We introduced an entirely new suite of pop-up exhibits conceived and hosted by Brandy Swartz in 2021. These one night exhibitions were created to expand the boundaries of creativity, challenge artists to push their personal limits and integrate the community into an in depth view of alternative photography, art, subjects and visions. This collection of exhibitions provide an alternative way of experiencing artwork, and push the boundaries of what it means to install and display art. 

In 2022, this collection of one night exhibits expanded the boundaries of what was possible within our space and deepened our connection with the artistic community.

In addition, showcasing diverse perspectives and alternative forms of expression, these exhibitions provided a platform for people from different backgrounds to come together, find common ground, and feel heard. Through this shared experience, visitors were able to connect with each other and with the artwork in a more profound way, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose. 

Moshpits are not unique to punk or any genre, really. A moshpit at the core is a space for people. A space to express joy, rage, exultation, or catharsis. A place to feel the music and experience the performance as a collective.

Punk places and spaces are a reflection of those who inhabit them as well as a cultural counterpoint. Where normative culture, as a concept, places restrictions on those who wish to live by it, the culture of punk embraces all and seeks to remove barriers. In this sense, punk as a culture is one of acceptance, love, and care.

While most punk venues and people seem scary or intimidating to those on the outside, there often exists an uncomfortable comfort. A sense that you should be afraid or concerned about the behavior around you, but little fear or concern permeates your mind. One of the absolutes of punk is everyone is welcome (until you are not) and most punk scenes become harbingers of the outcast and excluded, giving everyone a voice if they want it.

Throughout this exhibition you will see references to music, culture, and educational theory. Punk as an artform pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable. No one is sure if the Sex Pistols or the Damned started punk gobbing (spitting on-stage, at audience or audience at performers), but it made some people uncomfortable and others exhilarated. Either way, eventually it became an act synonymous with Johnny Rotten and Rat Scabies. Thus gobbing was added to the lexicon along with po-going, mosh, thrash, shred, pit, slam-dance, and punk rock. Some imagery may make you uncomfortable or draw questions to your mind. Talk about it with those around you, confront issues head on and figure that shit out.

For me, punk philosophy, and therefore punk pedagogy, revolves around five essential ideas: Rebellion, Critique, Self-Examination, Exploration, and DIY (do-it-yourself). Each embodies an area of punk-action. Rebellion is the bucking of norms and oppressive systems. It is that feeling that makes you want to scream “FUCK YOU!” Rebellion should be your guide in some ways; what makes you angry and what can you do about it? Critique can be viewed as the next step in a process following rebellion. You know what needs to change, but why and how? Critique should focus on your milieu, your environment. How can you affect your environment for the better? This is your research step. Self-Examination is the version of critique aimed at you. If you are not sure of your morals, ideas, and self, how can you provide the care and guidance required for punk-action? Examine yourself and align your personal life with your moral exterior, or shed it. Exploration is our idea generation phase. What do you want to learn? Go learn it. The resources available for learning are endless. If you are not getting what you want out of school, go learn somewhere else. Learn at the library, learn at the skatepark, learn at a house show. Finally, DIY is the mode of action. We can not and should not expect those in power to work for or care about us. So, we do it ourselves. We learn on the way, we try, we fail, we learn more. Punk never dies, only posers do.

"Teen Vice Night" at the Art Center of Burlington is a dynamic, one-night-only showcase featuring talented local teen artists. Nominated by teachers, peers, and the community for their extraordinary efforts and dedication to art, these teens embark on a transformative journey over several months.

These shows provide a platform for our community's youth to be heard, seen, and unafraid to voice their opinions. "Teen Vice Night" celebrates their creativity, resilience, and the power of artistic expression.

Photographer John Gaines is set to exhibit his latest work in a one night show at ACB on September 29, 2023. This series of photographs will showcase an intimate glimpse into the lives of rural women. Drawing inspiration from his 1995 project for the Hawk Eye titled "Rural Women; Partners on the Farm," Gaines will retell the extraordinary stories of these remarkable women once more through his poignant, raw, inspirational images.

Saturday, April 30, 2022 5-8pm

Kelli Edwards

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Aidan Krell

Our Teen Vice  Photography show provides an important platform for two talented local students to express themselves, conceptualize their own exhibition, and thoughtfully execute a one-night show. Through this experience, these young artists were able to show their unique perspectives and talents, while also gaining valuable experience and confidence in their artistic pursuits. This event also served as a reminder of the importance of nurturing emerging talent and providing opportunities for young people to engage with the arts in meaningful ways. We look forward to continuing to support and showcase two student photographers in April 2023.

Saturday, January 29, 2022 5:30-8pm

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