Sunday, October 13, 2024

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Bits & Bytes: ‘Land of Enchantment’ sculpture winners; Bobbie’s Summer Concert Series; two calls for art; new Stockbridge guidebook; Berkshire Humane car raffle

Short videos are being sought for a Berkshire Lightscapes project; ArtWeek Berkshires applications are due August 6; Bobbie's Summer Concert Series returns to Stockbridge; and more.

Norman Rockwell Museum announces “Land of Enchantment” winners

STOCKBRIDGENorman Rockwell Museum (NRM) today announced the winners of its juried exhibition “Land of Enchantment.” Following a call for entries, the outdoor sculpture exhibit opened Saturday, July 10, with prizes for Best in Show, Most Inventive, and Most Artistic given out by illustrator Ruth Sanderson. Best in Show went to Harold Grinspoon’s “Effervescent,” Most Inventive to Bethany Kravetz’s “Iris Wooed by Zephyrus,” and Most Artistic to Kaya Deckelbaum’s “Zephyr — In the Wind.” The public was also invited to vote for two People’s Choice awards, which went to Sean Bixby’s “Fire Falls” and Erik Johnsen’s “Galaxy Cat.”

This outdoor installation of 23 fantasy-inspired sculptures, on view across the Museum’s 36-acre campus, is presented in conjunction with the Museum’s current exhibition, “Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Art.”Artists showcased in the exhibition include: Peter Barrett, Sean Bixby, Jessica Bradsher, Ursula Clark, Erika Crofut, Kaya Deckelbaum, John Elling, Laurie Goodhart, Gints Grinbergs, Harold Grinspoon, Kathie Gatto Gurney, Erik Johnsen, Stephen Klema, Betsy Koscher, Beckie Kravetz, Kent Mikalsen, Robert Markey, Angelo & Jesse Sinisi, Darla Jackson and Paul Romano, Chip and Elizabeth Sullivan, and Robin Tost.

More about the winning sculptures:

Harold Grinspoon’s “Effervescent.” Image courtesy NRM

Best in Show: Harold Grinspoon, “Effervescent”
Well known for his work as a philanthropist, Harold Grinspoon became an artist at the age of 87 and has worked mostly with reclaimed wood from downed trees and branches from all over the country. “Effervescent” is part of a series of more recent works exploring other materials. This work allows for slight movement in the wind, and the reflective quality works in harmony with surrounding landscapes and environment, weather, and light.

Most Inventive: Bethany Kravetz, “Iris Wooed by Zephyrus”
“Iris Wooed by Zephyrus” is an artistic recreation of the romance between Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow and Zephyrus, the god of the west wind. Kravetz, a mask maker, sculpted the faces of the figures to reflect the respective traits of each god. Zephyrus has a grey, cloud-like appearance, while his partner appears in all the colors of the rainbow.

Most Artistic: Kaya Deckelbaum, “Zephyr — In the Wind”
“Zephyr — In the Wind” is anchored to the ground on a steel base and turns with air flow. The wood pole is 12 feet high and the wire mesh sculpture sits 7 feet in the air. Zephyrus is the mythological god of the west wind who traditionally announces spring. In this sculpture, Zephyrus is placed high above the ground, blowing in the wind and occupying a commanding position over the surrounding environment. The sculpture can also rotate around itself, following the direction of the wind.

Sean Bixby’s “Fire Falls.” Image courtesy NRM

People’s Choice: Sean Bixby, “Fire Falls”
The dragon is one of the most iconic mythical creatures, transcending time and culture. “Fire Falls” presents the aftermath of a medieval battle, where a dragon crashed on the grounds of NRM, succumbing to the volley of arrows that peppered its hide. The intent of the sculpture is to make the viewer consider whether the dragon is a monster slain or if a misunderstood species has been destroyed. “Fire Falls” is constructed of a variety of materials, including several types of wood and faux leather.

People’s Choice: Erik Johnsen, “Galaxy Cat”
The size of a full-grown tiger, “Galaxy Cat” sparkles in the sun, changing colors and reflections depending on the angle which it is viewed. No matter the weather, “Galaxy Cat” is a brilliant and mesmerizing piece, which at once seems real and of another world.

