Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum presents performances of ‘Rapunzel’ by puppeteer Carl Sprague over December school break
Lenox— Over December school break on Saturday, December 27th and Monday, December 29th at 3:30 p.m., Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum presents “Rapunzel” by puppeteer Carl Sprague.
“Rapunzel,” a fairy tale originally published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, is about a young girl with exceptionally long hair who is locked in a tall tower by an evil witch. A prince discovers her, and they fall in love, but their secret escape plans are discovered. It explores themes of freedom, love, and resilience.
Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his “behind the scenery” mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood. He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall, that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler. Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as “The Royal Tenenbaums” and Scorcese’s “The Age of Innocence,” as well as for theater productions, many at Shakespeare & Company.
The shows are on Saturday, December 27th and Monday, December 29th at 3:30 p.m. at Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum, located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet this wizard, who knows how to pull strings. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Norman Rockwell Museum presents activities and art-making for families over December school break
Stockbridge— Over December school break from December 22nd through the 29th, the Norman Rockwell Museum presents activities and art-making for families.
Families are invited to enjoy guided tours with family educators through the Museum’s special exhibition “Illustrators of Light,” featuring paintings by Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, & N.C. Wyeth that brighten even the coldest days. After the tour, create your own colorful lantern to take home.
The activities take place from December 22nd through the 29th at the Norman Rockwell Museum, located at 9 Glendale Road in Stockbridge. More information can be found online.
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MASS MoCA presents series of free Kidspace workshops over December school break
North Adams— Over December school break from December 29th through January 2nd at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day, MASS MoCA presents a series of free Kidspace workshops.
Workshops will focus on different art mediums and processes, including “Crafting Our Future” with Nina Keneally and Erick Ramos-Jacobo, inspired by the works of Jeffrey Gibson and Jimena Sarno; “Cardboard Collagraph Printmaking” with David Waxman, drawing inspiration from Amy Yoes’”Hot Corners”; “A Lesson in Painting” with Donald Jackson, guided by the monumental works of Vincent Valdez; “Becoming a Weaver” with Beth Davis, inspired by Jimena Sarno’s curiosity for weaving; and “Building Zoetropes” with Heidi Whitus, rooted in MASS MoCA’s commitment to contemporary filmmaking. Come be inspired, learn something new, and make a project to take home.
The free workshops are on December 29th through January 2nd at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day at MASS MoCA’s Kidspace, located at 1040 MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. The ArtBar will also be open for drop-in art-making throughout the day. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Springfield Museums present ‘Jurassic Jingle Bells,’ four days of hands-on activities over December school break
Springfield— Over December school break from December 27th through the 30th, Springfield Museums present “Jurassic Jingle Bells,” four days of hands-on activities over December school break.
The program offers a festive blend of science, creativity, and prehistoric fun for visitors of all ages. “Dinosaurs are one of our absolute favorite topics,” says Family Engagement Coordinator SarahRose Adan. “We can think of no better way to wrap up the year than by building, exploring, and celebrating everything dinosaurs here at the Museums. Daily Activities include a Dino-build, animal explorations, air-dry fossils, and a make-you-own Dino track field guide station.
The program coincides with the Museums’ 16th annual gingerbread exhibit. The year’s imaginative display, “Jurassic Gingerbread,” features dinosaur-inspired creations crafted by the community. Guests can enjoy the exhibit while participating in interactive activities that bring paleontology to life. In addition, visitors can tour an upgraded “Who-ville” experience in “Grinch’s Grotto” and an exhibition of winter-themed prints from the permanent collection.
The activities take place from December 27th through the 30th at Springfield Museums, located at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield. More information can be found online.
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Women of Color Giving Circle, Rights of Passage and Empowerment, and NAACP Berkshire County Branch to host an uplifting Kwanzaa celebration centered on culture, reflection, and self-determination
Pittsfield— On Saturday, December 27th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Women of Color Giving Circle, Rights of Passage and Empowerment, and NAACP Berkshire County Branch to host an uplifting Kwanzaa celebration centered on culture, reflection, and self-determination.
This year’s theme, “Practicing the Seven Principles in Dimly Lit Times: Lifting Up the Light, Hurrying the Dawn,” encourages collective hope and action grounded in the values of Kwanzaa. The program will feature a panel discussion on Kujichagulia (self-determination,) cultural performances, and light refreshments.
The live panel will feature local leaders and community voices, including Sadiya Quetti-Goodson of College Life; Izinna Lytle DeGraffenreid, Student Resource Officer; Natale Monroe, Founder Embrace & Empower; Xavier Jones, Executive Chef & Owner of Big Daddy’s; and Dr. Nikki Payne, CEO of Manifest Medical. The celebration will also showcase a rich lineup of performances, including African dance with Noel Staples Freeman & Youth Alive, STEP, Dance & Drumline, the Pittsfield Community Gospel Choir, and a special guest appearance by Wanda Houston.
The celebration is on Saturday, December 27th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 74 First Street in Pittsfield. All are welcome. Children age 12 and under are admitted free. More information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute presents an encore broadcast of The Metropolitan Opera’s production of ‘The Magic Flute’
Williamstown— On Saturday, December 27th at 1 p.m., the Clark Art Institute presents an encore broadcast of The Metropolitan Opera’s production of “The Magic Flute.”
A treasured holiday tradition, Mozart’s heartwarming fairy tale takes the stage in the Met’s abridged, English-language production by Julie Taymor, the Tony Award–winning director of Broadway’s “The Lion King.” Featuring some of opera’s most popular melodies and brought to life with colorful sets and costumes and dazzling puppetry, it’s perfect for audiences of all ages.
The broadcast is on Saturday, December 27th at 1 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. Tickets and more information can be found online.
