Clark Art Institute presents ‘Justice, Property, and Punishment in 18th century Quebec,’ a lecture by Charmaine Nelson
Williamstown— On Tuesday, February 10th at 5:30 p.m., the Clark Art Institute presents “Justice, Property, and Punishment in 18th century Quebec,” a lecture by Charmaine Nelson, UMass Amherst/Clark/Oakley Humanities Fellow.
Exploring how transatlantic slavery was grounded in violence and systems of control imposed by enslavers and their surrogates in eighteenth-century Quebec, Nelson draws from the extant business records of eighteenth-century Montreal sheriff Edward William Gray, who worked to sustain and protect the interests of white enslavers. This case study offers a lens through which to better understand the broader context of the individual at the center of Nelson’s larger research project: an African-born enslaved man known as Joe. Enslaved by Brown and Gilmore and forced to work in their printing office, Joe was named in six fugitive slave advertisements issued in Quebec between 1777 and 1786. Gray’s correspondence with Brown and Gilmore reveals his efforts to uphold the enslavers’ claims to their “human property.”
The lecture is on Tuesday, February 10th at 5:30 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. Admission is free. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden presents ‘Flora/Fauna/Form,’ a juried exhibit of works by members of Guild of Berkshire Artists
Stockbridge— From February 13th through March 1st, Berkshire Botanical Garden presents “Flora/Fauna/Form,” a juried exhibit of works by members of Guild of Berkshire Artists.
In this exhibition, member artists will explore the myriad ways flora and fauna take shape and inspire creativity. From delicate textures to bold palettes, from nature’s subtle elegance to its raw power, each piece will reflect a unique perspective on the natural world. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, textiles, glass, and ceramics, these works will celebrate both the beauty and the mystery of the living world. The result will be a vibrant, diverse collection that invites viewers to see nature anew.
The exhibit is on view from February 13th through March 1st at Berkshire Botanical Garden, located at 5 West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. There is an opening reception on Friday, February 13th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum presents renowned leader in peace psychology, author, and Quaker Rachel MacNair
Adams— On Sunday, February 15th at 2 p.m., Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum presents renowned leader in peace psychology, author, and Quaker Rachel MacNair to speak at the celebration for Susan B. Anthony’s 206th birthday at the Adams Free Library.
Born into a Quaker family in Adams, Susan B. Anthony was shaped by the Religious Society of Friends’ (Quaker) teachings on the inherent equality and dignity of all people, which guided her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights, abolition, and social justice.
Dr. MacNair is a nationally recognized Quaker scholar whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to Quaker principles of equality and nonviolence, values deeply shared by Susan B. Anthony and the Quaker community in which she was raised. A graduate of Earlham College, a historic Quaker institution known for its emphasis on peace studies and civic responsibility, MacNair holds a doctorate in psychology with interdisciplinary training in sociology. Her work has been recognized with multiple professional awards honoring her contributions to ethics, education, and peace studies. In 2011, she was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the American Psychological Association.
The event is on Sunday, February 15th at 2 p.m. at the Adams Free Library, located at 92 Park Street in Adams. The event opens with a reception and closes with an audience Q&A. More information can be found online.
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Discover North Adams presents WinterFest 2026
North Adams— On Saturday, February 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Discover North Adams presents WinterFest 2026.
WinterFest North Adams is a full day of downtown winter fun featuring markets, Chowder Fest, a bonfire on Main Street with s’mores, free ice skating, a children’s carnival, Special Olympics Polar Plunge, art activities, and sweet treats—bringing the community together to celebrate the season. Bundle up – winter magic is on the way!
The event is on Saturday, February 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Downtown North Adams, located at 85 Main Street in North Adams. More information, including street closures and a full schedule of events, can be found online.
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WAM Theatre to hold auditions for 2026 season
Lenox— On February 11th and 13th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., WAM Theatre will hold auditions for their 2026 season, hosted by Artistic Director Genée Coreno and General Manager Erin Patrick.
“Artists, and their courage and generosity to gather and unify the community, are vital in this moment,” said Artistic Director Genée Coreno. “ The stories we tell—and who gets to tell them—shape how we understand truth, power, and our shared humanity. I am continually inspired by the breadth of artists—from all walks of life and theatre practices—who share their craft with WAM each year. We warmly invite local and regional artists to join us for our 2026 auditions and be part of the creative community we are collectively building.”
WAM Theatre works under an AEA Small Professional Theatre Contract. Non-Equity actors will also be seen as time permits. Auditions are on February 11th and 13th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the WAM Theatre Creative Hub, located at 55 Main Street in Lenox. Free onsite childcare will be offered. Virtual Submissions will also be accepted. Appointments, audition details, and more information can be found online.
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Construct launches 19th annual ‘Warm Up The Winter’ campaign
Great Barrington— As winter temperatures drop, Construct is launching its 19th annual “Warm Up The Winter” campaign to help South Berkshire residents stay safe and warm. The campaign raises funds for emergency fuel and utility assistance, as well as short-term motel stays for those without housing during extreme cold.
“Winter puts real pressure on household budgets, and federal fuel assistance has failed to keep up with rising costs, leaving many households without enough help to get through the season,” said Executive Director Joey Lindstrom. “South Berkshire households are forced to choose between heat, food, rent and prescription medicine. No one should face that choice.”
“When winter hits, too many are one unexpected expense away from losing heat, particularly households in homes heated with oil, propane, or wood. Unlike gas and electric utilities, which have winter shutoff protections, families who heat with other fuels can lose heat immediately if they can’t afford delivery. When the fuel runs out, the heat is gone,” said Lindstrom.
Contributions can be made online, by calling 413-528-1985, or by check payable to Construct, 316A State Road in Great Barrington. Construct is a 501(c)3 nonprofit; contributions to the campaign are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. The campaign will culminate in a March 5th benefit concert at Barrington Hall in Great Barrington. More information can be found online. Those in need of emergency winter assistance can call Construct at 413-528-1985.
