Why Commission a Bench?
There are lots of reasons to commission a bench– some you may not have thought of!
- Commission a bench for your office or business
- Commission a personal bench for your home, to honor a retirement or anniversary
- Donate a bench to your favorite nonprofit or agency
- Commission a memorial bench for a lost loved one
Because memorial bench projects involve themes of loss and grief, we carefully consider the number of these commissions our Apprentice Artists are asked to complete during a session. To balance the needs of Van Go Apprentice Artists with the needs of clients who may be at different stages of their grief journey, Van Go reserves the right to limit the number of memorial bench commissions we accept in a Benchmark session. Commissions received for memorial benches beyond this limit will be moved to the following year’s bench client list, and client will be notified as soon as possible. Current bench pricing will be honored and deposit will still apply.
As of October 1, 2026, we have reach our maximum number of memorial benches for Summer 2027. Any additional deposits for memorial benches will be placed on the bench list for Summer 2028. Commissions for non-memorial benches remain open.
View our Memorial Bench Acknowledgement
Youth Building Success
Benchmark provides Van Go youth with the unique opportunity to learn important skills for their future in the workplace. By conducting meetings with their bench client, each Apprentice Artist learns to ask open-ended questions, conduct a professional meeting, actively listen and translate concepts into a final product. Youth later present their client with a full-scale design blueprint and receive constructive feedback. The soft skills utilized through this process are prized by employers and help our youth to build confidence in their own capabilities.
Commission Your Own Bench
Commission a bench for your home or business, or donate one to the organization of your choice. Van Go accepts reservations for the summer Benchmark program year-round. Beginning in 2027, benches are $2,000. Request a place on our bench list with a $100 deposit. Make your deposit before January 1, 2027 to get a discounted bench price of $1,750! Deposits paid will place you on the list for Summer 2027.
Pay a Bench Deposit or Balance
Hundreds of Benches
Van Go has created over 500 custom benches. Take a peek at some of them.
Benchmark Gallery View the List of All our Past Benches