For Immediate Release: November, 2017
Contact: Susan Strano, Marketing Director
802-447-1571 ext. 204
Images: Visit with Santa
Festive Affair at Bennington Museum
The Festival – Time for the Holidays!
Musical tall case clock, ca. 1810 Movement by Nichols Goddard (1773-1823) Rutland, Vermont Mahogany and white pine with mahogany veneer and light and dark wood inlays Museum Purchase
Each year the Bennington Museum’s Festival draws its inspiration from one of the objects in the Museum’s outstanding collection, and this year is no exception. For 2017, the annual festival of the season celebrates the creativity of a wide range of regional artists as they respond to Nichols Goddard’s Musical Tall Case Clock, ca. 1810, one of the centerpieces of the Museum’s newest exhibition, Early Vermont. Few American clocks of the early nineteenth century are more sophisticated, mechanically complex, or beautiful than this one. A set of ten bells and hammers play seven tunes. The movement features a day of the month wheel and moon dial with a depiction of a burning ship. All this lends itself to wonderful interpretations such as collage art, paintings, woodwork, textiles, sculpture, and more.
Surprises will delight visitors in the galleries, as well as those who join us at the Gala on December 1 and on Family Day on December 9. The exhibition is open November 24 through December 29. The original artwork created by the regional artists is available to own through a closed-bid auction taking place November 24 through December 28, 4pm. Stop in early and often at no charge to bid on that special gift while supporting the museum’s largest annual fundraiser.
Participating Artists: Todd Bartel, Joe Chirchirillo, Katie Cleaver, Laura Christensen, Richard Criddle, Alisa Dworsky, Marcy Hermansader, Niki Haynes, Kristen Hoving, Jonathan Gitelson, Anima Katz, Paul Katz, Edward Koren, Tom Longtin, B. Lynch, Ursula C. McCarty, Angus McCullough, Jack Metzger, Mark Mulherrin, Michael Oatman, Derek Parker, W. David Powell, Rhonda Ratray, Deidre Scherer, Adam Tinkle, and Peter Thomashow.
The Gala, Friday, December 1st, 7 pm to 10 pm
Bennington Museum hosts the premiere event of the season and the Museum’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Gala. Put on your most festive attire and 
join us to enjoy delectable “bites”, cash bar, easy listening jazz and seasonal favorites from Jay Sager, Matt Edwards, Mowgli Giannitti, and Krista Speroni, and spirited bidding on unique and diverse items in the silent auction, open for viewing and bidding November 24 through the Gala on December 1. Great holiday gifts are available for you to win. During the evening of December 1, enjoy the wonderful exhibition of original artwork by regional artists and place your best bid in the closed-bid auction. Reservations for the Gala may be made by calling the museum at 802-447-1571 ext. 204. Join in the fun while supporting the region’s foremost museum of art, history and innovation.
Family Day and Children’s Shopping Day – Saturday, December 9th, 10 am to 5:00 pm
Celebrate the season with $3 admission to the museum for everyone! Any child that brings new school supplies or a non-perishable school snack for children in the Seedlings Program is admitted free. Due to the generous support of local businesses and friends of the Museum, all crafts and visits with Santa are FREE! Every child can create a wonderful craft and get to tell Santa and Mrs. Claus what is on their list. Craft activities are available all day while visits with Santa are from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Children’s Shopping Boutique from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, offers a wide range of gifts ranging from $1 to $10. Shoppers’ Helpers are on hand to help children ages 4 – 12 select presents for their friends and family members. Free gift-wrapping and gift tags are included. Also on view are Classroom Creations! Students from the region have worked hard to create an object inspired by the Musical Tall Case Clock and these area all available for you to win. Place your bid for any that inspire you. The highest bidder will win that Classroom Creation! Visit their display and enjoy their contribution.
Adults Can Go Shopping Too! The Museum Store is offering an expanded selection of artisan products just in time for the holidays. On November 24 – 26 and again on December 9, the Museum Store is offering museum members a 25% discount while not-yet-members receive 15% off their entire purchase.
The Museum thanks their lead sponsor Berkshire Bank and their lead media sponsors the Bennington Banner and Manchester Newspapers. Invitation packages designed by Maru León Design. Thanks also to the businesses, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and individuals that have supported this year’s Festival. The museum is located at 75 Main Street (VT Rt. 9), Bennington in the Shires of Vermont. Visit www.benningtonmuseum.org or call 802-447-1571