West Stockbridge — The first “30 Under 30” series of creative talent events concluded with an exceptional locally choreographed modern dance performance that included a captivating light show — a creative and colorful ball of energy presented to a packed audience Saturday night at West Stockbridge’s Six Depot Café and Gallery.
The six-week exhibit and performance series began in mid-march and featured a traditional mixed-media gallery show as well as poetry readings, story telling, music and dance performances, and even a culinary tasting menu.
The youth-centered artistic series was the brainchild of Great Barrington native Mika Mintz, a dance teacher at Berkshire Pulse and hopeful medical school applicant. “I have so many creative friends in this area, and there’s no real platform for them to share their work,” a breathless Mintz said after her athletic performance.
Mintz began planning the show in August once Lisa Landry, who owns Six Depot with her husband Flavio Lichtenthal, offered Mintz space for her vision. Mintz organized the extended event and gallery show nearly by herself, even hanging the artwork. She said the experience of coordinating so many creatives was “a bit like herding cats, especially given that everyone is in their twenties.”
Last night’s dance performance, titled “Dear Bones,” was a collaborative effort with fellow performers Emily Glick and Lexie Thrash, who Mintz met at Berkshire Pulse. The dramatic lighting effects were created by Mintz’ childhood Great Barrington friend, Sam “Samo” Okerstrom-Lang, a lighting design specialist based in Boston and Brooklyn.
Mintz expects 30 Under 30 to become an annual event, but she is likely to pass on her coordinating efforts while attending medical school in the fall.
