Norman Rockwell Museum presents ‘The Abyss,’ the inaugural installation of ‘A Brief History of Illustration,’ a new exhibition series
Stockbridge— Now through May 31st, the Norman Rockwell Museum presents “The Abyss,” the inaugural installation of “A Brief History of Illustration,” a new exhibition series drawn exclusively from the permanent collection.
Designed to highlight both the rich history of illustration and the extraordinary depth of the Museum’s holdings—now numbering approximately 25,000 works of art—the “Brief History of Illustration” series will trace a single theme across time in each iteration.
Featuring work by some of the most influential illustrators in American and international visual culture, the inaugural theme “The Abyss” explores a subject as visually compelling as it is symbolically complex: the ocean. These works reveal not only the ocean’s symbolic power, but also the evolving role of illustration itself—from quickly executed sketches and journal covers to finely crafted paintings and iconic printed images. From the 19th century to the present, illustrators have returned repeatedly to the sea as a site of beauty, mystery, danger, humor, and political meaning. The works gathered here reveal how images of the ocean have served many purposes—shaping wartime propaganda, anchoring political satire, conjuring fictional underwater worlds, and illustrating stories ranging from fairy tales to historical fiction.
The exhibit is on view from now through May 31st at the Norman Rockwell Museum, located at 9 Glendale Road in Stockbridge. More information can be found online.
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American Mural Project presents ‘My Favorite Songs’ with two-time Grammy Award-winner jazz singer-songwriter Nicole Zuraitis
Winsted, Conn.— On Saturday, February 7th at 7 p.m., American Mural Project, home to the world’s largest indoor collaborative work of art, presents ‘My Favorite Songs’ with two-time Grammy Award-winner jazz singer-songwriter Nicole Zuraitis.
Nicole Zuraitis is a two-time Grammy Award-winning and four-time Grammy Award-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist, arranger, bandleader, and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. She is a trailblazing artist who is redefining vocal jazz and jazz songwriting, or as she has coined “modern songbook,” earning her a place as one of the top artists and songwriters to watch in jazz and beyond. This program is a rare chance for jazz fans to hear this singular talent at the piano, singing the songs that shaped her journey and sharing the stories behind them.
The concert is on Saturday, February 7th at 7 p.m. at American Mural Project, located at 90 Whiting Street in Winsted, Conn. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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MASS MoCA presents Black Belt Eagle Scout and Mato Wayuhi with Ailani, invited by Jeffrey Gibson to engage with his installation ;POWER FULL BECAUSE WE’RE DIFFERENT’
North Adams— On Saturday, February 7th at 8 p.m., MASS MoCA presents Black Belt Eagle Scout and Mato Wayuhi with Ailani, invited by Jeffrey Gibson to engage with his installation “POWER FULL BECAUSE WE’RE DIFFERENT,” through an evening-length performance in MASS MoCA’s Club B10.
The duo are co-headlining “The Black Bear” national tour beginning in February 2026, with support from fellow Indigenous artist Ailani (Tewa Pueblo.) Their live show is a seamless set that begins with Mato Wayuhi songs, transitions into KP + Mato collaborations, and closes with Black Belt Eagle Scout songs — all performed with a full live band. The performance flows as one continuous experience, weaving together their voices, styles, and energy into a powerful celebration of sound and collaboration. The result is a lush, emotionally charged sound that lives somewhere between dream pop, electric storytelling, and ancestral pulse.
Mato Wayuhi is an Oglala Lakota artist originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He works in film/TV as an actor, producer and musical composer, as well as writing his own music. Most notably, Mato is the composer for the award-winning TV series Reservation Dogs & stars as an actor in the new series “The Lowdown,” premiering on FX/Hulu. He is also featured on the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Hollywood & Entertainment. His most recent album “STANKFACE STANDING SOLDIER” is an entirely self-produced record, which Forbes calls a “masterpiece that revolutionizes Indigenous music into a new era.”
Katherine Paul, who records and performs as Black Belt Eagle Scout, crafts music that’s deeply personal and rooted in her ancestral homelands as a member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Her acclaimed albums explore themes of identity, healing, and love through layered guitar work and evocative vocals. She’s toured internationally, performed at festivals such as Pitchfork Music Festival and Newport Folk Festival. In addition to her music, she is known for her visual collaborations and community-centered approach to performance, amplifying Indigenous voices through art, storytelling, and activism.
Ailani is a 22-year old singer-songwriter and producer with multiple releases from Northern New Mexico. Ailani’s music has a heartfelt indie pop-rock feel. She has found that making music is her most meaningful way of self-expression.
The performance is on Saturday, February 7th at 8 p.m. at MASS MoCA, located at 1040 MASS MoCA WAY in North Adams. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum presents ‘The Scandals of Stanford White and Other Sordid Tales of the Time,’ a Salon Series Talk with Louise Levy
Lenox— On Saturday, January 31st at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum presents ‘The Scandals of Stanford White and Other Sordid Tales of the Time,’ a Salon Series Talk with Louise Levy.
Sex! Murder! Madness! Louise Levy dishes on some of the attention-grabbing headlines of the day. From aspiring models to Mary Lincoln, no one was safe from the gossip mill.
The talk is on Saturday, January 31st at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum, located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation and the Town of Monterey to host fourth annual Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic
Monterey— On Saturday, February 7th, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) and the Town of Monterey will host the fourth annual Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic, a one-day, festival-style event celebrating the deep love of winter sports, outdoor culture, and community in the Berkshires.
With 16 teams competing in a 4-on-4, co-ed tournament, there are once again two divisions, A & B based on skill with 8 teams in each division. This year’s field includes returning A division champions the Berkshire Benders featuring the Torrico family, local and regional teams, and a first-time female skater who won the NCAA Division 3 Frozen Four.
For the event, Benedict Pond will transform into a winter village with bonfires, a kids’ skating area, and local food and hot beverage vendors. Classical Tents will provide a heated warming hut.
The tournament is on Saturday, February 7th on Benedict Pond Road in Monterey. Admission is free and it is open to the public. The puck drops at 9 a.m. and the championship will begin around 2 p.m. More information can be found online.
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WIT Gallery hosting collection of fuel assistance donations
Lenox— Through the end of March, the WIT Gallery is hosting a collection of fuel assistance donations. All are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the gallery’s exhibitions, and participate in a collective effort supporting Berkshire County residents during the coldest months.
Fuel assistance is a critical need, where long winters and rising energy costs disproportionately impact seniors, families, and individuals on fixed or limited incomes. Even small donations can make a meaningful difference. All donations collected through the gallery will be directed to Berkshire Community Action Council.
“For over 25 years, the WIT Gallery has been a gathering place where conversations spark limitless inspiration and creative, productive ideas. This winter we want to extend that spirit beyond our walls and help ensure that members of our community are safe and warm,” said Lynda Strauch, owner of the WIT Gallery.
The donation drive runs through the end of March with contributions accepted at the WIT Gallery, located at 27 Church Street in Lenox and online. More information can be found online.
