Becket Arts Center presents a three-part song-writing workshop with musician Chris Merenda
Becket— The Becket Arts Center is offering a three-part song-writing workshop with Chris Merenda, a multi-instrumentalist and lead singer who has performed with Arlo Guthrie and the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, among other groups.
The first two three-hour sessions are on Saturday, February 15th at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and the third session is on Saturday, February 22nd at 1 p.m. Budding artists as well as seasoned professionals will benefit from this collaborative musical experience. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to join Merenda in his concert at the Becket Arts Center on February 22nd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The workshops are on February 15th and 22nd at the Becket Arts Center, located at 7 Brooker Hill Road in Becket. Bring an instrument, pencil, and paper. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute presents ‘Giornata,’ the work of artist Mariel Capanna
Williamstown— From February 15th through January 25th, The Clark Art Institute continues its art in public spaces program in 2025 with a year-long installation presenting the work of artist Mariel Capanna.
In her oil paintings, Capanna plays what she calls “games of remembering” as a way of reckoning with loss. Working from home videos and family slideshows, whose runtime is her constraint, the artist races to record fleeting memory images in oil paint. She scatters these flat, pastel forms like confetti across deep, atmospheric surfaces, creating compositions that are at once jubilant and wistful. The paintings might appear blank from a distance, but reveal a frenzy of marks up close. Capanna prepares her canvases with layers of atmospheric color then paints quickly from home videos and family slideshows without hitting pause. While her low contrast linework appears faint from the front, it is more visible from the side: Capanna mixes wax and marble dust into her oil paint so that the materials project off the surface and reflect light. Memory, the artist believes, “can always be viewed at different distances and with shifting qualities of attention.”
The exhibit runs from February 15th through January 25th at The Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. The opening lecture is on Saturday, February 15th at 2 p.m. On Saturday, May 17th at 8 a.m., there is special viewing in the morning light. More information can be found online.
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Great Barrington Public Theater’s ‘Conversations With’ series continues
Great Barrington— On Tuesday, February 18th at 6 p.m., Great Barrington Public Theater’s ‘Conversations With’ series continues with “The Art and Craft of Scenic Design for the Theater: How a set design grows from page to stage.”
Join Artistic Director Jim Frangione and Associate Artistic Director Judy Braha in conversation with playwrights and directors to discuss the art of scenic design with celebrated designers Juliana von Haubrich and John Musall, who will share insights into their craft and discuss the journey from concept sketches to full stage productions.
The conversation is on Tuesday, February 18th at 6 p.m. at Saint James Place, located at 352 Main Street in Great Barrington. More information can be found online.
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Hancock Shaker Village presents ‘The Big Chill,’ an action-packed weekend of old-fashioned winter fun
Pittsfield— On February 15th and 16th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hancock Shaker Village, as part of Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival, presents “The Big Chill,” an action-packed weekend of old-fashioned winter fun.
Activities will include ice-harvesting talks, maple tree tapping demonstrations, blacksmithing, wood carving and woodworking demos, visits with the farm animals in the Round Stone Barn, and much more. TheBerkshire Museum’s Mobile Museum Unit will be on site, featuring an exhibit on mammals. Several historic buildings will be open, including the Discovery Bar, a winter snack destination with live music from local musician Pete Apple.
In honor of President’s Day and to recognize the late president Jimmy Carter, two Shaker boxes handcrafted by Carter and his wife Rosalynn will be on display all weekend. These boxes were gifted to Hancock Shaker Village in 2018 from the office of Jimmy Carter.
The events are on February 15th and 16th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hancock Shaker Village, located at 1843 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. More information can be found online.
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Williams Inn, in partnership with Berkshire HorseWorks, presents Galentine’s Day, a female bonding adventure
Williamstown— Throughout the month of February, The Williams Inn, in partnership with Berkshire HorseWorks, presents Galentine’s Day, a female bonding adventure.
Say goodbye to mimosas and brunch and hello to an unforgettable adventure with the gals. The Williams Inn is flipping the script on female bonding with ‘Galentine’s Gallop & Getaway,’ an unexpected blend of soft adventure, creativity, and cozy indulgence. Perfect for lifelong friends, sisters, or mother-daughter duos, this unique experience combines art, animals, and culinary fun for a celebration unlike any other.
Find inspiration in the Berkshires’ stunning landscape during a creative workshop at Berkshire HorseWorks. Alongside their rescued herd, participants will enjoy a guided art session outdoors, sipping local beverages and creating masterpieces with a touch of equestrian flair. The art session will be followed by a group dinner at The Barn Kitchen + Bar, the Inn’s farm-to-table restaurant known for its warm ambiance and locally sourced dishes. The night wraps up with a delightful indulgence of decadent truffles and champagne, adding a sweet touch to the perfect Galentine’s celebration.
This offer will be available throughout the month of February at The Williams Inn, located at 101 Spring Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online.
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Lee Youth Commission, Neighborhood Ninjas, and Ultimate Obstacles present Ninja Discovery Day
Lee— On Sunday, February 16th from noon to 2 p.m., the Lee Youth Commission, Neighborhood Ninjas, and Ultimate Obstacles present Ninja Discovery Day with real Ninja Warrior competitors.
Kids ages 6+ will get hands-on experience on various ninja obstacles, learn tips and tricks from top ninja competitors. After kids conquer the course, there will be free pizza provided by Lee Domino’s.
The free event is on Sunday, February 16th from noon to 2 p.m. at Crossway Tower Gym, located at 130 High Street in Lee. Donations to the playground project will be accepted. More information, registration, and a waiver form can be found online.
