Chihuly exhibit opens at Schantz Galleries
STOCKBRIDGE — A new exhibition by Dale Chihuly will open at Schantz Galleries in Stockbridge on August 6 and run through September 18. Chihuly is an American artist who revolutionized the studio glass movement and elevated perceptions of the glass medium. Schantz Galleries provides visitors with a uniquely intimate setting in which to experience Chihuly’s work. Guided by his background in interior design and architecture and interest in light, space, and form, Chihuly and his team designed a site-specific exhibition that works within the architecture of Schantz Galleries and showcases well-known series and large-scale installations.
“We are truly honored to have the opportunity to exhibit works by Dale Chihuly in Stockbridge,” says gallery owner and director Jim Schantz. “Chihuly is one of the most well-known living American artists—certainly the most recognized glass artist in the world—and he continues to work in a grand and exhilarating way.”
“CHIHULY” is the artist’s third exhibition with the gallery, and the show features new architectural installations, pedestal sculptures, and two-dimensional work which will give visitors insight into the artist’s range of exploration over the last five decades. The stunning blown-glass sculptures on view will include a selection from his Cylinder sculptures. Since 1975, Chihuly has created an ever-evolving body of Cylinders with glass thread drawings fused onto molten bubbles. This revolutionary “pick-up drawing” technique has allowed Chihuly to integrate myriad motifs, particularly patterns inspired by Native American textiles.
Chihuly’s blown-glass sculptures are joined by energetic Drawings, and Light Drawings that reference the development of his work in glass series. The artist has always used drawing to convey his concepts to his glassblowing team, and the drawings themselves are a unique body of two-dimensional work.
For more information, visit www.schantzgalleries.com
– A.J.
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Vance Gilbert featured in workshop and concert
GREAT BARRINGTON — Singer-songwriter Vance Gilbert will offer a workshop and concert at the Guthrie Center in Great Barrington on August 6. Gilbert began his career as a jazz and cocktail lounge singer and found a deeper creativity when he took up performing as a craftsman of his own words and melodies. His storyteller’s craft encompasses an almost unequaled rapport with his audience.
The afternoon workshop is geared to performers, budding performers, or anyone interested in the art of stage performance. Vance calls it a “collision course,” in an “open mic-ish atmosphere,” a chance to pick up and hone some skills that will make your own song and its presentation shine.
The workshop will be held from 1-4 p.m., and the concert will start at 8 p.m. (with doors opening at 6:30). Tickets for the workshop are $35 or $25 with the purchase of a show ticket. Concert tickets are $35. Tickets can be purchased by visiting theguthriecenter.simpletix.com or calling (413) 528-1955.
Proof of vaccination or of a negative COVID test within the past 24 hours required for both the workshop and the show. Masking indoors is highly recommended.
– A.J.
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Moby-Dick themed exhibit opens in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD — Herman Melville’s epic novel Moby-Dick, written at his historic Pittsfield home Arrowhead, was published in 1851. More than 170 years later the novel and its themes still inspire artists. Beginning August 5, the Berkshire County Historical Society presents an exhibition of works by contemporary artists Jim Jasper and Christopher Volpe that explore many of these themes including the effect of industrialization on the natural world, ethnic stereotypes, queerness, and disability. The exhibition runs through August 26 and is being presented at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in downtown Pittsfield.
Exhibition Curator Erin Hunt worked with Jasper and Volpe to choose works from two of the artists’ large series of works. Jasper’s Moby Dick is a single work comprised of 140 drawings, each representing a single chapter from Melville’s novel.
Volpe’s works include selections from his Loomings series, which combines tar, oil paint and occasionally gold leaf. Volpe has also created new works for the exhibition, and his pieces represent the novel’s apocalyptic vision of the American quest.
On August 5 at 5 p.m., an opening reception for the exhibit will be held at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Downtown Pittsfield. Join artists Jim Jasper and Christopher Volpe for the first look at their exhibition. Refreshments will be served.
Each featured artist will offer an Artist Talk during August. Jasper’s Artist Talk will be held on August 10 at 5:30 p.m., and Volpe’s Artist Talk will be held on August 24 at 5:30 p.m.
– A.J.
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Clark Art Institute presents traditional Cambodian dance performance by Angkor Dance Troupe
WILLIAMSTOWN—In conjunction with its current exhibition, Rodin in the United States: Confronting the Modern, the Clark Art Institute will host a performance by the Angkor Dance Troupe (ADT), nationally recognized as one of the most accomplished and experienced United States-based Cambodian traditional arts organizations. The performance will take place on Saturday, August 6 at 4 p.m. in the Clark’s auditorium.
Based out of Lowell, Massachusetts, the ADT takes Auguste Rodin’s thrilled, feverish response to the royal dancers of Cambodia—an encounter that led to Rodin making about 150 watercolors of the costumed dancers—as an opportunity to explore the history of preserving Cambodian dance over the intervening 116 years, and a chance to connect across war and the diaspora.
On view in the Clark Center Galleries through September 18, 2022, Rodin in the United States explores how American museums and collectors embraced the artist’s sculptures and drawings, and traces the arc of his reputation and legacy since the first U.S. museum acquisition was made in 1893 by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Presenting more than seventy works from more than thirty collections, this is the largest Rodin exhibition presented in more than forty years.
Tickets are $10 ($8 for members, $7 for students, and $5 for children 12 and under). For more information and to reserve tickets, visit clarkart.edu/events.
– A.J.
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Jacob’s Garden offers free tour
BECKET – A free tour of Jacob’s Garden, on the Jacob’s Pillow campus, will be offered on August 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Jacob’s Pillow inaugurated Jacob’s Garden in 2021 in partnership with Adam Weinert of the Dancing Farmer, LLC. The 1.5-acre garden grows fruits and vegetables and connects visitors to the land’s multiple histories, drawing direct inspiration from Ted Shawn’s original 1931 “friendship garden.”
The Garden was established with the connections between dancing, gardening, and land in mind. The unique space offers a chance for learning and reflection from all who visit.
During Saturday’s tour, visitors can tour the garden beds, apiary, rainwater harvesting system, and pollinator meadow of Jacob’s Garden. They will join in a brief stretch and moving meditation and contribute to the garden’s health by turning the compost heap. Visitors are advised to wear clothes they can move in and bring gloves, if possible. The tour will meet at the Welcome Center before walking along George Carter Road.
For more information, and to register for the free event, visit https://www.jacobspillow.org/events/public-tours-of-jacobs-garden-2022/.
– A.J.
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Becket Arts Center announces two events
BECKET–The annual Member Show at the Becket Arts Center will open on Friday, August 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.. There will be a free reception for the artists from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 6.
The Becket Arts Center will also host its fourth annual Open Studios DriveAbout on Saturday, August 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drive along the scenic Hilltown roads to meet the artists at their studios and at the historic Becket Arts Center.
For more information about the artists and a map to their locations, please see https://www.becketartscenter.org/2022-driveabout. For general information,visit www.becketartscenter.org
– A.J.
