Intern Profiles
Shane Silverman ‘24 and Wyatt Robinson ‘24.5: Silo Transformation Project
The original idea for a silo-turned-public art installation began in the summer of 2022, when Shane Silverman ‘24.5 participated in the MiddWorks for Vermont program and took on an internship to perform a study of the feasibility of these public art projects. With an increasing public desire for creative infrastructure in Vermont, the concept of repurposing familiar landmarks into art pieces has taken hold in the past few years. Silverman, alongside local artist and advocate Kelly Hickey, delved into research to determine the ideal spots for painted silos in Addison County.
The main purpose of the study was twofold: painting of silos would serve as a local beacon of community engagement and illustrate the values or representations of the region, while also providing a compelling tourist attraction and bridge to towns throughout Addison County. The work done by Shane Silverman and Kelly Hickey is the foundation of everything seen today at the Recycling Center Silo, from cost/benefit analysis to communications with stakeholders and community members.
Wyatt Robinson ‘24 was selected as the muralist for the Silo Transformation Project at the Middlebury Recycling Center, a project which he took on in Summer 2023 as part of the Innovation Hub’s Vermont Innovation Summer program. With initial inspiration coming from both the region’s Abenaki culture and agricultural history, Robinson knew from his first sketch that he wanted to feature the local landscape and indigenous flora and fauna as the focal point of the mural. After talking with community members and arts council representatives, Wyatt picked up his pen and ink, his preferred mode of expression, and began to transfer his curated collection of regionally significant creatures.
What resulted was a template – complete with a moose, bobcats, ferns – to then be scaled up to fit the 54-sided silo. The painting process did not come without hurdles, especially in the form of weather, but Robinson stayed motivated with “the unbelievable passion [he] saw from the community.” With hopes that his artwork can serve as a place for reflection and tranquility for all who stumble upon it, Wyatt Robinson’s mural has made a lasting impression on Middlebury College’s campus, as well as the larger public art initiatives throughout Vermont.
The completion of the Silo mural was celebrated on October 2, 2023 where Wyatt Robinson ‘24.5 presented his final project to stakeholders, funders, students, faculty, and members of the Innovation Hub team. Since then, the Silo remains an often-visited, must-see example of public artwork, right here on Middlebury’s campus.