Ventfort Hall hosts two Slavic Easter egg decorating workshops
Lenox— Celebrate the Easter season with a unique opportunity to learn a time-honored Eastern European craft. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum will offer its annual Slavic Easter egg decorating demonstrations and instructional workshops on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop will take place at the mansion’s former gatehouse at 55 Kemble St., Lenox. Number of seats available at each session is limited. Masks will be required.
This Eastern European tradition of creating intricate and beautifully decorated eggs has been passed down for generations. Lenox resident Tjasa Sprague, who will again lead the workshop, learned the technique many years ago from her Czechoslovakian mother, Maria Krofta.
The technique begins with unwashed eggs (provided by a local poultry farm) which have a residue-free shell surface. Attendees may also bring their own unwashed eggs. The Slavic Easter egg is a wax resistant technique which employs aniline dye later in the process. The decorating begins with drawing on the egg with wax, followed by immersion in the dye, with repeated wax drawing and dying as desired. The eggs are uncooked and are “blown” out after the decorating has been completed. The eggs may be displayed, when stored carefully, for an indefinite number of years.
The fee for each workshop, which includes all materials, is $35. Reservations are required and seats are limited. Children should be at least 12 years of age. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event. Masks are required. For reservations please visit https://gildedage.org/events or call us at (413) 637-3206.
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Meet ‘Beezus and Ramona’ illustrator Jacqueline Rogers
Pittsfield— The Berkshire Museum will host “Beezus and Ramona” illustrator Jacqueline Rogers on April 1 at 3 p.m.
Jacqueline Rogers, has illustrated beloved children’s books for over 35 years. Recent editions of Beverly Cleary’s books – including “Ramona the Pest” and “The Mouse and the Motorcycle” – are among Jacqueline’s illustration work, along with “Little Ree: Best Friends Forever” by Ree “Pioneer Woman” Drummond and “Our Great Big Backyard,” a celebration of U.S. national parks.
At this program, Jacqueline will lead an interactive activity where young visitors can get artistic and creative as they design characters together, followed by a reading of the book she wrote and illustrated, Goblin Moon, plus a book signing.
This gallery program will take place in the Childhood Classics exhibition. Included with admission. Best enjoyed by ages 4 to 12 with caregivers.
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Clark Art Institute airs The Met: Live in HD’s production of “Falstaff”
Williamstown— The Metropolitan Opera’s broadcast production of “Falstaff” airs at the Clark Art Institute on Saturday, April 1 at 12:30 p.m. in the latest installment of the 2022–23 season of “The Met: Live in HD.” The award-winning series of live, high-definition cinema simulcasts features the full live performance along with backstage interviews and commentary. The Clark broadcasts the opera in its auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.
Baritone Michael Volle stars as the caddish knight Falstaff, gleefully tormented by a trio of clever women who deliver his comeuppance, in Verdi’s glorious Shakespearean comedy. Maestro Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to oversee a brilliant ensemble cast that features sopranos Hera Hyesang Park and Ailyn Pérez, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux, tenor Bogdan Volkov, and baritone Christopher Maltman.
Tickets are $25 ($22 for members, $18 for students with valid ID, and $7 for children 10 and under). To purchase tickets, visit clarkart.edu/events or call the box office at 413 458 0524.
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BART Charter Public School To Host Annual Get BART Smart Fundraiser
Adams— BART Charter Public School is holding its annual fundraiser, Get BART Smart, on Saturday, April 1 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at One Commercial Street in Adams.
Get BART Smart features a unique trivia experience, individuals and teams of up to 6 will travel from classroom to classroom throughout the evening for trivia and team projects served up by BART educators.
“For 16 years, BART has invited adults to participate in Get BART Smart,” stated Dr. Jay White, BART’s Executive Director. “It’s an exciting evening of testing your knowledge and smarts, all while eating, competing to win prizes, and having a great time with friends and smart people you’ll meet from around the region.”
This event is the primary fundraiser for the School, the proceeds of which directly benefit student programming. The School also invites companies to sponsor this well-established and well-attended event.
“There is a lot to be excited about with this year’s program,” said Leah Thompson, Director of Advancement at BART. “The support of this event by our community is amazing!”
This event is open to everyone 21 and above. Tickets are $75 each and include food, drinks, and donuts. For more information, visit https://www.bartcharter.org/apps/pages/GetBARTSmart and register to play today. You can also contact Leah Thompson at leah.thompson@bartcharter.org with sponsorship inquiries.
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Berkshire Art Center’s Party Returns with Metallic Couture Disco on April 1
Stockbridge— Berkshire Art Center, formerly IS183 Art School, is thrilled to announce its 2023 annual benefit, Metallic Couture Disco, will take place on Saturday, April 1st, at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.
Celebrating two creative icons, Vicki Bonnington and Joe Wheaton, who have made distinct contributions to the cultural landscape of our region, this event – sponsored by Berkshire Bank – will be filled with one-of-a-kind sights and sounds including performances by Brita Filter, a New York City drag performer recently featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12, and projections by Joe Wheaton.
The grand setting of the Colonial Theatre will be host to an evening of Studio 54-esque festivities. At 5 p.m., Platinum guests will be transported through food and decor, beginning the evening with a celebration of the impact of art-making on the Berkshire community, with cocktails, small plates, and dessert in the Colonial’s Garage. From 6 to 7 p.m., Gold and Silver guests will join in for an exclusive performance by Brita Filter accompanied by hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and open bar.
The dance party kicks off in the theater at 7 p.m. for all guests, including Bronze ticket-holders, with DJ Ryan Brown spinning vinyl and projections by Joe Wheaton lighting up the stage. Partygoers are already devising their costumes as they creatively combine mirrored disco balls and Gautier couture. Just like in their art programs – there is no right or wrong way to express your creative self here! Think Vivienne Westwood with welding gear. Disco ball skirts and mylar jackets. Gucci chic made of paperclips.
Tickets are now available for purchase through the Berkshire Theatre Group. VIP and dance ticket prices include Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Pre-show meal tickets include the Platinum and Aww, Sooky Sooky levels. Tickets are available at https://berkshireartcenter.org/benefit
