Knox Gallery presents ‘Abstract Memories,’ an abstract series by artist Jaye Alison
Sandisfield— From January 31st through March 8th, Knox Gallery presents “Abstract Memories,” a series by Jaye Alison.
Artist Jaye Alison’s creative evolution was significantly influenced by a pivotal moment in her life. While living in California, she found herself grappling with the aftermath of numerous wildfires. During this period, she and her husband decided to move back to the East Coast to be closer to family. The transition, spanning two years following the sale of their California farm, marked a major chapter in the artist’s journey. “Abstract Memories,” painted in bold colors, shapes, and embellished with expressive lines, endeavor to visually depict the emotional experience of a life richly lived in California and the commencement of a beautiful new chapter in a familiar yet evolved environment.
Due to the most recent fires, the art show will be a fundraiser for two organizations providing emergency funding for Los Angeles firefighters (LA Firefighters and Community Foundation.)
The exhibit runs from January 31st through March 8th at Monterey Library’s Knox Gallery, located at 452 Main Street in Monterey. There will be an opening reception on Friday, January 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. More information can be found online.
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MASS MoCA to open two new exhibits, ‘Dirty & Disorderly: Contemporary Artists on Disgust’ and ‘Ohan Breiding: Belly of a Glacier’
North Adams— On Saturday, February 1st, MASS MoCA, as part of its 25th anniversary season, will open two new exhibits: “Dirty & Disorderly: Contemporary Artists on Disgust” and “Ohan Breiding: Belly of a Glacier.”
In “Dirty & Disorderly: Contemporary Artists on Disgust,” Anna Ting Möller, New Red Order, and Nguyễn Duy Mạnh use the aesthetics of disgust to understand the social construction of putrid and squalid things. Disgust has been interpreted as an evolutionary tool of survival to create distance between ourselves and that which may harm us, particularly foods. Beyond fears of contamination and filth aversion, disgust has also been weaponized as a tool of oppression, including in colonial and caste systems. To assign the label of ‘disgusting’ to something also implies ‘lesser than’ or ‘filthy’ statuses — intertwining visceral disgust, or the instinctual sensation of being repulsed by something, with the politics of moral and interpersonal disgust. Representing bodies beyond skin — mutilated figures, deformed sculptures, and overflowing fleshy wetness — these artists and their art interrogate the limits of traditional kinship and capitalist and colonialist structures and rethink illusory certainties of human experience. Through ceramics, kombucha scoby, and photogrammetry, the artists pick at the sutures of social structures and uncover the ways in which the ostensibly innate responses of disgust can be (re)programmed.

In 2019, Iceland constructed the first memorial to mark the death of its Okjökull glacier. Since then, funerals have been held around the world to mark the melting of glacier bodies. These rituals of collective grief amplify the current state of climate emergency while expressing the intimate entanglement of human and environmental well-being. Consisting of an experimental documentary film and a photographic installation, “Ohan Breiding: Belly of a Glacier” connects this act of mourning to ongoing practices of preservation that strive to protect the ice — a material that contains both remnants of the past and the conditions of a future world. Breiding captures the efforts of the residents of Obergoms, Switzerland, to drape the nearby Rhône Glacier with thermal blankets to insulate it from rising temperatures. Despite these hope-filled actions of ecological care, scientists predict the Rhône will have fully melted by 2050.

Both exhibits open on Saturday, February 1st at MASS MoCA, located at 1040 MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. More information can be found online.
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Hudson Hall presents the work of Michel Goldberg
Hudson, N.Y.— Opening on Saturday, February 1st, Hudson Hall presents an exhibition of monotypes, drawings, mixed media/collages and sculpture by Upstate New York-based artist and former graphic designer Michel Goldberg.
Known for his mastery of the monotype process and evocative approach to materials, Goldberg’s work invites viewers into dreamlike worlds where texture, mood, and memory converge. Predominantly in black and white, Goldberg’s prints are remarkable for their ability to evoke fleeting sensory elements like smoke, water, or vapor, creating imagery that feels light and intangible. Like an elite dancer, his practice is one of embodied skill and creative spontaneity. With a deep understanding of the organic materials he uses and the alchemy of the printing process, Goldberg has refined his technique over years of repetition and experimentation.

