Name/Title
The Sugar HouseEntry/Object ID
2014.60.1365Description
Charcoal drawing of a sugar house. There are two trees on the right side of the house and one on the left next to a bush. They are all bare. A fence and road continue towards the right, and there are evergreen trees and mountains in the distance.
The frame is wood painted blue with gold patterns on the edge. The drawing is surrounded by black paper with a white line in the center. "The Sugar House" is written in the lower left of the drawing, and the signature is on the right side below the road.
On the back, "Now/Site 7. Redfield Hoare's Residence/Barre--E.MPR. Road" is written in pencil on the brown paper. In pen: "Charcoal Sketch/AL. Comi/3 Adams St./Barre VT". On a label, "Al Comi/The Sugar House/ca. 1927-37/charcoal on paper/Gift of the Estate of Ines Ruvera Comi, 2000" is typed.Artwork Details
Medium
CharcoalSubject Place
Town
BerlinCounty
Washington CountyState/Province
VermontCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaContext
Alfred Joseph Peter Comi was, born in Barre, Vermont. He graduated from Montpelier High School in 1919, and went to work for Jones Brothers Granite Company in Boston, Massachusetts. While in Boston he furthered his artistic studies by taking life drawing courses at the Copley Studios. He returned to Vermont in the early 1920's and was employed by the Vermont Marble Company in Proctor as a designer. In 1925 he became the chief designer for the Marr and Gordon Granite Company of Barre.
In 1927 he opened the Barre Design Studio, which he operated for several decades. That same year he married Ines Rivera of Barre and they resided in Montpelier until 1935 when they moved permanently to Barre.
He was very highly regarded and sought after in the granite industry. In fact, Anderson-Friberg's owner, Melvin Friberg noted "the unanimous respect of the manufacturers and dealers for Comi's designs, saying he is tops among professional designers and an elder statesman in the industry". He further stated "that outstanding orders were still received requesting his expertise and artistry...." long after Mr. Comi had retired.
Al Comi learned to paint with oils at the age of 54, studying under Stan Marc Wright, of Stowe, Vermont in 1954. By 1957 he and other local artists started an art exhibit at the Park on Main St. which attracted several thousand people.
He was the founding member of the Barre Paletteers, served as its president for eleven years and exhibited in every Paletters Art show from 1957 until his death. He was also a member of the Southern Vermont Artists Association, Vermont Art Association, the Chaffee Art Museum of Rutland, and Northern Vermont Artists.Acquisition
Accession
2014.60Source or Donor
Barre Historical Society, Inc.Acquisition Method
TransferMade/Created
Artist
Comi, Alfred Joseph Peter (1900-1986)Date made
1927 - 1937Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
DrawingNomenclature Class
ArtNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Height
15 inWidth
12-1/4 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Comi, Alfred Joseph Peter (1900-1986)