Bennington Museum announces its summer programming
“Vermont Vice,” the major summer exhibition at Bennington Museum, opens to the public on Saturday, May 30.
Vermont is seen in the public imagination as an idyllic rural paradise, largely free from the darker elements of humanity. However, anyone who has lived here or studied the state’s history knows that this is not true. Vermont has always been home to many of the same issues that plague any other place settled by humans, ranging from counterfeiters, rum runners, and drug abuse to girlie shows, illicit gambling, and murder. The exhibit will explore vice and how its definition has shifted over time; something that was scandalous in one era is tolerated or even condoned in another. And honestly – it’s fun to learn about the state’s “naughty” past.
“Vermont Vice” will explore the concept of vice, from the 18th century through the 20th century, featuring art by Ray Materson and Susan Meiselas, and archival materials from the museum’s collection, including a recently acquired collection of material from the Green Mountain racetrack in Pownal.
Beginning the first weekend in June, the museum’s newly renovated courtyard will host the return of the popular outdoor Friday night “Concert in the Courtyard” series. This summer’s lineup ranges from jazz to folk, bluegrass to rock. In all, 13 regional performing groups will be featured. The museum makes a point of choosing at least 50% new artists each year. This summer, popular returning groups include the local Velvet Wave with instrumental surf-rock covers; SIRSY, a singer/songwriter duo from the Saratoga area; the Nisky-based folk-rock artist, Girl Blue; Eric Kufs and his soul/rock group from Greenwich, NY; Cambridge, NY bluegrass by Big Stone Gap; and the classic cover band led by Mike McMann. Newcomers include two funk/soul groups: Tops of Trees and Soul Porpoise; country/blues artist Erin Harpe; two original folk/Americana duos: The Honey Badgers and Keegan James Blood; and Mowgli Gianitti and the Heavy Nettles from Burlington.
Go to the museums website for more information on the performers and links to listen. Admission is free for the concert series.
Performances begin June 5 and run through August 28, with a rain date on hold for September 4. The museum provides free children’s activities, has beverages available for purchase, and delicious savory personal-sized pies for sale by the Sage Pizza Co every Friday except the first, where the Four Chimneys will step in for a guest pop-up.
All concerts take place from 5 to 7 pm and the museum will remain open during these hours; regular admission applies. In the event of rain, the concerts will be canceled by noon. Check Facebook or call the museum for updates. Attendees should plan to bring chairs.
Bennington Museum collects, interprets, and celebrates the creativity and culture of the region. Key highlights include primary resources from the Battle of Bennington, 19th century Bennington ceramics, the 1863 Jane Stickle quilt, and the largest public body of work by famed American artist Anna Mary Robertson, aka “Grandma” Moses. Bennington Museum is open every day except Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm, and until 7 pm on summer Fridays.
Admission is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, and youth aged 17 and under are free. The Museum participates in Blue Star Museums (free for active duty military their families), Museums for All (free for SNAP card holders and their families), and passes for two people may be checked out from a local library.
