Hotchkiss School’s Tremaine Gallery presents ‘Historic Presence,’ a solo exhibition by Taha Clayton
Lakeville, Conn.— From February 14th through April 5th, the Hotchkiss School’s Tremaine Gallery presents “Historic Presence,” a solo exhibition by Taha Clayton.
Historic Presence offers an intimate, resonant look at heritage, identity, and the echoes of history that shape contemporary life. Grounded in James Baldwin’s reminder that “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history,” “Historic Presence” explores the living relationship between personal legacy and collective memory.
Inspired by the spirit and style of the 1930s to 50s, Clayton’s portraits honor the resilience, joy, and quiet dignity of elders whose stories shape the American experience. Through these depictions of ordinary yet powerful moments, the exhibition invites viewers to consider the depth and humanity embedded in everyday life.
Clayton brings a global lens to classical realism. His work juxtaposes historical and futurist themes, often through portraits that challenge misconceptions about ethnic antiquity. Influenced by his Muslim upbringing and cultural heritage, Clayton aims to dismantle narratives of despair by presenting figures rooted in empowerment, beauty, and truth. His meticulous rendering of fabric and form underscores the individuality and humanity of each subject.
Clayton’s work has received significant international recognition. In 2024, one of his paintings was selected for the Lunar Codex “Nova Collection,” sending an image of his work to the surface of the moon as part of a time capsule that will remain there indefinitely. He has exhibited at MEAM (Europe Museum of Modern Art) in Barcelona, and his work appeared on the cover of New American Paintings in 2023. His artistic journey was also featured in the award-winning documentary Heavyweight Paint (2016.)
The exhibit is on view from February 14th through April 5th at the Hotchkiss School’s Tremaine Gallery, located at 11 Interlaken Road in Lakeville, Conn. Gallery hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed from March 7th through March 23rd. There is an artist talk on February 19th from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and an opening reception on February 21st from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Community Access to the Arts and Good Purpose Gallery present ‘Pangea,’ an exhibit of paintings by local artists with disabilities
Lee— Now through March 2nd, Community Access to the Arts and Good Purpose Gallery present “Pangea,” an exhibit of paintings by local artists with disabilities.
The exhibit features vibrant paintings created by artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities through CATA’s adaptive painting workshops. A hallmark of CATA’s inclusive arts programs, these workshops incorporate innovative techniques making painting and visual arts accessible for artists with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Additional works in the exhibit were created in CATA’s new Supported Studio program, where artists with disabilities work independently on self-directed projects with the support of a CATA Faculty mentor, pursuing personal goals and developing their unique style.
The exhibit features a wide range of styles from bold and exuberant abstract paintings to meditative reflections on the artists’ experiences and the world around us. Visitors can also explore the artwork and learn about the artists through CATA’s digital exhibit guide.
The exhibit is on view through March 2nd at Good Purpose Gallery, located at 40 Main Street in Lee. All works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for the individual artists. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Mondays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Springfield Museums presents ‘One Foot in Two Places,’ a rich collection of monotype drypoint prints and intricate etchings by artist Olwen O’Herlihy Dowling
Springfield— From January 31st though October 4th, Springfield Museums presents ‘One Foot in Two Places,’ a rich collection of monotype drypoint prints and intricate etchings by artist Olwen O’Herlihy Dowling.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, and now living in Massachusetts, Dowling draws upon her dual sense of homeland and adopted home to craft landscapes that evoke both memory and presence. Her work meditates on natural environments—portraying the rugged terrains of Connemara, County Galway, alongside the serene scenes of North Chester, Massachusetts—offering a visual dialogue between two intertwined geographies, one that is atmospheric, contemplative, and deeply rooted in lived experience.
Dowling has exhibited in numerous galleries in Ireland and the United States, including The Lenox Gallery where she received an honorable mention. She graduated from Smith College in studio art and biology and studied at the L’Ecole d’Art, France and The Sun Valley Arts Program. She has been a returning Artist in Residence at The Tyrone Guthrie Center in Newbliss, Ireland and a Fellow at The Virginia Center for the Arts.
The exhibit is on view from January 31st though October 4th at Springfield Museums, located at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield. There will be an artist talk on Thursday, June 18th at 12:15 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents ‘Sesame: Global Recipes & Stories of an Ancient Seed’ with Rachel Simons, the founder of popular tahini outfit Seed+Mill in New York’s historic Chelsea Market
Pittsfield— On Thursday, February 5th at 7 p.m., Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, as part of Jewish Literary Voices: A Federation Series in collaboration with The Jewish Book Council, presents “Sesame: Global Recipes & Stories of an Ancient Seed” with Rachel Simons, the founder of popular tahini outfit Seed+Mill in New York’s historic Chelsea Market.
Simons will discuss her new cookbook “Sesame” which celebrates the evolution, history, and diversity of this classic ingredient. The cookbook offers a clear, approachable guide to the world of sesame, from halva, tahini, and sesame oil, to togarashi, gomasio, and furikake, with 80+ vegetarian-forward recipes. With its delicious nutty taste, nutritional density, and long shelf life, the sesame seed is a tiny ingredient with an enormous cultural impact and a deeply rich history.
The talk is on Thursday, February 5th at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Connecticut’s Great Mountain Forest
Norfolk, Conn.— With fresh snow covering the hills of northwestern Connecticut, Great Mountain Forest invites visitors to experience cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across its 6,300-acre landscape spanning Norfolk and Falls Village, Conn.
Widely regarded as one of Connecticut’s premier destinations for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Great Mountain Forest offers an accessible and inspiring winter escape with varied terrain and an immersive forest experience. A peaceful alternative to crowded ski areas, miles of scenic trails wind through ancient woodlands, hemlock groves, and frozen ponds. Skiers and snowshoers of all levels may encounter wildlife tracks, historic landmarks, and sweeping winter views along roads that traverse the forest at a high elevation.
“We encourage visitors to enjoy our forest in winter, not only for physical wellness but also for the restorative stillness the forest offers. Cross-country skiing is like moving meditation, when you are skiing you are not thinking about anything else except the next glide,” says the Executive Director, Mike Zarfos. Ph.D.
Maps, directions, parking information, visitor guidelines, and more can be found online.
