Dog Mountain artist Stephen Huneck Dog Chapel St. Johnsbury VT

Dog Chapel & Stephen Huneck Art Gallery

Dog Chapel Steven Huneck Art Gallery, St Johnsbury VT attraction

1356 Spaulding Road, Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819 • Ph: 802-748-2700

The “Dog Chapel” is one of Vermont’s most dog-friendly attractions. Built in 1999 by well-known artist, author, and “hand-carver” – the late Stephen Huneck, Dog Mountain, is one of the most unique tourist magnets in New England. Stephen Huneck’s former home and studio are located on Dog Mountain. Huneck shared this northeastern Vermont home with his wife, Gwen and his five dogs. Sally, Heidi, and Artie his Labs, Dottie the Dalmatian, and Molly a Golden Retriever. Huneck was known for his whimsical hand-carved furniture, sculpture, and woodcut prints. Huneck was also author of “My Dog’s Brain,” “Sally Goes to the Beach,” and “Sally Goes to the Mountains.” The inspiration for building Dog Mountain came to the artist when he was recovering from a bout with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, an often fatal illness. Huneck says “I wanted to build a chapel, one that celebrated the spiritual bond we have with our dogs, and that would be open to dogs and people. People of any faith or belief system.” Huneck continues, “I built that chapel on Dog Mountain, our mountain-top farm in St. Johnsbury … and styled it in the manner of a small village church built in Vermont around 1820. It is important to me that the chapel looks like it belongs with its setting of rolling mountains and pasture. The white steeple points up to the heavens, and on the top is a Lab with wings that turns in the wind and proclaims this place has a special affinity with dogs. Nice camping and pet friendly lodging nearby.

Category: Art Gallery VT Landmark

Northeast Kingdom Vermont