Event Calendar

Celebrate the legacy of notable former faculty member and poet Alvin Feinman, with James Geary '85 and Miles Bellamy '86

The show will open with a talk in the gallery by Todd Von Ammon '09 and participating artist Cyle Metzger '08.

James will be teaching this class on "Point of View." Please RSVP to vjorgensen@bennington.edu and pick up three texts (short story by Joyce Carol Oates, a creative nonfiction essay by Jo Ann Beard, and a Carl Phillips poem) in Barn 247.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Poetry at Bennington presents Safiya Sinclair '10, a Prairie Schooner Book Prize winner and author, and James Allen Hall, a University of Arkansas Press Poetry Series Prize winner, author, and teacher at SUNY-Potsdam.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Art Lande and Bruce Williamson present a concert of original jazz, combining improvisation with with engaging melodies and song-forms. Though they can both be heard on dozens of recordings, this live performances is not to be missed.

Students, meet with alumni in the FWT Office to have your digital portfolio and/or interviewing skills critiqued.

Join Safiya Sinclair for an informal lunch and talk from the perspective of an alum who continued writing poetry after Bennington.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Join Michael Dumanis in a Q&A with visiting poets, Safiya Sinclair and James Allen Hall.

Several small music installations throughout Jennings: a composer’s installation featuring former faculty Vivian Fine and alumnae composers Betsy Jolas ’46, Joan Tower ’61, and Elizabeth Swados ’73; an exhibition by faculty Nick Brooke on electronic music including alumni Pril Smiley ’65; and an installation on the Black Music program created by faculty member Karthik Pandian and students.

With student guide.
Tour of the campus focusing on Bennington’s award-winning new and renovated spaces.

Drawn from the archives, this installation features black and white photographs from the 1930s of the Bennington Dance program.

An exhibition featuring the work of seven alumni artists who studied at Bennington from the 1940s up to VAPA’s opening in 1976. The show takes as its starting point the College’s longstanding attention to the language and possibilities of abstraction.

Videotaped performances from The Emergent Improvisation Project National Performance Network Tour (2006), which were recorded at the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla, California, Bennington College, and the Flynn Theater. On view continuously throughout the day. #VAPA40

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Join us in welcoming Alumi Naima Starkloff ’15 and Erick Daniszewski ’14 back to Bennington. Naima will discuss Digging Deeper into Bird Diversity, and Erick will discuss Building a Distributed Datacenter Operating System.

Tour of the student-run garden and farm led by student guides and members of the Bennington Sustainable Food Project.

With CAPA faculty member Erika Mijlin
In the midst of the heat and noise of an election season, we will pursue an inquiry into the deeply entangled, complicit, and often conflicted role of media in a democratic society.

With anthropology faculty member Mirka Prazak In this seminar, we examine how Western and non-Western cultures, both past and present, perceive and shape key environmental and social issues.

With music faculty member Allen Shawn
This class explores and reviews notation and the rudiments of music through the act of composing small pieces for a variety of instruments.

With 3D Technician Michael Stradley

Rhinoceros is an industry standard 3D modelling program used by architects, designers, and artists. This course covers a range of digital techniques from basic 2D drawing to complex NURBS surface modelling.

With guest teacher Jaamil Olawale Kosoko ’05 This beginning dance technique class requires no previous dance training and investigates and explores our bodies as tools for making work. #VAPA40

With architecture faculty member Donald Sherefkin
Tour of the campus focusing on Bennington’s award-winning new and renovated spaces.

Ian Dolton-Thornton ’11 will lead visitors in how to use the equipment in the Word and Image Lab to customize and bind their own copies of a brand new publication about the history of the Visual and Performing Arts center (VAPA).

Tour of the student-run garden and farm led by student guides and members of the Bennington Sustainable Food Project.

