“I first heard about Bennington from a high school art teacher who had graduated from the College,” recalls Nick Wroblewski ’96 about his first brush with Bennington College. “She spoke highly of the experience. As I looked more and more into it the school seemed like a natural fit with some of the directions I was already taking within visual art.”
Nick was confident that he wanted to pursue art, but he was reticent about pursuing a program in which he would be limited to one form or medium. Bennington turned out to be the right place for him.
“There was a real openness to material exploration, a fluidity and inventiveness with a deliberate encouragement towards the unexpected solution,” says Nick.
In his sculpture courses with Dean Snyder, Nick remembers the sense of camaraderie with fellow classmates “The feeling was one of serious playfulness, things were lighthearted yet had to be backed up, considered, deliberate. It was like we were all in the challenge together.”
Nick continued his involvement with the arts after graduating from Bennington, establishing himself as a printmaker, a practice he still maintains. He is quick to point out that it wasn’t easy to negotiate the path to becoming a professional artist, but he was prepped with a serious understanding and sense of commitment that visual arts could be a legitimate career.
I had side jobs for a while and ways to pay the bills that allowed me to keep chipping away at the discipline,” says Nick. “It slowly became feasible to apparently make a living as an artist.”
Nick chose to support Bennington because of the effect it has had on his professional life. “Only later does one fully recognize the power and significance of breakthrough moments during the college experience.” He remembers that one of the main reasons he was able to attend Bennington in the first place was through aid and assistance from grants.
“Looking back, I am really amazed my family was able to pull it off and that Bennington was able to offer the assistance,” says Nick. “Supporting the school is a way to show that deep gratitude and return the favor full circle so that new, fresh, and eager students can begin that journey.” He also adds that there is a certain satisfaction and empowerment that comes with making that last loan payment with income earned from his art.
Nick has kept in touch with many of his classmates and some faculty, although he is a little embarrassed to admit that he has not been back to campus in a while. “But just the thought of being back brings up so many great memories that it’s probably time I get my butt back there.”
