Did you know Vermont’s state government has been a gallery – of sorts – of fine art since 1837? It has collected 1,000 pieces to date, says Stowe Reporter. The Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services is kicking off a state-wide tour of selected works to mark the 20th anniversary of the Art in State Buildings program. First stop was Jeffersonville’s Bryan Gallery in late May where some 300 people attended the opening. "Art of Vermont: The State Collection" will remain at the Bryan Gallery until July 6, when it travels to the Goodrich Library in Newport; then Bennington Museum in Old Bennington; and finally, the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland. The focus of the exhibitions changes with each location in keeping with the character of the venues, emphasizing landscapes, history, or contemporary. Digitized slides and reprints can’t compare with the appreciation of seeing these works up close and personal. So go and enjoy.