TapRoot Sessions presents a workshop of concert by guitarist Richard Smith.
Sheffield— On Friday, September 1st at 6 p.m., TapRoot Sessions presents a workshop and concert by guitarist Richard Smith.
Nashville based award-winning guitarist, Richard Smith has been touring internationally for over 30 years. In 2001 he won the national finger picking championship and has since forged a career as a solo artist, performing all over the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and Brazil, releasing solo, duet, and ensemble records. His other accolades include 1999 AFG Golden Thumbpick Award, 2001 National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, 2008 Thumbpicker of the Year, and in 2009, he was inducted into the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame.
His repertoire is varied and consists of old standards, swing, Joplin rags, virtuoso fingerpicking barnburners, classics, pop, and even Sousa marches to make for a fun night of musical entertainment. The guitar workshop will cover thumb independence, ear training, and techniques including flatpicking development, alternating harmonics, and banjo style rolls.
The event is on Friday, September 1st at 6 p.m. at Dewey Hall on Main Street in Sheffield. The workshop is 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and the concert is 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the workshop, $25 for the concert, or $40 for both. Refreshments including pizza by the slice will be available. Tickets and more information can be found by visiting Tap Root Sessions online.
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Local artist Jared Gelormino opens ‘Fever Dream!’ at His Daughter Paloma in Lenox
Lenox— On Saturday, August 5th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., local artist Jared Gelormino opens “Fever Dream!” at His Daughter Paloma in Lenox.
Following a year of controversy surrounding Gelormino’s outdoor sculpture “Thots and Players” at His Daughter Paloma, Gelormino will present an exhibition of his work inside the gallery.
“Fever Dream!” will leave you laughing or crying with its fine art meets dirty carnival aesthetic. Jared has taken a sprinkling of grandma’s curio cabinet, a pinch of big church energy, and a dash of razzle dazzle to fill your belly with a heaping helping of the hidden truth that Jared has found deep in America’s thrift stores.
In “FEVER DREAM!”, Gelormino has mixed together fine art sculpture, carnivals, religious shrines, thrift stores, and grandma’s house to create a one-of-a-kind pieces. Gelormino’s work contains handmade ceramic objects, housewares, and industrial materials, as well as found and reassembled objects. Jared embraces the abject complexity of western culture, specifically in relation to our perceived values in art, popular culture, and home decor.
An artist living in West Stockbridge, Jared Gelormino is the Technical Director of TurnPark Art Space and the Technical Specialist at Sheffield Pottery. Jared exhibits work regularly and has completed various residencies and academic programs around the country.
The exhibit opens Saturday, August 5th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at His Daughter Paloma on Church Street in Lenox. For more information, visit His Daughter Paloma online.
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Xtina Parks’s highly anticipated book, ‘ROAM’, launches at MASS MoCA
North Adams— On Thursday, August 17th at 6 p.m., MASS MoCA hosts photographer Xtina Parks for a book signing and conversation with MASS MoCA Senior Curator, Susan Cross. The event will commemorate the launch of Parks’s captivating coffee table book, “ROAM”, which offers intimate insight into the spirit and mesmerizing beauty of Africa’s wildlife, people, and landscapes.
Raised in Massachusetts by a Vietnamese mother and an Irish-American father, Park’s new book, “ROAM”, represents 13 years of work throughout the African Continent. This extraordinary book showcases Parks’s unique ability to transport you to the heart of the African wilderness allowing you to witness the untamed majesty of lions roaming the vast savannah, elephants gracefully meandering through the dense bush, and rhinos commanding respect in their natural habitats. Each image tells a captivating story, a testament to Parks’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and her dedication to raising awareness about the need for habitat preservation.
“This is not just a book of my photography,” shares Parks. “It is meant to be a powerful statement which resonates with the urgency of protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.” She adds, “It serves as a constant reminder of the intricate web of life and the shared responsibility we all bear in safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations.”
A past personal injury limits the length of the zoom lens that Parks can use, therefore she must be in close proximity to the animals to capture closeups. Parks’s candid and engaging storytelling accompany her breathtaking photographic images that reflect her philanthropic, humanitarian, and conservationist philosophies on Africa.
The free event is on Thursday, August 17th at 6 p.m. at MASS MoCA on MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. More information can be found by visiting MASS MoCA online.
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Private Public Gallery presents ‘The Summer Disaster Show’ exhibition
Hudson— Private Public Gallery presents “The Summer Disaster Show” exhibition opening this Saturday, August 5th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“The Summer Disaster Show” exhibition, curated by Chris Freeman, features 19 real artists living in a time of natural disaster, social rage, and calamity.
