October First Fridays Artswalk in downtown Pittsfield
Pittsfield— Tonight, Friday, October 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the First Fridays Artswalk in downtown Pittsfield returns.
Enjoy an Art Market on Dunham Mall with live music from Star nii, a professional percussionist and composer from Accra, Ghana; a live art demonstration, opening receptions, open studios, and a free ‘Kids’ Paint & Sip’ at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Highlights include Living in Recovery’s “PhotoVoice” at Barrington Stage Company’s Wolfson Center in which Living in Recovery took photos around the city of what recovery, addiction, and hope mean to them. The outcome of this work is impressive – over 40 images and quotes from individuals in our community, expressing themselves in a way not often heard or seen.
Another highlight is “The Journey III”, an exhibition featuring the work of fifteen artists from different countries in Latin America and Europe, presented by “Katunemo: Art & Healing” at Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. The artists will share about their culture, language, traditions, roots, and different perspectives about life.
October themed-highlights include Mollie Kellogg’s “Incognito Witches”. “Tis the season for witches!” Experience hidden magick revealed in Mollie Kellogg’s Incognito Witch paintings and drawings during the First Fridays Artswalk and all month long. Visitors can meet Mollie at a reception at Marchetti Headquarters at 314 North Street.
In “The Fantastical Artwork of Kit Curry”, Kit Curry’s serenely apocalyptic artwork draws upon those primordial beliefs, animism, witchcraft, the occult, that modernity and so-called enlightenment have failed to entirely exorcise. Kit creates figurative and illustrative black and white chiaroscuro drawings in which witches and goblins dance amidst a crumbling world. Kit Curry’s artwork serves as a reminder of the mystery, terror, and delight of the strange world we inhabit at Witch Slapped at 78 North Street.
Soma’s Aromas will host a reception with in-house artist, Nina Silver. Nina enjoys working in many mediums, including abstract oil painting, ceramic sculpture, printing, collage, and the fiber arts. At Soma’s Aroma’s, Nina has focused on highlighting collage and photo montage of surreal images that are placed together to tell unique stories. She has hundreds of them spanning many years of creative energy.
The walk is on Friday, October 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Pittsfield. Download the Downtown Pittsfield app in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone. A digital tour can be found online. More information can be found online or by calling 413-443-6501.
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Haunted Hancock at Hancock Shaker Village
Hancock— On select dates though October 28th at 7 p.m., Hancock Shaker Village presents “Haunted Hancock”, a spine-chilling evening of ghosts and mystery!
Walk the dark paths of the village, venture into the Brick Dwelling and the Trustees’ Office, and listen to true tales of ghostly sightings of Shakers who once lived there, and perhaps still do. Explore some of the spookiest parts of the Village and learn about the Shakers’ role in the spiritualist movement.
The tours run on select dates through October 28th at 7 p.m. Tours last about 75 minutes, and include walking over uneven terrain and climbing several flights of stairs, and are suitable for ages 12 and up. Admission is $30 and $27 for members. Reservations are required. Tickets and more information can be found online.
On Saturdays, October 21st and 28th at 5 p.m., the Village presents 45-minute kid-friendly version of the tour. “Haunted Hancock for Kids!” is a tour of Shaker ghosts and mystery especially designed for kids ages 8 to 12 (and at least one adult companion). The walking tour includes a visit to the Brick Dwelling as well as time outside. Costumes welcome! Admission is $15, $13.50 for members, $10 for children, and $9 for child members. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Sail and sketch with Olana and Hudson Ferry Co.
Hudson, N.Y. — On Saturday, October 7 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., sail and sketch with Olana and Hudson Ferry Co., a special boat tour and workshop provided in collaboration with The Olana Partnership and the Hudson Ferry Co.
During this 90-minute tour and sketching expedition, participants will take in the river and its surroundings like a Hudson River School painter. Participate in drawing exercises, hone your observational skills, and get inspired by learning more about the techniques and practices of 19th Century artist Frederic Church. This special voyage will culminate with a view of Olana, Church’s masterwork and family home on the Hudson.
The tour and workshop is on Saturday, October 7 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. departing from Henry Hudson Riverfront Park in Hudson. It is open to all ages and skill levels. Tickets are $50, $45 for seniors, and $40 for children. Drawing materials will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own additional supplies. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Pride presents a witchy terrarium workshop
Pittsfield— On Monday, October 9th 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Berkshire Pride presents a Witchy Terrarium workshop.
Craft a magical world with Witchy Terrariums! Get ready to experience the magic at Berkshire Pride with The Plant Connector! You won’t want to miss the opportunity to create your very own witchy terrarium. Witch Slapped will be providing mini-crystals that will take your terrarium to the next level!
The workshop is on Monday, October 9th 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkshire Pride on Depot Street in Pittsfield. There is a $10 suggested donation. More information can be found online.
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Toasting & Tasting for Berkshire South fundraiser for financial assistance program
Great Barrington— On Saturday, October 14th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., share a taste of community at Toasting & Tasting for Berkshire South, the Community Center’s beer, wine, and spirit tasting fundraiser to support its financial assistance program.
The event features the Michael Junkins Trio, light fare from KJ Nosh, beverages from local alcohol purveyors, a silent auction, a mystery Wine Pull, a free photo booth, and more fun activities.
“Berkshire South Regional Community Center awards nearly $125,000 annually through our financial assistance program. We live our mission that all are welcome regardless of ability to pay,” said Jenise Lucey, Executive Director of BSRCC. “This year, our financial assistance program applications have already exceeded last year’s total applications. As community need grows, so do the number of applications. No one qualified has ever been turned away.”
Funds from Berkshire South’s Financial Assistance Program go to preschoolers, students in our after-school care, aquatics, fitness and wellness class attendees, those in our adaptive needs classes, and even summer campers in need.
The event is on Saturday, October 14th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Berkshire South on Crissey Road in Great Barrington. Tickets are $45, $38 in advance, and $35 in advance for young professionals under age 40. Tickets and more information can be found online or by calling 413-528-2810.
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Great Barrington Historical Society antiques sale, flea market, and ‘Barn & Book’ sale
Great Barrington— On Saturday, October 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Great Barrington Historical Society presents their fundraising antiques sale, flea market, and ‘Barn & Book’ sale.
This is going to be a fun sale on the lawns and in the barns of the Great Barrington Historical Society Headquarters. You’ll find lots of good surprises, vintage and antique items, crafts, good books, collectibles, jewelry, man cave stuff, art, prints, toys, furniture, signs, country decor, and so much more.
The sale is on Saturday, October 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Barrington Historical Society Headquarters on South Main Street (Route 7), across from the VFW. The rain date is Sunday, October 8th.
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Supermarket selects Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County for community bag program
Pittsfield— Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County (LVBC) has been selected by Stop & Shop to benefit from the Community Bag Program during the month of October.
During the month, the volunteer organization will receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable community bag sold at the supermarket’s 660 Merrill Road, Pittsfield location.
Funds raised will help LVBC continue to provide free, confidential one-on-one tutoring to adults in basic literacy and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). More information can be found online or by calling 413-499-9487.
