Editor’s Note: We had so much news that we decided to break Bits & Bytes into two parts. This is the first part.
TurnPark Art Space presents “Vladimir Zimakov: Random Turns” with an opening reception and afterparty
West Stockbridge— Through October 30th, TurnPark Art Space presents “Vladimir Zimakov: Random Turns” with an opening reception and afterparty on Saturday, September 16th.
Zimakov’s work captures imaginary moments and narratives, based on emotions, intuition and irrationality. Concepts such as inspiration, obsession, temptation, irony, and madness are transformed into concrete and vivid images, where various characters are assembled to interact with each other and their environment. Everyday common occurrences are juxtaposed with absurd and nonsensical situations. There is an attempt to make sense of our own actions and interactions, through visual metaphors and humor, often going beyond logic and reason.
Vladimir Zimakov is a Boston-based artist, printmaker and illustrator, specializing in techniques such as charcoal drawing, linocut, silkscreen and letterpress among other traditional and digital media. He is the Professor of Art and Design and the Director of the Wedeman Art Gallery at Lasell University, located in Newton. Vladimir has earned a Master of Art Degree in Communication Design from Central St. Martins College in London. He has illustrated books and designed book covers for the world’s leading publishing houses such as Penguin, Random House, Faber and Faber, Centipede Press, the Folio Society, Oxford University Press, as well as fine press publishers – Foolscap Press and Mad Parrot Press, among others. He also creates his own limited-edition books under the imprint Wild Pangolin Press. His most recent book is based on the nonsensical poem by Lewis Carroll, “Haddocks’ Eyes”. Vladimir’s work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in America and Europe.
The exhibit runs through October 30th at the TurnPark Art Space on Moscow Road in West Stockbridge, on view Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is an opening reception and artist talk from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 16th followed by music and an afterparty from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. More information can be found online. Additionally, a section of the artist’s work can be viewed online.
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Gedney Farm opens “Storyboard Series”, paintings by JD Logan with an art event and opening reception
New Marlborough— On Thursday, September 14th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Gedney Farm opens “Storyboard Series”, paintings by JD Logan with an art event and opening reception.
The collection on display at Gedney Farm includes several current works of acrylics on canvas, in a variety of sizes. All works featured are part of a new storyboard series. The artist notes that “the sections of each piece somehow represent the chapters in a book, acts in a play, parts of our personalities, or phases of our lives.”
Logan’s work is a bold expression of his journey as a self taught artist that began 25 years ago. He says, “My hope is that my artwork somehow captures and shares the energy and emotions that created it.”
The opening event is on Thursday, September 14th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Gedney Farm on Hartsville-New Marlborough Road in New Marlborough. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The reception is followed by an optional dinner at the restaurant. Advanced reservations are recommended by emailing peterm@gedneyfarm.com or calling 413-229-3131 ext. 1.
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American Mural Project presents One Time Weekend to conclude the LIVE @AMP 2023 Concert Series
Winsted— On Saturday, September 16th at 8 p.m., American Mural Project (AMP) presents One Time Weekend, the shred-funk-reggae rock quartet, to conclude the LIVE @AMP 2023 Concert Series.
Celebrated for their high-energy, genre-bending rock performances, One Time Weekend will perform hits from their latest album “Fire It Up”. Expect adrenaline-pumping, electric guitar solos, rugged piano riffs, and rapid-fire vocals. Double lead guitarists Adam Eytan and Zac Mulcahy shred over Ian D’Arcangelo’s funky bass lines and dynamic vocals, supported by drummer Ben “Beano” Sullivan’s rhythmic energy on percussion.
Opening for One Time Weekend are young jam musicians Ruby Leftstep, bringing a genre-bending set of rock and alternative rock performances.
“The LIVE @AMP series ends on a high note with a high energy show by One Time Weekend and Ruby Leftstep. One Time Weekend’s motto, ‘we groove, you move,’ perfectly describes the concert experience in American Mural Project’s one-of-a-kind gallery space,” says Michelle Begley, Director of Programming for LIVE @AMP.
With the mural as a backdrop to the music, the gallery space offers an artsy club atmosphere with three tiers of viewing and mingling. American Mural Project (AMP) is home to the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, a three-dimensional mural 120 feet long and five stories high. The mural is a tribute to American workers and seeks to inspire, to educate, to invite collaboration, and to reveal to people of all ages the many contributions they can make to their communities—and the world. More than 15,000 children and adults have contributed artistically to the mural, to date. The exhibit is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10am–5pm, and Sundays, 12–5pm.
The concert is on Saturday, September 16th at 8 p.m. at the American Mural Project on Whiting Street in Winsted. Tickets are $10 to $35. There will be a cash bar and refreshments available for purchase. The doors open at 7 p.m. for guests to explore the exhibit. More information can be found online.
