19-05-2025
Former director of Helen Day Art Center in VT dies of a heart attack at 52: What we know
Communities in central Vermont are reeling from the news that a well-known former art-gallery director and volunteer died from a heart attack last week at age 52.
Nathan Suter served for a decade as executive director of the Helen Day Art Center, now The Current, based in Stowe. He was also known in Montpelier and beyond for his volunteer spirit and community involvement.
'Nathan was a cornerstone of our community, and could often be seen throughout our Parks jogging and talking intently with a friend, or coaching our local track team,' according to a post from the Facebook page of Montpelier Parks. 'I deeply admired him as a parent, a community member, and a human being. Nathan had a knack for making you feel seen.'
Suter, who died May 13, was a 'father, husband, mentor, coach, a person who truly wanted to help, contribute, fix, join, befriend,' according to a Facebook post by Onion River Outdoors in Montpelier. The post included photos of Suter helping with the shop's bike swap in 2023.
Suter's community involvement included serving as treasurer of the Peace & Justice Center in Burlington. He was on the support board for Migrant Justice, also based in Burlington. He was married with two children.
Rachel Moore, who succeeded Suter as executive director of the art space now known as The Current, wrote in an email May 16 that he embodied 'positivity, energy, and passion both as a human being and a leader. He was a wonderful friend, mentor, colleague, and connector.'
In his time at the Helen Day Art Center from 2006-16, Suter doubled the gallery's educational programming, according to Moore. That programming includes more than 50 classes, workshops and camps a year serving over 500 students.
Calling hours for Suter will be from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier. A GoFundMe page has been set up to 'to help cover funeral costs and support the family during this difficult time,' according to message on the page. The fundraising campaign passed its $60,000 fundraising goal just after 9:30 a.m. May 19.
Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont art-gallery director, volunteer dies of heart attack at age 52
