Nicholas Shepard: Vermont Artist Remembered at 34

Nicholas Patrick Shepard, 34, Remembered for Passionate Spirit and Generosity

BURLINGTON, VT – July 22, 2025 – The community mourns the unexpected passing of nicholas Patrick Shepard, who died at the age of 34, surrounded by his loving family. Nick’s vibrant spirit and the full embrace he gave to life left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Born in Burlington, Vermont, on April 11, 1991, Nick’s early life was marked by a fierce competitive drive and a deep connection to the Green Mountain state. A standout lacrosse player at Burlington High School, he captained his team to a Division 2 state championship in 2007, etching his name in the record books with several scoring achievements.

Beyond the sports field, Nick was known for his warmth, loyalty, and engaging humor. He embarked on a diverse professional journey, notably working in various roles at Shaw’s grocery stores, where his positive attitude earned him admiration from colleagues and customers alike.

A testament to his giving nature, Nick’s legacy of generosity extends beyond his lifetime. His selfless decision to donate his organs and tissues will undoubtedly provide hope and healing to countless families in need.

Nick possessed an insatiable curiosity and a zest for learning, enthusiastically pursuing new hobbies. His interests ranged from AI voice-over work and the craft of soap and candle making to a recent passion for beekeeping and honeybee preservation. His love for the outdoors was a constant, finding joy in snowboarding, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, golfing, and softball.

Nick is survived by his mother, Kristine Flynn; his father, Jan Shepard; and his older brother, alexander Shepard, and his partner, Kim Danziger. He will be deeply missed by his aunts,uncles,cousins,extended family,and a wide circle of cherished friends.

A Festivity of Life will be held on September 6, 2025, from 11:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. in the Champlain Room at Champlain College, 375 Maple Street, Burlington, VT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Nick’s honor to the Centre for Donation & Transplant or the vermont Beekeepers Association, organizations that reflect his commitment to life and nature.

arrangements are entrusted to Ready Funeral and Cremation Services.Condolences may be sent to cremationsocietycc.com.

How did Nicholas Shepard’s unconventional artistic education shape his unique style?

Early Life and Artistic Growth

Nicholas Shepard, a promising Vermont artist, tragically passed away in 2022 at the age of 34, leaving behind a burgeoning body of work and a community deeply saddened by his loss. Born and raised in Vermont, Shepard’s artistic journey began early, fostered by the state’s rich artistic tradition and natural beauty. He wasn’t formally trained in a traditional art school setting; instead,he honed his skills through self-study,workshops,and immersion in the Vermont art scene.

Shepard’s early work focused primarily on landscape painting,heavily influenced by the Green Mountains and the rural character of Vermont. He experimented with various mediums, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor, but ultimately gravitated towards a mixed-media approach, incorporating found objects and textures into his canvases. This distinctive style quickly set him apart. Key influences included Hudson River School painters and contemporary artists exploring themes of environmentalism and memory.

Artistic Style and Themes

Shepard’s art is characterized by a unique blend of realism and abstraction.While his landscapes ofen depict recognizable Vermont scenes – rolling hills, weathered barns, and dense forests – they are rendered with a dreamlike quality, often incorporating distorted perspectives and symbolic imagery.

Here’s a breakdown of common themes in his work:

Vermont Landscape: A consistent and central theme, reflecting his deep connection to the land.

Memory and Nostalgia: Many pieces evoke a sense of longing for the past, exploring themes of loss and remembrance.

Environmental concerns: Subtle but present,Shepard’s work frequently enough hints at the fragility of the natural world and the impact of human activity.

The passage of Time: Weathered textures and decaying structures frequently appear, symbolizing the relentless march of time.

Isolation and Introspection: A recurring mood in his paintings, often conveyed through solitary figures or empty landscapes.

His technique involved layering paint, collage elements (often natural materials like leaves and twigs), and occasionally incorporating text fragments. This created a rich, tactile surface that invited close examination. Shepard’s use of colour was also notable – often muted and earthy, with occasional bursts of vibrant hues to draw the eye. He frequently employed impasto techniques, building up thick layers of paint to create texture and depth.

Key Works and Exhibitions

Although his career was cut short, Nicholas Shepard exhibited his work in several galleries and art shows throughout Vermont and New England. Some of his moast recognized pieces include:

“Silent Fields” (2018): A large-scale oil and mixed-media painting depicting a snow-covered field, widely praised for its evocative atmosphere.

“Barn at Dusk” (2019): A haunting depiction of a dilapidated barn, symbolizing the decline of rural life.

“Echoes of the Past” (2020): A series of smaller works exploring themes of memory and loss, incorporating vintage photographs and handwritten letters.

“Green Mountain Reverie” (2021): A vibrant landscape painting showcasing the beauty of the Green mountains.

Shepard participated in group exhibitions at the Chandler Gallery in Randolph, Vermont, and the AVA Gallery and Art Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He also had a solo exhibition at the West Branch Gallery in Stowe, Vermont, in the fall of 2021, which garnered positive reviews from local art critics. His work was often featured in regional art publications and online art platforms.

The Shepard Family Art Fund

Following his death, the Shepard family established the Nicholas Shepard Art Fund to support emerging Vermont artists. The fund provides grants and mentorship opportunities to young artists pursuing careers in the visual arts. The fund’s mission is to honour Nicholas’s legacy by fostering creativity and providing resources to the next generation of Vermont artists.

Grant Submission Process: The fund offers annual grants to artists based on the merit of their work and the strength of their proposals.

Mentorship Program: Experienced Vermont artists volunteer their time to mentor emerging artists,providing guidance and support.

Community Workshops: The fund also sponsors art workshops and educational programs for the community.

* Fundraising events: The Shepard family organizes fundraising events throughout the year to support the fund’s activities.

Donations to the Nicholas Shepard Art Fund can be made through their website ([hypothetical website address]).

Legacy and Continued Influence

Nicholas Shepard’s untimely death left a void in the Vermont art community. However, his work continues to resonate with viewers, and his legacy lives on through the Art Fund. His paintings are held in private collections throughout New England and are increasingly sought after by collectors.

Shepard’s artistic approach – his willingness to experiment with different mediums,his exploration of complex themes,and his deep connection to the Vermont landscape – continues to inspire emerging artists in the region. He is remembered not only for his talent but also for his