The Art of Benching Collection Debuts January 2026

The Art of Benching Collection:

A Yearlong Exploration of Freight Culture & Stillness

Confluence Community is honored to unveil The Art of Benching Collection, a collaborative, dynamic project launching in January 2026.

Created and curated under Confluence Community’s Brand Sponsorship Program, this collection brings together rail fan culture, graffiti, photography, public art, and creative storytelling into a yearlong, immersive experience.

Inspired by the underground world of “benching”: the practice of observing and documenting freight trains and the art they carry. The collection honors the artists who create rolling masterpieces on railcars, and the photographers and observers who track, trace, and archive them from the sidelines.

This collection is not about glamorizing graffiti or exploiting subcultures, it is about connection, presence, genuine curiosity, and giving space to underground art movements that exist outside of traditional galleries, that are no less deserving of recognition. This is about the stories, the voices, and the art that stretch across rail lines and time zones, passed from one observer to another.

This is about art for the sake of art, about people who create not for profit or prestige, but for the love of art, and a deep interest in moving canvases. It’s about a community built through mutual appreciation, and a love for life on the tracks.

What to Expect

The Art of Benching Collection will unfold through a series of exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative events in both physical and virtual spaces. Highlights include:

• JAN 2026 | The Art of Benching Virtual Exhibition Launch: Curated railcar photography and benching stories from a select group of artists. Featuring Darnel Marley, Rob Lewis, and other artists to be announced.

• MAR 2026 | “The Benchers” In-Person Show: A collaborative local gallery experience in Wichita, Kansas, focused on the photographers and documentarians who practice the art of benching. Featuring Darnel Marley, Rob Lewis, and other artists to be announced.

• MAY 2026 | Rail Fan Workshop & Event: A public gathering with education, field time, and community storytelling around rail and freight culture.

• JULY 2026 | “The Artists” In-Person Show: A spotlight on the painters and creators whose rolling pieces have become moving murals across the country, with considerations of anonymity, legalities, and other cultural layers of life as an Artist in this underground culture of creation.

• SEPT 2026 | International Open Call + Exhibition: An invitation to artists and benchers around the world to be part of the international Art of Benching Exhibition.

• JAN 2027 | International Art of Benching Exhibition: A curated global exhibition featuring benching culture, freight art, and stories from around the world.

Each event is designed to layer and build the narrative, honoring both the trains and the people who make, follow, and witness the movement.

This collection invites the hard conversations, the depth, and the passion that brings this underground community together. From the tensions and legal considerations, to the ethics and interest. Care will be given to the historical, archival opportunities of preserving these voices, the work, and the many layers involved in this underground world.

This collection will continue to evolve as feedback, engagement, and continued collaborations inspire the process and evolution of The Art of Benching Collection™.

Produced and Sponsored by Confluence Community

The Art of Benching Collection is developed and produced by Confluence Community, a Creative Collective and community organization that uses branding, storytelling, and design to uplift community-driven projects.

This collection is housed under the Brand Sponsorship Program, that provides zero-cost brand development, visual identity, storytelling strategy, and collaborative planning to grassroots artists, nonprofits, and environmental creatives.

This program was created so artists like Darnel Marley could share her story and passion for a community that connects her to something deeper. Darnel Marley is the featured artist and collaborator for the 2026 Brand Sponsorship Program. Confluence Community provides the professional, technical, and creative strategic support that encourages artists to celebrate their art, and empowers the community that lifts them up.

All visual materials, exhibition designs, frameworks, concepts, events, and creative direction remain the property of Confluence Community under the Brand Sponsorship Program. While Confluence Community collaborates very closely with featured artists and contributors, the Confluence Community Creative Collective is the producer and mentor behind the structure, storytelling, and stewardship of the collection, and brand.

Artists are invited to be part of the process, providing an opportunity for them to collaborate, enhance, and shape the direction of this collection, as well as their own creative journeys. Confluence Community is a partner, a sponsor, ally, and advocate for the artists, photographers, and creators involved, always working with consideration, care, and concern for representation and creative rights.

Join the Creative Collective

Artists involved in the collection are welcomed into the Confluence Community Creative Collective, a growing network of artists, photographers, and creators committed to co-creating intentional work and meaningful community.

Partner With Confluence Community

Confluence Community is currently welcoming aligned collaborators, sponsors, photographers, graffiti artists, galleries, museums, and contributors for The Art of Benching Collection.

They are also accepting internship applications for those interested in gaining hands-on community building experience through the Brand Sponsorship Program. Interns may contribute to areas like content writing, exhibition support, social media, design, grant research, and storytelling. These roles offer a meaningful opportunity to grow alongside grassroots artists, develop real-world creative skills, and be part of a community-centered approach to art and advocacy.

This isn’t just an exhibition, it’s a journal and a love letter to trains, tags, and the ones who wait to watch them pass.

If you are interested in participating or supporting this initiative, please contact:

connect@confluencecommunity.org

www.confluencecommunity.org

@confluencecommunity