 110 in Chelsea.  

Much of her work is place-based; for example, she made a quilt featuring panels of each of the homes on Route 110 and a hooked rug clearly depicting the Titus farm in Vershire where she grew up. Her work has become locally and more widely known. Gilman has had displays at the Chandler Gallery and has been recognized by the Folk Life Center in Middlebury. 

When it comes to her work, Gilman takes a rare pleasure in process, not product. She readily gives up finished pieces, giving them away, selling them in yard sales, even discarding them. Once she has tried something, if she feels it has been a success, that is all she needs from the project. She seems to dismiss the accolades she receives as an artist.

At a recent 85^th birthday party, friends and relatives celebrated Gilman and her accomplishments. Gilman was surprised at the extent of the art show that sprang up as folks brought back some of her works to display; but for all her outward indifference, there was clearly a glint of pride.

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