VVS is indebted to alumni Jim Landis ‘66, Chris Schrager ‘69, Peter Hardin ’69 (pictured above from left), and Seth Norbeck ’76 (pictured right) for sharing their talent, skill, and hard work with the VVS community during Project Period. For the past seventeen years, these fine men have given seven days to sharing their knowledge, skills, and experience with our students.

According to any student who has worked with Seth, the jewelry project is one of the highlights of their VVS experience. Most students who take the session will request it the following year. “One of the coolest things about the jewelry project period is not the actual making of jewelry but what we learned about life and art in the process," explains Sasha Guttfreind ’07 who was one of the students who worked with Seth this October. Sasha adds: "Seth is fantastic at inspiring us, and in creating an awareness within us about creativity. He helped us redefine our concept and perception of jewelry as representative of that concept.”

This year, the team of Chris, Jim, and Peter has outdone itself yet again. The finishing touches to the bridge were done with care and attention to detail. The red rock facing the bridge has turned a utilizarian structure into a piece of artwork. The finely-wrought iron handrail, with finial details, is the culminating touch. And the crew didn't stop there. They enlarged the dining hall entrance with flagstone - again providing the campus with a beautiful example of hard work and attention to detail.

Cori Dart ’08, who worked on the flagstone project, says, "Jim and Chris were so informative and quick to offer encouragement to any student who showed a deeper interest in working with masonry. I feel really fortunate to have been one of the students who worked with them."

Chris, Jim, Peter, and Seth have embodied the VVS mission for seventeen years. Their special stamp is not only visible on the beautiful art and craftmanship they leave behind, but on their interaction and influence on generations of VVS students.

...more featured alumni,

David Calley '81

Celia Lowenstein '71

Jean Strouse '63