Chesterwood to throw a closing party for the annual contemporary sculpture exhibition with a site-specific light show by Joe Wheaton
Stockbridge— On Saturday, October 19th from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m., Chesterwood to throw a closing party for “Birth of a Shadow,” the annual contemporary sculpture exhibition with a site-specific light show by Joe Wheaton.
“Birth of a Shadow” is a site-specific contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibition, guest curated by gallerist Lauren Clark of Lauren Clark Fine Art and Childs + Clark Gallery. Clark has chosen seven regional sculptors whose work serves as an evocative exploration of the intersection between light, space, and form – thoughtfully placed throughout Chesterwood’s woodland walks and grounds. The artists include Peter Barrett, Peter Dellert, DeWitt Godfrey, Wendy Klemperer, Michael Thomas, Natalie Tyler and Joe Wheaton.
The evening begins with an optional tour led by several of the exhibiting artists and concludes with a wine and cheese reception and a site-specific light show projected onto the façade of the historic studio by sculptor and video producer Joe Wheaton. These projections will combine unrelated topics and subject matter to create a new world where context and recognizable imagery is reimagined. Paired with sound, the result is a dreamlike and curious reality full of surprise and engagement. The artist’s hope is to saturate the viewer and leave the mind reeling with treats and wonder.
The free event is on Saturday, October 19th from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. at Chesterwood at 4 Williamsville Road in Stockbridge. Reservations and more information can be found online.
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The Clark and The Mahaiwe present The Met: Live in HD’s production of ‘Grounded’
Williamstown/Great Barrington— On Saturday, October 19th at 1 p.m., The Clark and The Mahaiwe present The Met: Live in HD’s production of “Grounded.”
Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori’s powerful new opera “Grounded” premieres at the Metropolitan Opera, wrestling with often-overlooked issues created by twenty first-century war-making. Canadian mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo stars as the hotshot fighter pilot whose unplanned pregnancy takes her out of the cockpit and lands her in Las Vegas, operating a Reaper drone halfway around the world. American tenor Ben Bliss co-stars as the Wyoming rancher Eric in a production by Michael Mayer that brings this story to life in a high-tech staging which presents a variety of perspectives on the action.
The presentation is on Saturday, October 19th at 1 p.m. at The Clark at 225 South Street in Williamstown and at The Mahaiwe at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. More information can be found online (The Clark/The Mahaiwe.)
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Berkshire Bach Society concludes Harpsichord Festival with ‘Skeletons of the Opera’ played by Elliot Figg and Caitlyn Koester
Stockbridge— On Saturday, October 19th at 4 p.m., the Berkshire Bach Society (BBS) concludes its Harpsichord Festival with “Skeletons of the Opera,” a concert of Baroque opera transcriptions for harpsichord, four hands, played Elliot Figg and Caitlyn Koester at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church.
“Berkshire Bach is delighted to present our harpsichord recitalists in this special program of theatrical music,” said Terrill McDade, Executive Director of The Berkshire Bach Society. “It’s an opportunity to hear these wonderful musicians play the music from arguably the most important invention of the Baroque era—opera—with all the drama, contrasts, and different humors that characterize theatre music of the period.”
The duo will showcase theatre music by Henry Purcell, G.F. Handel, J-B Lully, and the rarely-heard Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, musician to Louis XIV and one of the few well-known women composers of the time. The program provides the opportunity to hear the distinct national flavors of English and French opera side-by-side before Handel established the international style that reigned for a quarter century and influenced every contemporary composer, including J.S. Bach.
The concert is on Saturday, October 19th at 4 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church at 29 Main Street in Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire South’s ‘Toasting & Tasting’ fundraising event
Great Barrington— On Saturday, October 19th at 4 p.m., let the workweek fade away at “Toasting & Tasting for Berkshire South,” the Community Center’s beer, wine, and spirit tasting event to raise funds for the center’s operations.
At 4 p.m., enjoy fine wines and spirits paired with bites by After Hours Catering presented by sommelier Dan Thomas of the Egremont Spirit Shoppe. At 6 p.m., sip a selection of local libations from Progression Brewing Company, Higher Bar, Cooper’s Daughter, Dare Bottleshop & Provisions, and Domaney’s Liquors & Fine Wines, to name a few. There will also be a mocktail station featuring seasonal spirit-free beverages and a special wine-infused sorbet for dessert from SoCo Creamery. Drinks will be served alongside hearty hors d’oeuvres by Jae’s. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by The Michael Junkins Group and there will be a robust silent auction filled with gift certificates, home goods, and services from your favorite Berkshire businesses.
“Funds raised at this year’s event will directly support initiatives such as the center’s aquatics programs for all ages and abilities, our free teen wellness programming, free community suppers, early childhood and after-school care, and our financial aid program, which creates greater access to our services,” notes Executive Director Jenise Lucey. “Our goal is to raise $200,000 in support of these essential services that are the lifeblood of our community center, touching the lives of thousands each year.”
The event is on Saturday, October 19th at 4 p.m. at Berkshire South at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Ward’s Nursery ‘Repotting Your Orchids,’ nursery class
Great Barrington— On Sunday, October 27th at 10 a.m., Ward’s Nursery hosts “Repotting Your Orchids,” a nursery class.
Are your orchids climbing out of their containers? Ward’s staff will work with you to re-pot your orchid. The $15 fee includes instruction, choice of planting mix, and one simple terra cotta orchid pot. Plan to bring your own orchid that has outgrown its container or a new orchid. Participants need to supply their own pruners or small scissors and gloves.