—A.K.

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Berkshire Theatre Group announces return of Bobbie’s Summer Series concerts

STOCKBRIDGE — Bobbie’s Summer Series returns with concerts just outside the Unicorn Theatre patio (6 East Street) at Berkshire Theatre Group’s Stockbridge campus. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The grounds will open at 6 p.m. and the performances will begin at 7 p.m. Bobbie’s Summer Series is sponsored by Bobbie Hallig.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children 16 and younger, with a 25% discount for all healthcare workers. Food/beverage provided by KJ Nosh is an additional $20 per person and will be available for purchase in advance and on site. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 413-997-4444. Ticket office hours are every day from 12–5 p.m., or on any performance day from 12 p.m.–curtain.

Bobbie’s Summer Series lineup:

Susan Werner
Friday, July 30
Werner has been dubbed “The Empress of the Unexpected” by NPR and has written and recorded 12 albums in the genres of folk, rock, Tin Pan Alley, gospel, country, and chamber music. Her songs have been recorded by Tom Jones, Michael Feinstein, Betty Buckley, and Christine Ebersole. She is known for her energetic live shows and delivering her songs with sassy wit and charm. Since making her major-label debut in 1995 with the folk/rock album “Last of the Good Straight Girls,” Werner has toured nationally with artists such as Joan Armatrading and Richard Thompson.

Michael Fabrizio
Saturday, July 31
Fabrizio, the son of Dr. Michael and BTG trustee Kathleen Fabrizio, is a Nashville-based recording artist, actor, and singer/songwriter who has spent the last 15 years writing, recording, and touring the country. As a solo performer, Fabrizio penned five albums with Grammy award-winning producer Nick Sparks and Nashville legend Kent Wells, who has produced artists such as Dolly Parton, Reba McIntyre, and Kenny Rogers. Fabrizio’s music is a mix of Americana, roots, and rock. His band, Fabrizio and the Fever, continue to gain notoriety, and Fabrizio has written songs and jingles for NBC/CBS programming and appeared as an actor on the show “Nashville” several times as a member of Gunner’s band.

Mike Wartella
Friday, Aug. 6
Broadway and Berkshire County’s own Wartella makes his Berkshire Theatre Group solo debut hosting a night of folk rock, original music, and Broadway favorites reimagined. Wartella will perform original music from his new debut solo album, “Polarity,” as well as old Broadway favorites with a folk/rock twist. As a Broadway veteran, Wartella has been seen playing children in “Tuck Everlasting,” “Wicked,” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”; Off-Broadway in “Rent” and other shows, and in regional productions.

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason
Saturday, Aug. 7
Jay and Molly draw their repertoire and inspiration from a range of American musical styles —19th-century classics, Appalachian, Cajun and Celtic fiddle tunes, and favorites from the golden age of country and swing — along with their own songs, fiddle tunes, and orchestral compositions. In recent years, Jay and Molly have reached a wider audience through their appearances on PBS’ Great Performances, public radio specials, and their work on film soundtracks such as “Brother’s Keeper” and “Legends of the Fall.” They achieved international acclaim when their performance of Jay’s composition “Ashokan Farewell” became the musical hallmark of Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” on PBS. The soundtrack won a Grammy and the song was nominated for an Emmy.

—A.K.

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Call for Art: Video works for Berkshire Lightscapes projections

PITTSFIELDBerkshire Art Association (BAA) invites the public to submit original video works to be projected on the wall of the Colonial Theatre this summer and fall through Berkshire Lightscapes.

Berkshire Lightscapes, whose goal is to light up Downtown Pittsfield, has launched the Video Projections Project, a series projecting original videos on the large south wall of the Colonial Theatre at 111 South St. in Pittsfield. Currently, the venue is lit up nightly with the work of artist Joe Wheaton. A jury of artists will select videos, and works will be selected for extraordinary (family-friendly) subject matter and visual appeal. Selected works will be projected along with short videos from Berkshire Theatre Group and the City of Pittsfield. There is no fee for submission. The deadline is Sunday, Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. An opening video party is planned for September 24, 2021.

