By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
At the heart of Bennington’s cultural landscape, the Monument Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) stands as the region’s largest public auditorium and a year-round destination for the arts. With visual arts galleries, workshops, professional theater, traveling shows, live music, and a curated gift shop, MACC welcomes visitors of all ages and interests to experience creativity in motion.
Community is at the core of everything the center does. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kristine Lewis and a dedicated board, MACC has rapidly fostered a strong team of staff and volunteers who bring diverse artistic perspectives and disciplines together. The result is a space built by artists, for artists, and for everyone who appreciates art in all its forms.
Inside, the galleries regularly showcase works from local and regional artists, while the theater and music programs bring the stage to life with professional performances. Each event and workshop is carefully curated, reflecting the team’s vision of redefining what a community art center can offer its audience. Even the gift shop, located right in the lobby, is thoughtfully stocked with Vermont-made products, artist-created items, jewelry, and more, making it a must-visit stop for art lovers and holiday shoppers alike.
During the holiday season, the center transforms into a festive gathering place. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree brightens the lobby, while the Holiday Market fills the Covered Bridge Museum space with handmade crafts, baked goods, and gifts. This year’s Christmas Craft and Gift Market runs every Saturday from November 15 through December 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring regional artisans such as Deb Higgins (Art Pouring), Corrine Bakaitis (Jewelry & Hair Pieces), Dyna Weber (Bakery), Diane Loizidis (Pillows), and many more.
Adding extra holiday cheer, Santa Claus will be at the center every Saturday from November 15 through December 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a photographer on hand for children and pet pictures. For a $5 donation, visitors will receive an electronic photo, a memorable keepsake for the season.
Adding to the excitement is “A Bennington Christmas Carol,” a new musical by Brian Haner that reimagines Dickens’ beloved tale in 1926 Bennington, Vermont. Familiar local family names and landmarks are woven into the story of redemption, with twelve original songs bringing the narrative to life. Audiences will recognize favorite MACC performers, including Brian and Suzy Haner, David Sutton, Danny Townsend, Evan Pringle, Jessica O’Connell, Lauren Biasi, Michelle Marrocco, Mary Jo Greco, Hope Jasper, Shelli DuBoff, Ingrid Madelayne, Phoenix Madison, and Tess McHugh, among others.
Directed and choreographed by Kristine Lewis, the show runs December 5–7, December 11–14, and December 18–21.
Tickets are now available on their website at https://www.monumentcentervt.org/christmas-carol. The prices are $40 for adults, $30 for seniors, $25 for students, and $15 for children under 14. Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more.
For those eager to expand their artistic skills, MACC will host a Painting the Figure Indoors Workshop with Corey Pitkin on November 7, 8, and 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In this three-day workshop, Corey Pitkin PSA, IAPS/MC, will guide students through his approach to creating moody, evocative pastel figure paintings that use interior spaces to tell a story. Topics discussed will include not just the technical hows of simplified anatomy and perspective, but also how color, light, and mark-making influence the perception of a scene so an artist can cultivate a desired mood. Another great artistic opportunity is the Oil Painting Workshop with John MacDonald on December 6 and 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two-day class offers a comprehensive approach to painting, from reference selection to composition and final details, and is limited to 14 participants. The fee is $375, payable in advance by contacting Linda Masten at lindamarymasten@gmail.com. Check out their website for artist workshops coming up
And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to support the arts, consider giving the experience of live entertainment, or even leaving your own mark on this beloved local venue.
For a $300 contribution, supporters can have a loved one’s name embossed on a plaque affixed to a theatre seat at the Monument Arts & Cultural Center. With only one plaque per seat among the 311 available, this unique opportunity is a timeless way to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or any special moment. Naming a seat doesn’t guarantee availability for performances, but if you plan early, you might just find yourself sitting in “your” seat.
With its blend of art, performance, and community spirit, the Monument Arts & Cultural Center continues to elevate Bennington’s cultural scene, one show, one artist, and one inspired visitor at a time.
