Sandisfield — If day tripping through the undulating Berkshire Hills ranks high on your bucket list this summer, look no further than Sandisfield—a seemingly desolate destination that’s rife with opportunities to experience art, all season long. Situated at the veritable center of this small town (spanning a whopping 53 square miles, the largest by area in Berkshire County), the Sandisfield Arts Center (SARC) plays host to a vibrant selection of performances, exhibits, and workshops—one of which opens this weekend and kicks off a summer brimming with creative possibility.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 2 when the Second Bi-Annual Outdoor Sculpture Show opens on private grounds (at the intersection of Cronk and West Streets) with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. The inaugural event—dubbed “Field Day”—was conceived of by longtime resident and former SARC President Liana Toscanini who, in the midst of the pandemic, was keen on finding a means of not only convening neighbors but also experiencing something meaningful together.
“This is a safe, outdoor event that uses the arts to bring people together again, after 15 months of pandemic-related hibernation,” Toscanini, who also serves as the executive director of Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, told The Edge in July 2021. This year’s event builds on Field Day’s success.
“There are all of these really interesting artists tucked up in these parts, and to bring them together is really special,” gallery director and SARC board member Jessica Cofrin told The Edge, citing how the ability to highlight different types of artists (whose work might not be suitable for a gallery setting) and invite them to display their work outside creates art that is both accessible and approachable for individuals of all ages—including kids. The show continues through July 30 and other weekends by appointment (contact gallery@sandisfieldartscenter.org); the suggested donation is $10.
Other highlights of the SARC season include:
- “When It Was,” photography by Josie Miner who—when she is not shooting and printing (in a darkroom, no less!) ongoing projects and personal work—resides in Sandisfield with her husband and three children, will be on display through July 8, which happens to coincide with another auspicious event at the Sandisfield Arts Center.
- “A Stage of Twilight,” the new film (written and directed by Sarah T. Schwab) featuring the Berkshires’ own Karen Allen, will be screened at 7:30 p.m. followed by a talk back with Allen immediately. Hailed as “an intimate, real drama,” this love story is set in the final chapter of the lives of Cora (played by Allen) and Barry (played by William Sadler). The film, which was shot in New Milford, Conn., was shown at the Sedona Film Festival and the Woodstock Film Festival. Please note the date change from the printed brochure.
- “People and Places,” a show of new paintings by Jaye Alison Moscariello, will open on July 16 with an artist’s talk at 1 p.m. followed by a reception. Moscariello, who has shown widely around the Berkshires since relocating from Los Angeles, currently sits on the board of the Guild of Berkshire Artists. This show will remain on display through August 13.
- Finally, the second annual Daniel Manacher Prize for Young Artists has extended its call for young artists (ages 17-26 living or attending school in Berkshire County) through July 10. The prize was created by Adam Manacher and Carol Birnbaum, the parents of Daniel Manacher, in memory of their son and his passion for art. Three artists will be selected as finalists, each of whom will receive $350 in support of their art practice and a group show of their work at the Sandisfield Arts Center with an opening reception on August 19; the show will run through September 17.
This summer, all roads—including Routes 8, 57, and 183—lead to Sandisfield. What are you waiting for? Make a date to pack a picnic, take a drive, and experience for yourself the surprising beauty that abounds—both in making the journey and in reaching the destination—that is Sandisfield, an unexpected treasure along the banks of the Clam River, a verdant landscape just waiting to be uncovered.
“[The Arts Center] has endeavored to be this beacon in our rural community as to why it’s important not only to have art but also access to the arts for all,” Cofrin said, underscoring another important fact: “Everyone is in their own little pocket here—especially when compared with other art-centric locales such as New York City, where folks are convening regularly—and it’s important to give local artists, who are often working in creative isolation, both a reason to come together and raise awareness for art appreciation among non artists who can see that these people are here and doing interesting things in our community—albeit often out of sight.”