The exhibit runs from August 5th through September 4th at Private Public Gallery on Columbia Street in Hudson. For more information, visit the Private Public Gallery online.
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Berkshire Art Center and Living the Change Berkshires present ‘HOW SHALL WE LIVE? Climate Visions of Berkshire Youth Artists II’
Pittsfield— From August 4th through August 30th, Berkshire Art Center and Living the Change Berkshires present “HOW SHALL WE LIVE? Climate Visions of Berkshire Youth Artists II”, a juried exhibition of student art responding to the climate crisis.
Berkshire County students of high school age submitted artwork in one of four subject categories including “What is happening?”, “What is needed?”, “What would be lost?”, and “Vision of the future”.
The show will run August 4th through August 30th at the Berkshire Art Center on North Street in Pittsfield. The opening of the show is on Friday August 4th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m, coinciding with the First Fridays Artswalk.
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The Mount hosts the third “Walkin’ w/ WordXWord” sculpture walk curated by poet D. Colin
Lenox— This Sunday, August 6th at 5 p.m., The Mount hosts the third “Walkin’ w/ WordXWord” sculpture walk.
Wear your walking shoes and follow along as poets offer an exploration of The Mount’s grounds and selected works in the “SculptureNow” exhibition. Guest-curated by poet D. Colin, this iteration of “Walkin’ w/ WordXWord” will offer a fresh take on what is already a perennial favorite. Participating poets include Silent Quill, M.I.D.N.I.G.H.T., Ashley Wonder, Nathan Smith, Mary Panza, Courtney Symone, EL, and D. Colin.
D. Colin is a Haitian American multidisciplinary artist with an educational background in English and Africana Studies. She is a self-published author, a dynamic performer, a self-taught painter, and maker of pretty things that make bold statements. Her mantra is to “Be inspired. Then inspire.”
The free walk is on Sunday, August 6th at 5 p.m. at The Mount on Plunkett Street in Lenox. The event will take place under a tent in case of rain. For more information, visit the Mount online.
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Become a community scientist by observing moths at this free National Moth Week event
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, August 5th from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., join Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), Matthew Rymkiewicz, and Carla Rhodes for a night of “mothing”.
Every year, during the last week of July, National Moth Week celebrates the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths and helps spread awareness of these essential insects whose global populations are rapidly declining. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about, observe, and document moths in their backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. Join in for this hands-on experience and become a community scientist by contributing scientific data about moths.
The free event is on Saturday, August 5th from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at MassWildlife’s Flat Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Baker Street in West Stockbridge. Meet at the WMA parking area. Participants are welcome to join at any time and stay as long as they want. Rain will cancel. More information and registration can be found by visiting BEAT online.
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Clark Art Institute hosts writing event with Williamstown Rural Lands
Williamstown— On Monday, August 7th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., in partnership with local land trust, Williamstown Rural Lands and local publisher Tupelo Press, the Clark Art Institute hosts a pop-up write-in program.
What do we seek in nature, and in nature-writing? Is it regaining or accessing a sense of wonder about the natural world? Can a connection with our surrounding environments help us connect with others? Consider these and other questions while spending time on the Clark’s 140-acre campus for an immersive writing experience. Writing prompts and dedicated spaces are provided in the Clark’s Manton Research Center.
Producing an arts and literature review focused on the northern Berkshire natural environment, Williamstown Rural Lands and Tupelo Press invites artists and writers of all skill and experience levels to submit work for consideration.
The free event is on Monday, August 7th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. Admission to the Clark’s summer exhibition, “Humane Ecology: Eight Positions” is included for participants from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants must check in at the Manton Research Center Reading Room or the Lunder Center for complimentary tickets. For more information, visit the Clark online.
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CHP hosts “IEP 101”, a free online training for parents of children with disabilities
Great Barrington— On August 17th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., CHP Family Services hosts “IEP 101”, a free online workshop and orientation program for parents of public school children who are entitled to individualized education programming (IEP).
Children with learning disabilities are entitled to the Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is developed in collaboration with parents/caregivers and school education specialists. IEPs are intended to ensure that all students receive the best possible education and support services, regardless of ability. Parents play an important advocacy role for their children and should be aware of their children’s options and the programs available.
The meeting is hosted by Rania Markham, LCSW, and Melanie Wickwire of CHP Family Services, both parents of children with autism. This workshop will also include Educational Advocate Karen Mowery.
The online training session is on August 17th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Registration is required. Register at this link. Additional information is available by emailing Rania at rmarkham@chpberkshires.org, or by calling (413) 528-0457.