Bennington Review, a national print literary magazine founded in 1966 by Laurence Hyman ’64, and then revived by editors Robert Boyers and Nicholas Delbanco in the 70s and 80s, is back after a 30-year hiatus. Laurence Hyman will be joined by past editors Robert Boyers, Peg Boyers and Alex Brown ’74, and current editor Michael Dumanis, in a discussion moderated by current managing editor Chelsea Hodson MFA ’17 about the past, present, and future of the magazine. The discussion will be followed by a reception, featuring readings by current students, James Allen Hall MFA ’00, and former Literature faculty member and current MFA faculty member April Bernard.

Visiting visual arts faculty member Colin Brant will lead current students and families in an open live model life drawing class. Supplies and materials will be provided. No prior experience necessary. Note: There will be a live nude model at this session. Event location: VAPA B210

Bennington Review, a national print literary magazine founded in 1966 by Laurence Hyman ’64, and then revived by editors Robert Boyers and Nicholas Delbanco in the 70s and 80s, is back after a 30-year hiatus. Laurence Hyman will be joined by past editors Robert Boyers, Peg Boyers and Alex Brown ’74, and current editor Michael Dumanis, in a discussion moderated by current managing editor Chelsea Hodson MFA ’17 about the past, present, and future of the magazine. The discussion will be followed by a reception, featuring readings by current students, James Allen Hall MFA ’00, and former Literature faculty member and current MFA faculty member April Bernard.

A kickoff reception for Reunion and Family Weekend and celebration of the relaunch of the literary journal with readings from former literature faculty member and current MFA faculty member April Bernard, James Allen Hall MFA ’00, and current students.

The opening of Sit Still with a Presence will coincide with the relaunch of the Bennington Review. Exhibition is curated by Paige K. Johnston and features the work of Cora Cohen ’64, Helen Frankenthaler ’49, Elana Herzog ’76, Patricia Johanson ’62, Constance McMillan ’46, Jo Ann Rothschild ’71, and Grace Bakst Wapner ’55.

Curated by five recent alumni, this show will include alumni and student work. Curated by: Marina Allen ’16, Fae Blackmer ’16, Olivia Brooks ’16, Duncan Bullen ’16, and Tayler Jones ’16. The event will take place at Sage Street Mill, North Bennington.

Led by John Umphlett MFA ’99. This inflatable, experimental space was developed by the Field of Research of Closed Cells class, and will be illuminated by the projection of an eye. The event will take place at College Drive.

As dinner is not provided, take this opportunity to explore restaurants in town; suggestions for local businesses are provided in the downtown guide, and list of weekend discounts in your packet. Please enjoy the many restaurants in North Bennington, Bennington, and the surrounding Southern Vermont area.

Bill Scully ’94 will offer brief tours of the Vermont Tissue Hydroelectric Redevelopment, an environmentally groundbreaking project, the only hydroelectric plant in the country that improves water quality while harnessing a renewable resource. Right next door, sample complimentary spirits and have a signature cocktail (cash bar) such as the “End of the World,” “Secret Garden,” “Jennings and Tonic,” and “VAPA40” from the new distillery in town.
The event will take place at Spirits of Old Bennington Distillery + Vermont Tissue Hydroelectric Redevelopment, Route 67A, North Bennington.

Join Sam Clement ’08, Nathaniel Reichman ’98, and faculty member Nick Brooke for an engaging conversation on charting various kinds of paths in the music world.

Join Cori Olinghouse ’01, Jaamil Olawale Kosoko ’05, and faculty member Terry Creach to discuss launching your life’s work in the post-graduation world of dance.

Enjoy a bonfire with student organization Bennington Connects, who aim to provide a platform for all students to facilitate dialogue on emerging global and local issues.

Join Sam Clement '08, Nathaniel Reichman '98, and faculty member Nick Brooke for an engaging conversation on charting various kinds of paths in the music world.

Discussion of the process of independent filmmaking from funding, to casting, and distribution with SJ Chiro ’87, Debra Eisenstadt ’91, Brian Katz ’92, and Maria Rosenblum ’91, moderated by film/video faculty member Kate Purdie. An excerpt from Chiro’s upcoming film Lane 1974 will be shown. Eisenstadt’s feature, Before the Sun Explodes, will be shown Saturday evening.

