4/28/17: For 37 years, Charles Guyette taught art and French to Vermont elementary students, high schoolers and some adults too. Known as a colorful and unique mustached character who yodeled on occasion, Mr. Guyette kept his students laughing while also sharing his love of art and life with them. Always a cheerleader, he used to tell his students that “There’s never been anybody like you in the entire history of man, and that’s why you’re significant as an artist.”
Decades ago, Eva was one of Mr. Guyette’s art students at Lamoille Union High School in Hyde Park. She visits her favorite teacher at his home studio in Jeffersonville where, five years into his retirement, Mr. Guyette’s portfolio is growing and his joie de vivre is intact.
Music: Kevin MacLeod, “Dvorak Polka” & “Run Amok”
Richard Strauss, “Strauss Waltz Medley” Performed by US Air Force Band
This episode of Stuck in Vermont was made possible by
Hotel Vermont and New England Federal Credit Union
This article appears in May 3-9, 2017.
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He was my art teacher and I love him
I loved Mr. Guyette dearly, all of the kids did. He was kind and silly to the extreme, it is so nice to watch this 20+ years later.
I remember all the kids pounding to the beat of Pearl Jam’s version of Last Kiss, as Mr. Guyette belted out the vocals during breakfast, in the echoing walls of the gym.
Connor (Fletcher Elementary, Class of 2000!)
Hi Mr Guyette. I remember some of those paintings. It’s good to see your doing well.
I’ll never forget our class trip to France and Mr. Guyette yodeling up the chimneys at Mont St. Michel just because he wanted us to hear how it sounded. I think that was 1987 or 1988? Awesome memory, and an awesome guy.
So fantastic!!! My art teacher, my French teacher, an inspiration! I tell my students (& now my own children) all of the time, “If you’re bored, it’s because you’re boring.” I’d forgotten where that came from. Keep keeping them on their toes Mr. Guyette.
Thanks Mr. & Mrs. G… & of course you too Eva!
(Much love… Sarah & my husband Jess. LUHS 1991)
I loved having him as my art teacher at Cambridge Elementary School! It has been a lifelong dream of mine to have a similarly painted desk in the style of Van Gogh’s “Iris” and he definitely gave me the confidence to embrace my inner eccentric kid.
Eva, The Lamoille Union High School yearbook that was in the video, which year was it from ….. 1986 or 1987? Loved the whole thing. Monsieur Guyette was my teacher too. He has not changed a bit!
Mr. Guyette was an incredible elementary school art teacher (my first one). Always inspired me to let me creativity out.
Susan, I think that LUHS yearbook was from ’87 and I’m glad I saved it! I know Mr. Guyette loves hearing from everyone so thanks for these great comments! 🙂 PS Hello Sarah & Jess!
Loved working with you Mr. Guyette, and my kids enjoyed your art class. I’m honored to have a Charlie Guyette version of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” in my school library. This was a joy to see how much you are enjoying your well-deserved retirement. Hope to see you around town ~