Gayleen Aiken (March 25, 1934 – 2005) was an American artist from Barre, Vermont. Recognized as an outsider artist, Aiken's work, characterized by a unique blend of narrative text, imagery, cardboard cut-outs, and book creations, captured the essence of her childhood. She creatively wielded crayon, pen, pencil, and oil paint to depict cherished themes such as music, the family farmhouse of her youth, Vermont's seasons, the granite industry, and rural life. These elements were interwoven with a cast of recurring characters, affectionately known as the Raimbilli Cousins. Her work gained recognition in the early 1980s and has been exhibited in shows featuring visionary and folk art. In 1987, Aiken was honored with a Vermont Council on the Arts fellowship, a testament to the profound impact of her artistic contributions. Artworks from her vast collection now find their place in prestigious collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the Museum of American Folk Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Museum. Aiken's legacy endures through exhibitions worldwide, with notable solo displays at the Lincoln Center Gallery, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the Vermont Granite Museum.
GRACE Heritage Artists' artwork and collector’s items available for sale in the front space of The GRACE Gallery. These are available for purchase during open hours or by appointment, including special events and workshops. We also carry artist’s books and prints.
Browse the powerful and vast range of Outsider and Local Art collected during 45 years of GRACE's history that is exhibited at the GRACE Archive Collection in Hardwick, Vermont and features the individual collections of over 35 artists.
Artworks are available for purchase, traveling exhibits, interior design loans or contracts, and private viewing.
This is our legacy collection that has been carefully curated to reflect our most treasured artworks. Pieces are considered for historical, artistic, and cultural value.
