ABOUT US

ERIKA SCHMIDT is a visual and performing artist working in innovative processes of printmaking, collage and installation and in experimental dance theater as director of Vital Spark Performance Art Group. Erika began her work in printmaking at the University of South Florida, Tampa where she earned her M.F.A. in 1997. Erika works on a full size, Charles Brand intaglio press creating original hand pulled images, most often in series. Drawing from a collage sensibility, her pieces can be constructed into larger wall installations that combine printmaking media. Erika's work is included in numerous public and private collections and is widely shown in national juried and invitational exhibitions including:

NEW AMERICAN PAINTINGS (2010 NORTHEAST #86), EO ART LAB, Chester, CT ART CHICAGO and ART HAMPTONS, EDGEWATER GALLERY, MIDDLEBURY, VT The Contemporary Museum of Art, Tampa FL Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland, FL High Museum, Atlanta, GA University of West Florida Playpen at the Drawing Center, a publication of the New York Public archives Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, Sarasota, FL Cork Gallery, Lincoln Center, NY Brad Cooper Gallery, Ybor City, FL The Southern Vermont Art Center, Manchester, VT Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT While in the graduate program at the University of South Florida, Erika founded Vital Spark Performance Art Group, a collaborative ensemble that integrates dance, theater, original music/soundscape, literature, kinetic sculpture and video. Vital Spark's multimedia performances are richly varied, stimulating and thought provoking. After 12 years of making its home in central Florida, Vital Spark continues its evolution in new work today in Vermont.

GARY SCHMIDT has a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois Champagne/Urbana in Music Theory and Composition and a B.A. in piano performance from the University of South Florida, Tampa FL. He has been for the last 30 years a professional chef and with Erika created the Antiquarian Restaurant and Bay Street Gallery in Lakeland, FL. During his spare time Gary has composed numerous compositions for Vital Spark Performance Art Group and has recorded two if his own CDs: Channels of Light and Meditation Music for the Piano.

Both Gary and Erika are certified Yoga instructors and offer classes in their Vermont Studio. Gary has also been creating forest and wood sculpture. During your stay at the Green Hill Studio, Gary will treat you to his culinary talents. Erika and Gary have two daughters, Kiira and Eva, both living and working in NYC.