Tuesday, December 3, 2024

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: ‘Frederic Church’s Atmospheric Eye’ at Olana; Mad Rose Gallery presents ‘Reprise 2023-2024’; Edison Mazda collection at Norman Rockwell Museum; Mary Cella and Pedro Salinas at The Foundry; LEGO® Thanksgiving turkeys at Bottomless Bricks; Berkshire Grown’s winter farmers markets return

Inspired by mid-19th century advances in the scientific study of natural phenomena, Frederic Church made repeated oil studies, sketches, and dramatic finished canvas paintings depicting atmospheric spectacles produced by the effects of sunlight, including rainbows, sunbeams, and the aurora borealis.

The Olana Partnership presents ‘A Closer Look: Frederic Church’s Atmospheric Eye’ at Olana State Historic Site

Hudson, N.Y.— From November 24th through January 5th, The Olana Partnership presents “A Closer Look: Frederic Church’s Atmospheric Eye” at Olana State Historic Site, the first installation of the “A Closer Look” series.

Frederic Church carefully studied the world around him, incorporating those observations into his paintings, guiding the viewer’s eye through his composed landscapes, and encouraging them to take “A Closer Look.” This winter, the Olana Partnership invites you to discover works of art through close looking, observation, and conversation. Unfolding over four months and  featuring a series of four themed artwork installations, visitors will be encouraged to slow down, open their minds to discover Frederic Church’s art in new ways, and spend time in close dialogue with select artworks from the Olana collection.

Inspired by mid-19th century advances in the scientific study of natural phenomena, Frederic Church made repeated oil studies, sketches, and dramatic finished canvas paintings depicting atmospheric spectacles produced by the effects of sunlight, including rainbows, sunbeams, and the aurora borealis. In “A Closer Look: Frederic Church’s Atmospheric Eye,” enjoy a close examination of two of Church’s intimate painted studies of these atmospheric phenomena.

The exhibit runs from November 24th through January 5th at Olana State Historic Site, located at 5720 State Route 9G in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.

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Mad Rose Gallery presents ‘Reprise 2023-2024’

Millerton, N.Y.— On Saturday, November 23rd from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Mad Rose Gallery presents “Reprise 2023-2024,” a special showcase of highlights from the gallery’s 2023 and 2024 exhibitions, perfect for discovering meaningful and timeless holiday gifts

This curated collection features:

• The evocative photography of Kerry Madigan, capturing moments with emotional depth.

• Iconic works by Ruth Orkin, renowned for her compelling human narratives.

• The bold, contemporary perspective of Han Feng, transforming everyday objects into art.

• The poignant street photography of Fred Stein, freezing life’s fleeting moments.

• Vibrant, textured canvases by painter Francine Lyshak, whose expressive brushstrokes radiate life.

  • Selected treasures from the gallery’s Africa Collection, celebrating rich cultural artistry.

Together, these extraordinary artists illuminate the beauty of visual storytelling across time and culture. Discover fine art that inspires connection and creates lasting memories this holiday season.

Han Feng. Courtersy of Mad Rose Gallery.

The event is on Saturday, November 23rd from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mad Rose Gallery, located at  5916 North Elm Avenue in Millerton, N.Y. More information can be found online. 

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Norman Rockwell Museum presents the first-ever public showcase of ‘Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish’ from the Edison Mazda collection

Stockbridge— From November 23rd to to January 4th, the Norman Rockwell Museum is honored to present the first-ever public showcase of a rare series of luminous, richly painted early twentieth century lighting advertisements by Norman Rockwell, and fellow Golden Age illustrators, created for Edison Mazda Lamps, a division of the General Electric Company.

In 1920, the young but accomplished illustrator Norman Rockwell was commissioned by General Electric to create a series of paintings for their Edison Mazda Lamp Works division to be used to advertise tungsten filament light bulbs. Rockwell worked with Bruce Barton of Barton, Durstine & Osborn on the project, a New York agency commissioned by General Electric to market Edison Mazda bulbs through a series of ads emphasizing the virtues of electric light. Barton’s poetic copy and the emotive imagery created by Rockwell and other artists was synthesized to convey the beauty, wonder, and life-changing qualities of light, making the campaign an unequivocal success.

Norman Rockwell, And the Symbol of Welcome is Light (Guests Arriving at a Party), 1920. Advertising illustration for Edison Mazda Lamps. Oil on canvas. Collection of GE Aerospace.

The exhibit runs from November 23rd to to January 4th at the Norman Rockwell Museum, located at 9 Glendale Road in Stockbridge. More information can be found online. 

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The Foundry presents Stand-Up Comedy by Mary Cella and Pedro Salinas

West Stockbridge— On Friday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents Stand-Up Comedy by Mary Cella and Pedro Salinas. 

Mary Cella is a stand-up comedian and writer based in Brooklyn. Her stand-up has been featured on the BBC, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Jezebel, Comedy Central, and more. She grew up in Berkshire County and returns often because it’s the only place where she feels comfortable skiing in jeans.

Pedro Salinas is a comedian and writer based in New York. His stand-up has appeared on HBO Max and he has toured with Shane Gillis, Matt McCusker, and James Austin Johnson. He is the co-creator and director of “After School Program,” a talk show starring JT Parr featuring interviews with scientists and intellectuals. He also hosts the podcast “Hello, Dear.”

Mary Cella and Pedro Salinas. Courtesy The Foundry.

The event is on Friday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. The doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Build your own LEGO® Thanksgiving turkey at Bottomless Bricks

Pittsfield— On Wednesday, November 27th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Build your own LEGO® Thanksgiving turkey at Bottomless Bricks.

Drop by Bottomless Bricks on the day before Thanksgiving to build your own Thanksgiving Turkey made of LEGO® bricks. For only $6 plus tax, participants can create and take home a fun, festive turkey to add to their holiday decor. No preregistration is needed — just stop in and join the fun!

Courtesy Bottomless Bricks

The event is on Wednesday, November 27th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bottomless Bricks, located at 163 South Street, Suite 4, in Pittsfield. More information can be found online. 

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Berkshire Grown’s winter farmers markets return

Housatonic/North Adams— Berkshire Grown’s winter farmers markets return this Saturday, November 23rd in Housatonic and this Sunday, November 24th in North Adams.

At both locations, you’ll find local produce, meat, dairy, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, and more. The North Adams location also hosts a mini maker market featuring local artisans. Shop fresh local food and artisan crafts for the holidays!

Courtesy Berkshire Grown.

The markets are on Saturday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Housy Dome, located at 1064 Main Street in Housatonic, and Sunday, November 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greylock WORKS, located at 508 State Road in North Adams. SNAP and HIP are welcome at both markets, and a $30 Market Match is offered to SNAP shoppers. Visit the market manager’s table to make the most of your benefits.

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