Hancock Shaker Village presents ‘Simple Gifts: Visual Translations of Shaker Hymns and Copland Music’ a solo exhibition by artist Shany Porras
Pittsfield— From May 17th through November 30th, Hancock Shaker Village presents “Simple Gifts: Visual Translations of Shaker Hymns and Copland Music” a solo exhibition by artist Shany Porras.
In this captivating solo exhibition, artist Shany Porras translates the melodies, rhythms, and spiritual essence of Shaker hymns into vibrant abstract works. Drawing inspiration from Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” itself inspired by the iconic Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts,” Porras’ earlier translations emerged as striking striped compositions. Her latest work builds upon these foundations, incorporating symbolic objects such as hands, Shaker tools, hearts, wings, and other spiritual motifs. Through bold color, expressive stripes, and thoughtful symbolism, the visual translations offer a fresh perspective on the Shaker tradition, one that honors their devotion, simplicity, and enduring messages of community and faith.
The exhibition runs from May 17th through November 30th at Hancock Shaker Village, located at 1843 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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The Foundry presents touring band Cantrip
West Stockbridge— On Sunday, May 18th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Foundry presents the touring band Cantrip.
The name Cantrip is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell, or piece of mischief, and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in their musical arrangements, likewise the compelling potency of their musicianship. Swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar and three rich voices blend to create a sound energetic enough to tear the roof off. Echoes can be heard of trad music from the 1960s and 70s, but the years have slowly infested their music with the sounds of funk, metal, bluegrass, swing, and even klezmer. After 20 years of touring, Cantrip has found a character like no other. Dan Houghton, Jon Bews, Alasdair White, and Eric McDonald stir the elements in a witches’ cauldron, slowly coalescing into chaotic order.
The concert is on Sunday, May 18th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Close Encounters with Music presents ‘A Tale of Two Salons — Winnaretta Singer and Marcel Proust’ at The Mahaiwe
Great Barrington— On Sunday, May 18th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Close Encounters with Music presents “A Tale of Two Salons — Winnaretta Singer and Marcel Proust’” at The Mahaiwe.
The daughter of sewing machine industrialist Isaac Merritt Singer, Winnaretta Singer, Princess de Polignac, was a force of nature, hosting everyone from Jean Cocteau and Jean Giraudoux to Prokofiev and Edith Wharton in her Paris salon. More importantly, she was responsible for developing a new genre, described by Sylvia Kahan as “Great music for a small space by up-and-coming composers.” Works either commissioned by her, dedicated to her, or that were performed in her mansion on Rue Henri-Martin, will be featured in our on-stage “salon.”
The concert is on Sunday, May 18th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Mahaiwe, located at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. There is an afterglow reception following the concert. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Great Barrington Libraries presents ‘The Future of Climate Change in the Berkshires,’ an author talk with David Guenette at Mason Library
Great Barrington— On Friday, May 23rd at 4 p.m., Great Barrington Libraries presents “The Future of Climate Change in the Berkshires,” an author talk with David Guenette at the Mason Library.
What can be done about climate change is the oft-asked question by many American citizens. The transition away from a fossil fuel-based energy system to a clean energy system is the most fundamental and effective action we can pursue nationally and internationally, but we can expect the massive and well-entrenched fossil fuel industry to strive for current profit levels for as long as possible. Perhaps the biggest challenge ahead for us is to understand the real-world concerns we should focus on, including the cost of climate change in our own households. Can we accept these costs and is there really any other choice? David Guenette, author of the “Kill Well” and the literary climate fiction series “The Steep Climes Quartet,” will discuss the effect of climate change in our day-to-day lives.
The talk is on Friday, May 23rd at 4 p.m. at the Mason Library, located at 231 Main Street in Great Barrington. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Community College to hold mental health first aid training
Pittsfield— On Wednesdays, May 21st and May 28th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Berkshire Community College (BCC)’s Workforce and Community Education department will hold a Mental Health First Aid Training, led by Sarah De Jesus and Jennifer Bishop.
Mental Health First Aid helps assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the course, students will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Students will learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing panic attacks, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, self-injury, acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions), overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use, or reaction to traumatic events.
The hybrid course is on Wednesdays, May 21st and May 28th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Berkshire Community College, located at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield, and on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Stockbridge Grange community dinner
Stockbridge— On Sunday, May 18th, Stockbridge Grange is having a community dinner featuring roast pork, mashed potato, and vegetable, with dessert of chocolate cream or lemon meringue pie.
The dinner is $15 per person, take out only, with a noon to 1:30 p.m. pick up at the Stockbridge Grange Hall, located at at 51 Church Street in Stockbridge. Orders may be made by calling 413-243-1298 or 413-443-4352.
