https://www.benningtonbanner.com/arts_and_culture/nboss-announces-2026-artist-selections-and-opening-reception-program/article_8c531118-86d3-4c97-a32b-e101ae7b32d0.html
*note, cover picture is a sculpture by George LeMaitre and Patricia Fietta in 2025
NORTH BENNINGTON — The 29th annual North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS), has announced its selected artists for the 2026 exhibition season, marking one of the largest applicant pools in the show’s history with more than 110 proposals submitted.
Founded in North Bennington, NBOSS (pronounced N-boss) has grown over nearly three decades into a regional outdoor sculpture exhibition featuring installations across multiple sites. In addition to its original North Bennington locations, the exhibition expanded through a partnership with Bennington Museum, and with Downtown Bennington Riverwalk joining more recently as a third exhibition site.
Applicants this year represented 51 towns and cities across 13 states, reflecting the continued growth and reach of the exhibition.
“We have a great group of curators this year, and regardless of numerous challenges, we’re very proud that NBOSS continues to be a great platform for artists in the region, and now from afar as well,” said Ahmad Yassir, director of NBOSS. “I’m excited about a lot of things this year, including a bigger team, trying out the all-year exhibiting model with some sculptures, and continuing to develop this show and celebrate with the artists and local community.”
This year’s curators are Matthew Perry for North Bennington, Jamie Franklin for the Bennington Museum site and Michael McDonough for Downtown Bennington.
The 2026 NBOSS team also includes Max Perry as install assistant, Ethan Onorato of So.VT Paving as heavy machinery assistant and Nico Forman as curatorial and administrative intern. Forman, who recently transferred to Bennington College, is the first Bennington College student to join the NBOSS team in this role.
The NBOSS opening reception will take place Saturday, June 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vermont Arts Exchange (VAE) campus at 48 Main St.Noreth Bennington. The community celebration will include opportunities to meet participating artists, children’s activities with the VAE Art Bus, free hot dogs plus Indian food from Corner of India and NBOSS merchandise. Musical performances will feature folk rock musician James Levin from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a community toast from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Local favorite Beard and Glasses will perform from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Selected artists for the Downtown Riverwalk include Joe Chirchirillo, Vivien Collens, Warren Collins, Michael Coyne, Natalie Haviland, Jack Howard-Potter, Hugh MacDonald, Philip Marshall, Fredda Merzon, Jose Trejo Maya, John Umphlett, Raynor (Ray) Warner and Christopher Yockey.
Selected artists for the Bennington Museum include Cecilia André, Mark Barry, Bill Botzow, Memy Ish Shalom, Scott Keeley, Justin A. Kenney, Daniel Kuetemeyer, Kevin Lavetry, Fredda Merzon, Jack Metzger, Silvina Mizrahi, Kestrel Osman, Eileen Power, Andrew Reiss, Stanton Sears, Sebastian Shames, James Joseph Shay III, Laurie Sheridan, David Skora, Charlie Smith, Beriah Wall and Max Yawney.
Selected artists for the North Bennington include Peter Barrett, Mark Barry, Michael Biddy, Bill Botzow, Annie Caswell, Joe Chirchirillo, Vivien Collens, Alisa Del Tufo, Gregory Didyoung, Matt Fraser, Tommy Freudenthal, Albert Gilewicz, Jesse Good, C Hancock, Bruce Hasse, Bob Keating, Hugh MacDonald, Ronn T. Mattia, Jake Mazzaferro, Thomas Melvin, Fredda Merzon, Steve North, Samantha Pasapane, Michelle Post, Andrew Reiss, J.G. Rives, Laurie Sheridan, David Skora, Ed Smith, Gregory Smith, Candice Spry, George Stadnik, Toomas Toomepuu, Gerald Tuckman, Cyrus Vella, Lulu Wiley, Maverick Yarger and Christopher Yockey.
Additional information about the 2026 exhibition can be found at nbossvt.com