On January 21, Joshua Campbell Torrance took the helm of Bennington Museum as the new Executive Director. One of his first objectives is to gather input from the community – business owners, teachers, government officials, individuals, anyone – on how they see the Museum and what ideas they have for its future as an integral part of the community. To do that, Torrance is instituting “Coffee and a Chat.” Every Thursday from 10 am to 11 am, Torrance’s door at the Museum will be open for anyone to stop in and discuss their thoughts and ideas, or just to say hello. Torrance states, “I invite anyone in the community to stop by the Museum and have a cup of coffee and talk with me. No appointment necessary. I want to hear your thoughts on what you believe Bennington Museum can do to become a stronger community member. What do you believe we can do better?”

“I love what museums do for our communities and for our nation. Bennington Museum has done a great job connecting to the community and addressing the gaps in presenting art and history, and I want to explore that and see how we can push that even further. I believe there is room for growth, and I am looking for input and ideas from community members on what that might look like; suggestions on how we might implement new initiatives going forward,” states Joshua Campbell Torrance, Executive Director of Bennington Museum. “I look forward to forging new connections between art, culture, ideas and innovation, delving into the Museum’s vast collections of over 40,000 objects, and bringing the Museum further into the life of the community.”
Can’t stop in for Coffee and a Chat but have an idea? Send it to the Museum at ideas@benningtonmuseum.org. “I am looking forward to meeting with many of you and hearing from others.” said Torrance. “My door is open.”