SPECS: Format should be MOV or MP4, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Videos should reflect the quality of your everyday work. You may submit up to three videos, in either of two lengths:

  • 2-minute videos to be shown daily in a loop with other short videos
  • 3-10 minute videos which will be showcased at the opening party

To submit, click here to upload an artist statement and video(s). Questions should be directed to president@berkshireartassociation.org

—A.K.

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ArtWeek Berkshires application deadline approaching

Photo courtesy ArtWeek Berkshires

BERKSHIRE COUNTY – The five designated cultural districts of Berkshire County announce the 2021 ArtWeek Berkshires, a festival celebrating the arts throughout the county with creative events from September 16–26, 2021. Applications are now available online.

Featured events may be submitted by individual artists, informal groups, nonprofit organizations, or businesses. The deadline to submit an event is August 6, after which inclusion in promotional efforts cannot be guaranteed. Applications received by the August 6 deadline receive extra visibility via press outreach and marketing materials. There is no fee to submit an event, and all are welcome to participate.

ArtWeek Berkshires is inspired by the former statewide ArtWeek festival, which has been discontinued. The Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District, Lenox Cultural District, North Adams Cultural District, Upstreet Cultural District in Pittsfield, and Williamstown Cultural District, as well as Art Lenox are collaborating to spotlight Berkshire County’s local creative economy, cultural treasures, and artistic assets. Through this year’s festival, local partners will work together to spotlight Berkshire County’s local creative economy, cultural treasures, and artistic assets.

ArtWeek events are encouraged to be interactive or offer behind-the-scenes access to arts, culture, and the creative process. Events may also take the form of exhibits, performances, or virtual presentations, and may be free of charge or include an admission price. Open Studios will be a key element of ArtWeek Berkshires, allowing individual artists to share their process and invite the public into their work space, either in person or virtually.

—A.K.

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New guidebook, “Stockbridge: A Walk Down Main Street,” now available

STOCKBRIDGE — The Berkshires have a new and informative guidebook, “Stockbridge: A Walk Down Main Street,” written by Terry M. Moor, an architect and relative newcomer to the area.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Moor used his “free” time to research, photograph, and write about some of the historic structures that line the town’s Main Street. The result is a comprehensive walking tour which tells the story of more than 50 of Stockbridge’s most interesting monuments, homes, businesses, and religious and civic structures. It brings to life the town’s history as it developed over the last 300 years.

In addition to the historic context, a brief architectural analysis is included where appropriate.  Each example is illustrated with either a full-color or historic photograph. The book’s compact size and spiral binding make it easy to stroll with guide in hand.

The book ($10) is for sale at The Red Lion Inn, The Country Store, and The Elm Street Market in Stockbridge; The Bookloft in Great Barrington; The Bookstore in Lenox; and Shaker Mill Books in West Stockbridge. The author is donating the proceeds from book sales to the Stockbridge Library.

—A.K.

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Choose Your Subaru raffle to benefit homeless animals

PITTSFIELD Berkshire Humane Society and Haddad Subaru have launched their 9th annual Choose Your Subaru car raffle. One winner will have their choice of a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, Forester Premium or Outback Premium with a value of up to $33,000.

Tickets are $40 each or three for $100 and are available at: Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield and Purradise in Great Barrington, Haddad Subaru in Pittsfield, Baker’s Golf Center in Lanesboro, Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond, Chez Pet in Lenox, and Catwalk Boutiques in Great Barrington and Lenox. They are also available by calling the shelter at 413-447-7878, Ext. 131.

The raffle is limited to 2,400 tickets. If a minimum of 1,000 tickets are not sold, the raffle will convert to a 50/50 drawing of net proceeds. The winner will be drawn Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at the main shelter, at 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield.

Berkshire Humane Society has an annual budget of more than $1.5 million, touching the lives of more than 2,000 animals each year through adoption and surrender, medical care, spay/neuters, vaccine clinics, its Pet Food Bank, and its Family Dog School. The Society’s humane education programs reach more than 1,000 people annually, and the signature SafePet Program, which provides free, temporary pet care for people in crisis, continues to expand through its collaboration with Berkshire Medical Center, the Elizabeth Freeman Center, The Brien Center, and Elder Services of Berkshire County.

—A.K.

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