The class is on Sunday, October 27th at 10 a.m. at Ward’s Nursery and Garden Center at 600 Main Street in Great Barrington. Due to limited seating, Ward’s requests participants pre-register online or by calling 413-528-0166.
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Harmonize your health through nature at Olana
Hudson, N.Y.— On Saturday, October 19th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., ground yourself in Olana’s landscape and use the natural world as an inspiration for improving your physical and mental health.
Taking place in Olana’s outdoor Mingled Flower Garden, participants will explore how to bring nature more deeply into their lives to expand their general well-being. Guided by Certified Health Coach, Hildi Kaufmann, participants will learn how to use the rhythm of nature to improve sleep, mood, and focus. This program will include meditation and mindfulness exercises inspired by Olana’s natural environment, information on nutritional wellness, and open discussion.
Hildi Kaufmann is a Certified Health Coach trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the oldest and largest health coaching school in the world. Her Health Coaching business, Hildi B Well, has helped numerous clients transform their health and well-being and she has used her Health Coaching skills to help others throughout her life. Hildi has volunteered at Katchkie Farm, teaching children to appreciate nature and encouraging youth in Columbia County and beyond to eat from Mother Earth.
The program is on Saturday, October 19th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Olana State Historic Site at 5720 State Route 9G in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.
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Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. presents ‘Downtown Pittsfield… It’s Alive! Night Circus and Kids’ Zone’
Pittsfield— On Saturday, October 19th from noon to 7 p.m., Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. presents “Downtown Pittsfield… It’s Alive! Night Circus and Kids’ Zone” to celebrate the Halloween season.
This year’s event will feature two parts, a Kids’ Zone on the St. Joseph’s Church lawn from noon to to 3 p.m., and a Night Circus from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dunham Mall, North Street, and School Street. Highlights of the Kids’ Zone include bounce house, arts and crafts, games, face painting, hula-hooping, giveaways, live entertainment including Terry A La Berry and Pudgy, LaLoopna Hoops, live stilt walking, and a Star Wars-themed performance by Opal Raven Cirque.
Highlights of the Night Circus include live music by the Housie Shakers, fire dancing with Opal Raven Cirque, belly dancing by Rosebud Red, a beer garden at Hot Plate Brewing Co., food vendors, Tarot and Rune readings, Caricatures by Matt Bernson, face-painting for adults, and vendors.
The event is on Saturday, October 19th from noon to 7 p.m. in Downtown Pittsfield. Costumes are encouraged. More information including a full schedule of events can be found online.
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Becket Arts Center to host ‘A Rocky Horror Picture Show’ pre-Halloween party
Becket— On Saturday, October 19th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Becket Arts Center will host a pre-Halloween party featuring “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The 21+ party will include games, dancing, and light snacks. Costumes are encouraged. Donations are welcome. More information can be found online.
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Great Barrington Department of Parks and Recreation presets the first annual Hilda Banks Shapiro Day
Great Barrington— On Saturday, October 19th from 1 p.m to 3 p.m., the Great Barrington Department of Parks and Recreation presents the first annual Hilda Banks Shapiro Day.
The event celebrates the life and service of Shapiro, the indefatigable pianist, activist, and a writer herself who died last summer at the age of 95. After her death, the Great Barrington Select Board, joined by state Representative Smitty Pignatelli, issued a proclamation that “this extraordinary, exemplary woman be honored by a day in autumn, her favorite season.”
Along with music, trees, dogs, and the Boston Red Sox, Hilda Shapiro loved poetry. To that end, the first annual Hilda Banks Shapiro Day will feature poets and writers of all stripes reading their work at the gazebo behind Great Barrington Town Hall. Wordsmiths, professional and amateur, young and old, are invited to participate with their poems, prose, and puns.
The event is on Saturday, October 19th from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. at the gazebo behind Great Barrington Town Hall on Main Street in Great Barrington. The rain date is October 20th.
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Railroad Street Youth Project’s South Berkshire Community Health Coalition and the Center for Motivation and Change: Foundation for Change caregiver workshop
Great Barrington— On Saturday, October 19th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Railroad Street Youth Project’s South Berkshire Community Health Coalition and the Center for Motivation and Change: Foundation for Change present a half-day workshop designed for caregivers and community partners that support youth on ways to support someone struggling with addiction through the Invitation to Change Approach (ITC.)
The workshop will be led by Dr. Jeffrey Foote and Meg Murray. Dr. Jeffrey Foote is a psychologist and nationally recognized clinical research scientist with over 30 years of experience utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches for the treatment of substance use issues and post-traumatic stress. He is co-founder of Motivation and Change and co-founder and executive director of the residential program. He is co-author of the award-winning book “Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change,” a practical guide for families dealing with addiction and substance problems in a loved one.
Meg Murray is the Executive Director for Foundation for Change. She received her B.S. in Journalism from Boston University. She draws from her experience working alongside clients in treatment, as well as her own experience helping her family navigate a loved one through recovery. Meg brings passion and a drive to effect change by empowering parents and other family members who stand by their loved one’s side.
The Invitation to Change (ITF) approach is a holistic, evidence-backed approach to helping a loved one struggling with substance use of other compulsive behaviors. Based in science and kindness, this workshop will provide a set of down-to-earth, compassionate techniques for helping your loved one while staying connected to and grounded in your own values. This training will help parents and caregivers untangle substance use, improve communication, build trust, maintain healthy boundaries, and restore connection.
The free workshop is on Saturday, October 19th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkshire South Regional Community Center at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. Registration and more information can be found online.