About
The North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS) is the longest-running outdoor sculpture exhibition in Southern Vermont.
NBOSS offers local residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the arts. Making North Bennington an even more attractive village for tourists and people passing by to take a moment and explore, its arts, businesses, and other community initiatives.
Since it’s launch in 1998, NBOSS sculptures are available for viewing and purchase from sunrise to sunset seven days a week in 5 different locations. Many are inspired by natural forms or benefit from being exhibited in outdoor settings: in North Bennington, on lawns and front yards, in bowers throughout the village: the train depot, the Vermont Arts Exchange, Whitmans feed store and Bennington College Welling Townhouse and other properties. NBOSS also partnered with Hiland Hall Gardens and the Bennington Museum both hosting sculptures in collaboration with NBOSS.
The sculptures vary in size, shape, and materials; some invite reflection, while others offer whimsical commentary on the world.
History
North Bennington has a long tradition of sculptures being made and shown here. Much of this tradition has to do with Bennington College.
Many well know sculptors have taught there, lived in the village or were frequent visitors here. These include Tony Caro, David Smith , Isaac Witkin and Brower Hatcher to name a few.
NBOSS’s mission is to honor that tradition of outdoor sculpture and of the open exchange of ideas and sculptural concepts which we have so much history of here. We believe in the democratic and accessible nature of outdoor sculpture and the idea that anyone can view the work without paying a fee or going to a museum or a gallery.
The origins of the show have to do with Anthony Cafritz, then a student at Bennington College noticed one of his professor’s, Willard Beopple’s, sculptures on the lawn of Joe McGovern’s masonry shop in the center of the Village. This inspired Cafritz to curate the first North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show, to show their work in the middle of the village in 1997. These ideas are the basis for this exhibit that is tradition, the democracy of outdoor sculpture and the open exchange of sculptural ideas as It sprang from the simple idea of putting sculptures in front of the residents and passers by in North Bennington. This concept is a 2 way street with the viewer responding to the work and the artist being able to realize it more fully because of that response.
This year marks the 27th anniversary of NBOSS
Although there have been many changes over the 27-year history, this remains as one of the core concepts of the exhibit. NBOSS has become a premiere summer event in the village and the surrounding area. During the spirited opening party people are invited to view sculpture, performances, and installation. Of course, all this with the background of free food, drinks and a good band.
NBOSS has been curated by sculptor Joe Chirchirillo for the past ten seasons. Under his leadership the show has become a prominent regional event. He has worked ceaselessly to expand the reach and quality of the show. Other curators from past seasons include: Fred X Brownstein, Stephan Fowlkes, and Amy Anselmo. In addition to sculptures by over 40 artists scattered throughout the village of North Bennington, NBOSS has added another 25+ outdoor sculptures in North Bennington and Bennington through its partnerships with the Bennington Museum and Hiland Hall Gardens.
The opening reception
Is held on the grounds of the Vermont Arts Exchange at 48 Main Street in North Bennington on the third Saturday in June from 4-8PM.
What happens during the opening reception? The event has no admission fee and features live performances and music. Tasty food and refreshments are also served. A fabulous opportunity to spend the weekend, or the evening in North Bennington mid-summer! Meet the locals, chat with the artists and connect with the organizers. NBOSS always has something for everybody, and welcomes everyone!
Artist residency
In 2022, NBOSS hosted a visiting artist for the first time. This was generously supported by the Fund for North Bennington. In the week leading up to the reception, The artist-in-residence built a sculpture on-site, allowing visitors and local community members to witness the artistic process up close. We are hoping to make this a yearly event.
Mission
The North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show’s mission is to encourage and share the creative, inclusive and democratic nature of outdoor sculpture with the public.
We are committed to providing equal access to all artists during our application process.
Create a public display of artwork that are welcoming and supportive to all.
Eliminate barriers that prevent access to attending and/or participating in art shows, receptions and events.
Our opening events have been free and open to the public, with free beverages and food until they last since 1997!
We strive to diversify the cultural arts in the North Bennington and wider community, promote the uniqueness of others, and build bridges of positive experiences between all people.
NBOSS from other perspectives
Joe Chirchirillo, Sculptor and Curator for NBOSS
"This show began as an opportunity for Bennington College students to experiment with ideas and get them in front of people. Although the show has changed over the years, I try to honor the ideas that the show began with. This show is an overview of outdoor sculpture including many types and styles of work. It's also a show where a well-seasoned professional artist could be showing next to a person just starting out."
Charlet Davenport, participating sculptor from Woodstock VT
“This is my third time to show in NBOSS. I am amazed at the energy and the wonderful setting for NBOSS and especially for Joe's generous way of working...and great organizing.
What I find most wonderful is that public space is being used for this event and works well within the community. It is a large undertaking and adds a very good reason (along with many other reasons) to make sure to get to Bennington during Summer and early Fall season.”
S.M. North Bennington Resident and attendee
“I look forward to the North Bennington Sculpture show every year! It is a wonderful exhibition and a sublime example of how art connects and creates community .”
Matthew Perry, executive director, Vermont Arts Exchange
"North Bennington is fertile ground for creativity — it has been for years. The sculpture show is just a natural part of that.”
Jamie Franklin, Curator at The Bennington Museum
“I often say that the North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture show is one of my favorite cultural summer events in Vermont. What I love about it is as much as the incredible sculptures and artists that are brought to town is the sense of community. It’s the idea of community coming together and enjoying each other, eating hot dogs on the grill, walking around enjoying art....it’s the human interactions as much as the art.
Even though the opening is a local event, people from other places would want to come and take part in it because there is such a sense of community, but that community isn’t defined by geographic boundaries. It’s just you, being there and taking part in it. I would say that anybody who enjoys the arts would be willing to make the trip here and also see a multitude of other sculpture and art venues, all within a one-hour radius.”
NBOSS according to the press
Bennington Banner: NBOSS is one of the area's longest running consecutive outdoor sculpture exhibitions. The 25th anniversary show will feature over 40 internationally recognized and emerging artists from the surrounding area.
Vermont Explored: One of Southern Vermont’s premier events, the North Bennington Sculpture Show features work from some of New England’s most accomplished artists. Sculptures by more than 40 artists are scattered throughout the village of North Bennington with additional sculptures gracing the ground of Bennington Museum. NBOSS takes place between June and November each year.
Brattleboro Reformer: While the sculptures are subtle from a distance, blending with the character of the village, each piece, like Keating's "Opera Basilica," reveals its own personality when viewed closely.
"It's about trying to get people to view art or to try and appreciate art, [who] wouldn't walk into a museum or a gallery," Chirchirillo said, standing beneath tree branches from which hung CDs decorated in a way that resemble eyes. The sculpture incorporating a tree is called "Witness," by Kate Dodd.