<p>Not sure if the original poster is still considering Bennington, but I did want to mention that Albany is only about 40 minutes away from the school (which seems far to most adults, but apparently is around the corner for most college kids!). The personalized attention you get at Bennington is incomparable and the smallness may be an issue for some, but the sense of community and family as a result of it enhances the experience. There are movies on campus and off (right in town), bowling, ice skating/tubing trips, karaoke nights, open mic nights, trivia nights, guest lecturers every week, theatre on campus and nearby, clubs, parties, and just about anything you would find on a big campus (except for big sports, although there IS a fencing team and intramural soccer team and a dodge ball club!!) 
It is not for everyone – but independent, motivated, take-the-initiative types of students/people are well suited to the school. My d has always preferred the city, but does not feel like she is in the middle of nowhere, and her FWT and summers are spent in the city, giving her the best of both worlds. Good luck!</p>