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The Mac-Haydn Theatre’s 2023 season concludes with 50s and 60s jukebox musical, ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’
Chatham— Running through September 17th, the Mac-Haydn Theatre’s 2023 season concludes with 50s and 60s jukebox musical, “The Marvelous Wonderettes”.
Created by Roger Bean, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is a jukebox blast from the past. It’s the night of the 1958 Springfield High School prom, and the night’s entertainment consists of four best friends; Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy. As they navigate life, love and the Prom Queen competition, the girls serenade with the classics from the decade. Ten years later, the girl group reunites stronger than ever, learning that the power of friendship will always keep them together—bonded forever in four-part harmony.
Audiences will hear favorite 50s and 60s hits like “Mr. Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “Respect,” and “It’s In His Kiss,” “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is guaranteed to have audiences humming along in their seats.
The show runs through September 17th at the Mac-Haydn Theatre on NY-203 in Chatham. Tickets are $45. Tickets and more information can be found online or by calling 518-392-9292.
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The Bookstore in Lenox presents poetry readings from David Giannini’s ‘Already Long Ago’ and Lewis Warsh’s ‘Elixir’
Lenox— On Thursday, September 14th at 4 p.m., The Bookstore in Lenox presents of poetry read from David Giannini’s new book “Already Long Ago”, plus friends of the late Lewis Warsh will read from his posthumously published book of poetry, “Elixir”.
David Giannini’s ‘Already Long Ago’ and Lewis Warsh’s ‘Elixir’.
The event is on Thursday, September 14th at 4 p.m. at The Bookstore in Lenox on Housatonic Street in Lenox. The public is invited. The reading will be followed by a book signing and both books will be available for purchase. For more information please call 413-637-3390 or email bookstoreinlenox@gmail.com.
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The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, as part of Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Community series at Knesset Israel, presents ‘Moments to Remember: Stories About Living and Loving’ with Dick Macht
Pittsfield— On Thursday, September 14th at 10:45 a.m., join Yiddish scholar, educator, writer, and raconteur Dick Macht, Ph.D., for an in-person reading of autobiographical short stories that are filled with love, laughter, kindness, compassion, understanding, joy, sorrow, and happiness. The program is about living and loving fully. Macht will share personal stories that represent what it means to be fully alive.
This free program is on Thursday, September 14th at 10:45 a.m. at at Knesset Israel on Colt Road in Pittsfield, followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $3 suggested donation for adults over 60 or $7 for all others. Reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling 413-442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. More information can be found online.
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OLLI: the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College presents the ‘Berkshire Theatre Critics Panel’
Pittsfield— On Thursday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m., OLLI: the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College presents the “Berkshire Theatre Critics Panel”.
Online, free, and open to all, the Berkshire Theatre Critics Panel returns for an in-depth discussion and review of the 2023 theatre season in the Berkshires. The discussion will be moderated by Naomi Spatz. Participating theatre critics include Peter Bergman of The Berkshire Edge and Berkshire Bright Focus, Jeff Borak of the Berkshire Eagle, and Macey Levin, Barbara Waldinger, and Jeannie Woods of Berkshire On Stage. Hear their thoughts on the hits and misses of the 2023 season and add your contribution!
The virtual discussion is on Thursday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Register online or by calling 413-236-2190.
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MASSCreative announces organizing and advocacy fellowship
Massachusetts— MASSCreative has opened applications for their year-long creative advocacy fellowship program. The Organizing and Advocacy Fellowship is a stipended year-long advocacy leadership development cohort for artivists, creative workers, and emerging cultural leaders to sharpen their organizing skills and grow their advocacy capacity for a more equitable and inclusive creative sector.
Over 12 months, fellows will work with experienced organizers, cultural leaders and political strategists to address critical arts and cultural policy issues in their communities. The Fellowship is led by MASSCreative’s Director of Organizing, Richeline Cadet, an experienced community organizer.
“For a decade, MASSCreative has worked with the creative community for stronger, more united advocacy during election cycles and budget campaigns,” said Emily Ruddock, Executive Director at MASSCreative. “We are proud to relaunch a program dedicated to supporting strong local and regional advocacy leaders focused on making change on cultural policy issues facing their communities.”
The program is scheduled to start the first week of November and will meet both in person and virtually. Interested applicants can submit their application to be considered through September 22nd. Fellowship details and applications are available online. The application takes approximately thirty to forty-five minutes to complete. All questions can be directed to Richeline Cadet at rcadet@mass-creative.org.
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Call for Becket Cultural Council Grant applications
Becket— The Becket Cultural Council provides grants to community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs that benefit the Becket community. Priority is given to organizations, projects, events, and programs that support the local community, emphasize cultural diversity, and offer experiences for local residents to enjoy.
Applications are accepted that specifically benefit the local Becket community, supported through local venues, have dates, times, and local sponsorship already established. Grant applications for the 2024 cycle will be accepted through October 17th. The application process is via the Mass Cultural Council online or contact Cathy Terwedow at cterwedo@gmail.com for more information.
