Bennington is no stranger to unique events – As the term is wrapping up, The Lens has chosen five events to highlight from this semester that represent the best of Bennington.
Wearable Art Fashion Show –
Toward the end of September, the two-week intensive course Wearable Art: Intersections of Art, Activism, and Fashion hosted a fashion show exhibiting final work in VAPA. The premise of the event was fashion through a political lens, where students individually chose a social-driven cause to inspire their pieces. The course was taught by visiting faculty Silvan Robinson, who exhibited their own work alongside the students during the show. It was set up as a runway show, with students seated, watching the models and designers walk down a staircase and on a “catwalk.” The topics chosen by students included abortion rights, gun control, trans experiences, and more.
The turnout was massive, with every seat filled and a standing row of students looking on. There was loud music and shocking outfits, and the audience was captivated. While three hours away, New York fashion week was going on, this was Bennington’s own self-created glimpse.
Silo Reading and Launch –
On December 7th, in Downcaf, Silo hosted a student reading and celebration for the launch of their 77th volume. Silo is Bennington’s student-run art and literary journal, featuring prose, poetry, and visual arts since 1941. For their first edition back after a year-long hiatus, Silo returns with striking visuals and content. The front cover featured an AI-generated red barn and, of course, a silo floating in an eerie body of water.
Walking into Downcaf on a Wednesday night, attendees could help themselves to a copy of the new edition and a plethora of refreshments including a Bennington classic: boxed wine. Nine students shared their writing, with work ranging from poems translated from Urdu about defecation, to Jodel performance art (thanks Paul Norton). The audience was captive from the get go. It was a cozy and cathartic night, where students gathered to recognize and appreciate work created by their peers.
The Joke Barrel; Comedy Nights –
Run by Thomas Vaethroeder, the recurring stand-up comedy nights on campus have been a jovial addition to Bennington life. If anything, the event confirms Bennington’s funny bone is still running strong. Student-comics go on stage for a five-to-ten minute bit, resulting in a night of unadulterated mirth. The room is always packed and lively, filled with laughter and glasses of wine. It would be impossible to pick just one comedy night, as each one was entertaining enough to make the cut.
With subjects ranging from the strangeness of nicknames, to almost getting arrested on a bridge in New York, there was never a dull moment. There was even a visiting comic, who dazzled comedy night goers. The clear execution of comedic structure was consistently impressive. Students incorporated physical gags, through lines, and the classic “That’s all I’ve got,” at the conclusion of a set. The Joke Barrel has become an instant Bennington classic, hopefully to continue next term.
GANAS Holiday Party –
Bennington’s recurring course GANAS is a specialty Spanish class, where students are provided the opportunity to volunteer with migrant farm workers in the Vermont area, predominantly undocumented Latinos. GANAS is led by Spanish faculty Jonathan Pitcher, although the class is primarily facilitated by students. To celebrate the end of term and bring GANAS families and students together, GANAS threw a holiday party in the CAPA lounge. The turnout was great, with many of the GANAS-supported families showing up with their children.
The lounge was decorated, Jonathan Pitcher was dressed as Santa Claus, and there was a wide offering of holiday food and baked goods. Students played games with the children and even led a dance off. This was a special moment for the students involved and a great CAPA event.
Obedient’s Final Show –
Fan-favorite campus band, Obedient held their final show in Downcaf on Saturday, December 3rd. The band is made up of seniors including two graduating this term, Lola Wilson-Kolp and Hadley Pack, and the room was packed with friends celebrating their final Bennington performance. The openers were Surgeon General, Fuse, and Phenix Malanga Trio. The first opening act went on at 10pm and Obedient’s set started a little past 11. The energy was ecstatic, with the crowd moshing to the spirited performance, as entertaining as it was symbolic of a closing chapter at Bennington. Pictures were taken, beer was had, and everyone was having a great time celebrating music on campus. Obedient’s entire set was high-energy and never dwindled, even after a compelling encore. The show was followed up as any successful Bennington event is, with friends mingling and smoking in the winter air outside the venue.
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