Discussion of the process of independent filmmaking from funding, to casting, and distribution with SJ Chiro ’87, Debra Eisenstadt ’91, Brian Katz ’92, and Maria Rosenblum ’91, moderated by film/video faculty member Kate Purdie. An excerpt from Chiro’s upcoming film, Lane 1974 will be shown. Eisenstadt’s feature, Before the Sun Explodes, will be shown Saturday evening.

An open mic for alumni and current students, MC’d and facilitated by the Bennington Songwriters Circle. All talents welcomed! Sign-up begins at 8:00pm.

Uni  Ika  Ai (pronounced: oo-nee ee-kuh eye) is a new Brooklyn-based dream-pop band comprised of music veterans Maia Friedman ’09 (Bobby, Toebow), Peter Lalish (Lucius, Elizabeth & The Catapult), Tom Deis (Via Audio), and Dan Drohan.

Alumni gathering at Pangaea Lounge, North Bennington, hosted by Milestone Reunion Classes.

The Nektones are a Soul/R&B quintet with a musical palette defined by the landscape of the North East Kingdom of Vermont. With Matt Scott ’06, Sam Clement ’08, Nathanael Reynolds, Micha Carbonneau, and Peter Krag.

Led by Tracey Forest of Spirit Hollow

Wake up your body and soul with an all-level flow yoga class. Stretch your body and center your mind for the day’s activities through focused breath, deep body awareness, and joyful, flowing movement. This class will make you feel great as you have fun. All are welcome; no yoga experience necessary. Please bring a mat and comfy clothes (no jeans). Rain location: REC Barn Studio

Continental Breakfast

Bennington Breakfast Granola Bars at the Welcome Tent

Led by Institutional Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion Lydia Brassard ’08. The event will occur at Joan Goodrich Garden, Crossett Library (rain location: Crossett Library).

Golf Cart or Walking Student-led tours with student tour guides. Meeting place: Flag Pole

Join us for a virtual tour of the proposed Commons renovation design through drawings and plans, as presented by the design team from Christoff:Finio Architecture, Associate Vice President for Facilities Management and Planning Andy Schlatter, and Senior Vice President of Institutional Initiatives David Rees.

Adnan Iftekhar '97 shares his insights about the value of networking through social media and gives creative examples from his own careers about how to build and brand a meaningful online presence.

Videotaped performances from The Emergent Improvisation Project National Performance Network Tour (2006), which were recorded at the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla, California, Bennington College, and the Flynn Theater. On view continuously throughout the day.

The Alumni Memory Project (AMP) is a group of students and alumni whose mission is to record multi-generational alumni memories to share with and to preserve for the Bennington College community. Please stop by to record a short story from your time at Bennington with student interviewers.

Practice the essentials of making connections without all the stress. During this interactive session, led by Director of FWT and Career Development Faith McClellan, you’ll learn how to navigate professional conversations with ease. Then, you can try out what you learned throughout the rest of the day (and especially at the 5pm community reception). This workshop is for students only.

Alumni will hear updates from Bennington’s president, Mariko Silver, and discuss Bennington’s future.

An exhibition of artwork from Bennington’s collection curated by Nico Dregni ’16 and student Hans Olsen ’17.

Alumni are invited to enjoy a locally-sourced dinner with friends and the presentation of the Hudas Liff ’45 Volunteer Award to one of your classmates.

Alumni architects and designers share stories about their time in VAPA and their trajectories since attending Bennington with architecture faculty member Donald Sherefkin. Location: Joan Goodrich Garden, Crossett Library (Rain location: VAPA B206)

Tour of the student-run garden and farm led by student guides and members of the Bennington Sustainable Food Project

Ian Dolton-Thornton ’11 will lead visitors in how to use the equipment in the Word & Image Lab to customize and bind their own copies of a brand new publication about the history of the Visual and Performing Arts center (VAPA). Location: Word & Image Lab

Bennington faculty Kirk Jackson and Jenny Rohn, with their student cast and crew, present an open rehearsal of this term's faculty production, August: Osage County.