The exhibit opens on Saturday, February 1st at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, located at 327 Warren Street in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Carousel, a beloved community treasure, to reopen
Pittsfield— The Berkshire Carousel, a cherished landmark and symbol of community pride, is thrilled to announce plans to reopen this spring with the volunteer group affiliated with the Berkshire Carousel, Inc.

Founded by Dr. James Shulman, the Berkshire Carousel features meticulously hand-carved and hand-painted horses and chariots created by local volunteers. The Berkshire Carousel is not just a local attraction—it is a living piece of art. Its reopening marks a new chapter, continuing to serve as a gathering place and source of inspiration for residents and visitors alike.
When a group of the volunteers learned the Carousel could be revived, they began collaborating with Berkshire Carousel, Inc. offering an opportunity for it to be run by the people who love it most. “We are excited to reintroduce the Berkshire Carousel to our community.” said Janet Crawford, volunteer group coordinator. “This carousel is more than just a ride; it’s a testament to the creativity and dedication of our volunteers, and we can’t wait to see it being enjoyed by everyone who visits.”
A spring opening date will be announced soon. For more details, to be a sponsor, or to volunteer, email Janet Crawford.
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Winter Wonders Market at Ventfort Hall
Lenox— On Saturday, February 1st from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., discover wintery delights from local craftspeople and farmers at the first Winter Wonders Market at Ventfort Hall.
Come in out of the cold and enjoy the warmth of the mansion while you shop. This cozy, indoor marketplace features many vendors including Odd Bird Farm, Sheep in Wool Clothing, Beloved Buildings by Only in My Dreams, Attainment Designs, Colonial Alpacas, Lightforce Bakery, Mill Brook Sugarhouse, and more.

The market is on Saturday, February 1st from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. Admission is free. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Theatre Group presents Rev Tor’s 13th Annual Dead of Winter Jam with Dead Man’s Waltz & Friends at The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield— On Saturday, February 1st at 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group presents Rev Tor’s 13th Annual Dead of Winter Jam, celebrating 60 years of Grateful Dead music, with Dead Man’s Waltz & Friends at The Colonial Theatre.

Dead Man’s Waltz, an all-star ensemble from the Northeast festival scene, unites seasoned musicians to honor the Grateful Dead’s enduring legacy. Known for their exceptional musicianship, the band breathes new life into classic songs and jams, blending a fresh, dynamic style with the timeless spirit of the music. As a highlight, the evening will feature a special tribute to Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, with performances by John Rider (Max Creek,), Klyph Black (Zen Tricksters,) Tom Pirozzi (Ominous Seapods,) and David Becker (Bearly Dead.) There will also be special guest appearances by Mark Mercier (Max Creek,) Mike “Woody” Wood (Rebel Alliance,) Lee-Ann Lovelace (Guinevere & Back To The Garden,) and more.
The concert is on Saturday, February 1st at 7:30 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre, located at 11 South Street in Pittsfield. There will be a collection of non-perishable food items to help stock a local food pantry at the door. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Great Barrington Kennel Club’s American Kennel Club-sanctioned 115th and 116th All-Breed Dog Shows
Great Barrington— On February 1st and 2nd, dog lovers and aficionados have the opportunity to see a record-breaking number of dogs in the Great Barrington Kennel Club’s American Kennel Club-sanctioned 115th and 116th All-Breed Dog Shows.
202 different breeds or varieties are currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. Many of those, including very rare breeds, will be represented competing for Best of Breed. Spectators can watch the competitions leading up to the much-anticipated “Best in Show”. Not infrequently, the winner has been a finalist at the world-renowned Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. In addition, one can see the up and coming breeders and handlers in the Junior Showmanship competition. GBKC is also pleased to participate in the National Owner Handler Series, where dogs are taken into the ring by their owners rather than a professional handler. GBKC also offers a puppy class, always a crowd favorite.

The events will take place in the Better Living Center on the Eastern States Exposition Grounds, located at 1305 Memorial Avenue in West Springfield. There is a $5 per car parking fee. More information can be found online.