Come learn more about the College’s approach to pluralism and inclusive practice. Attendees will learn about the work of the President’s Task Force on Campus Inclusivity, and alumni will have an opportunity to reflect and share how diversity and pluralism informed their work/life/commitments at Bennington and afterward. Moderated by Director of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Lydia Brassard ’08.

Conversation between Babette Allina ’81, who has been a driving force in the science, technology, arts, and medicine (STEAM) movement, and President Mariko Silver about the historic and continuing importance of cross-disciplinary education at Bennington with specific attention to the ways that art and design are central to driving innovation in the 21st Century.

Come learn more about the College’s approach to pluralism and inclusive practice. Attendees will learn about the work of the President’s Task Force on Campus Inclusivity, and alumni will have an opportunity to reflect and share how diversity and pluralism informed their work/life/commitments at Bennington and afterward.

Join Chernoh Jalloh '15, Genelle Rankin '15, and Naima Starkloff '15 for a conversation on working in the sciences, facilitated by Dean of Research, Planning, and Assessment Zeke Bernstein. This discussion is intended to share the different paths one can take in the first year or two post-graduation, and the questions these young alumni wrestled with in the process of deciding what was next.

The Alumni Memory Project (AMP) is a group of students and alumni whose mission is to record multi-generational alumni memories to share with and to preserve for the Bennington College community. Please stop by to record a short story from your time at Bennington with student interviewers.

Bryn Mooser ’01, co-founder and CEO of Huff Post-RYOT shares the latest storytelling examples of virtual reality and augmented reality to enact social change, moderated by media faculty member Erika Mijlin. There will be an opportunity to see stories from a virtual reality headset.

Architects present 20 slides and speak for 20 seconds per slide about current projects or ideas in the field. Participants include: Viktorija Abolina ’05, Hanny Ahern ’06, Annie Coggan ’85, Robert Delanghe ’13, Evie Garf ’11, Kent Hikida ’85, Garrick Jones ’94, Josie Lawlor ’04, Jacob Perkins ’07, Kyle Schroder ’09, Chendru Starkloff ’13, and Lawson Wulsin ’05. Moderated by architecture faculty member Donald Sherefkin.

An experimental performance incorporating art, music, and dance by Josh Blackwell ’95, Alex Huberty ’95, Daniel Roberts MFA ’14, Jacob Robichaux, Lizzie Scott, and current students.

Join Jonathan Marc Sherman '91, Paul Cello '92, Max Wolkowitz '09, and faculty member Dina Janis for a conversation on working in the world of drama and theater post-graduation.

Two alumni dancers will show films of their work: Ghost line directed by Shona Masarin and Cori Olinghouse ’01 and Explicit Female, Body Etudes & Female on Stage by Zornitsa Stoyonova ’06.

Vice President for Communications Janet Marsden leads a conversation with Jill Eisenstadt ’85 and literature faculty member Brando Skyhorse on their experience in the publishing world, plus practical tips for writers interested in publishing their work.

Join Bennington faculty and alumni for a conversation on working with languages and translation post-graduation. With language faculty Barbara Alfano, Jon Pitcher and Ikuko Yoshida and Heke Kennon ’08, Bruna D. Lobato ’15, and Tommy Melvin ’16.

A humorous, serious, and practical conversation with Diane Cameron MFA ’99 about caregiving and caregivers of the “Sandwich Generation,” people who are raising families while caring for their parents. Please join us to look at the needs, demands, strategies, and even the literature of caregiving.

The classes of 1965, 1966, and 1967 celebrating their joint 50th Reunion come together for sharing of work, ideas, and discussion about their experiences at Bennington and beyond.

Join a discussion with Brendon Blake '92, Joanna Dillon '07, Blaine Graboyes '95, Adnan Iftekhar '97, Riva Magaril Poor '56, and David Zicarelli '83, moderated by visual arts faculty member Robert Ransick about Bennington pathways to entrepreneurial careers and creative problem solving.

Odili Donald Odita MFA ’90, Devin O’Brien Power ’05, and Lauren Seiden ’03 discuss their work in VBS (violet burning sunset), the alumni exhibition in Usdan Gallery. Moderated by Paige K. Johnston.

VBS (violet burning sunset) events continue with a Gallery Talk with artists Odili Donald Odita '90, Devin O'Brien Power '05, and Lauren Seiden '08.

A conversation about working in the world of architecture hosted by Kent Hikida ’85, Annie Coggan ’85, and architecture faculty member Donald Sherefkin.

Emily Climer ’12 will present work, followed by a group improvisation showing by Emily Climer ’12, Nicole Daunic ’03, Marie Lynn Blocker Haas ’10, Jaamil Olawale Kosoko ’05, Katie Martin ’04, Cori Olinghouse ’01, Joseph Poulson MFA ’11, and Zornitsa Stoyonova ’06.

Join Bennington alumni for a conversation on working in the arts post-graduation, facilitated by Paige Johnston. Participating alumni include Nicole Czapinski ’06, Mary Early ’97, Odili Donald Odita MFA ’90, and Devin O’Brien Powers ’05.

A reception for the Gallery Talk, which occurs on the same day from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, featuring artists Odili Donald Odita '90, Devin Powers '05, and Lauren Seiden '03.

Join Bennington faculty, alumni, students, and families for drinks and refreshments, as well as an ensemble interlude performance with music faculty members Kerry Ryer-Parke ’90 and Tom Bogdan and Michael Chinworth ’08, Dane Whitman ’16, and Liam Dailey ’14.

For students involved in LAB Weekend, this a great opportunity to network with alumni.

As dinner is not provided, take this opportunity to explore restaurants in town; suggestions for local businesses are provided in the downtown guide and list of weekend discounts in the registration packet. Please enjoy the many restaurants in North Bennington, Bennington, and the surrounding Southern Vermont area.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Join us for the Premiere Screening of Emergent Forms, a film about a series of experimental performances that are the result of collaboration between dancers, musicians, designers, scientists, and choreographer Susan Sgorbati.

See the critically-acclaimed film which premiered at SXSW (South by Southwest festival) this spring, co-written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Debra Eisenstadt ’91.

See the critically-acclaimed film which premiered at SXSW (South by Southwest festival) this spring, co-written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Debra Eisenstadt ’91.

Joan Goodrich Garden, Crossett Library (Rain location: Crossett Library)

As part of this year's Life After Bennington Weekend, the Field Work Term office will coordinate 20-30 minutes mock interviews for graduating seniors who would like to practice their skills in a low-stress environment. Mock interviews will be conducted by Bennington alumni and parents matched to students' disciplines.

STUDENT CENTER—UPCAFE
As your student forges their Bennington path, we invite you to get involved. Please join President Mariko Silver, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Matt Rizzo, Dean of Field Work Term and Career Development Holly McCormack, and Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Hung Bui for coffee, cider donuts, and conversation about how you can participate in the College community and become an integral part of the Bennington network. All are welcome and invited to share their expertise and ideas about furthering Bennington’s mission through involvement in Admissions, ​Field Work Term, career mentoring, and fundraising.

With CAPA Faculty member Erika Mijlin and students.
A group of Bennington students have designed a time capsule to represent the life of the college community in 2016, in documents and objects. The time capsule contents will be displayed and the capsule itself will be dedicated at this short ceremony, before being buried and designated to be opened in the year 2066. #VAPA40
Circle driveway between VAPA and CAPA (rain location: CAPA Lens)

An extension of a local initiative, the Empty Bowls Soup Supper, for which ceramics faculty work with a local organization to create bowls for a soup supper which raises money to relieve food insecurity in Bennington County.
Location: Outside Ceramics Studio

With faculty member Aysha Peltz

No experience necessary! Join ceramics faculty member Aysha Peltz in a bowl making workshop. All bowls made today will be glazed, fired, and donated to the local Empty Bowls organization.