Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework present “Memories in Watercolor” by Marguerite Bride
Pittsfield— From December 8th through December 23rd, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework present “Memories in Watercolor,” originals and fine art reproductions that Marguerite Bride has painted over the years of the Berkshires and nearby regions.
In the spring of 2025, after 30 years of living in and painting the Berkshires, Bride will be taking on a new adventure and moving to New Hampshire. The cornerstone of Bride’s art career has been “Christmas on Park Square, 1912” which was painted in 2009. Most people thought this scene was one single painting, but in reality, it was created as three separate pieces, and for the first time ever, the original three paintings will be on display. A very large reproduction of the combined paintings on stretched canvas will also be on display.
The exhibit runs from December 8th through December 23rd at Framework, located at 437 North Street. There will be an opening reception on Sunday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to noon. More information can be found online.
***
‘Radiant Nights’ returns to Hancock Shaker Village
Pittsfield— From December 7th through December 31st, Hancock Shaker Village presents “Radiant Nights,’ unique, multi-sensory holiday experience.
“Radiant Nights” brings together New England charm, dazzling video projections, enchanting music, and a sense of amused wonderment. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday season – and Hancock Shaker Village – in a whole new light. After taking in the one-mile route of light installations, sound, exhibits, and images, visit the farm animals, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy a drink and specialty fare from the café operated by Woodlife Farm Market. The Shaker Mercantile will also be open for holiday shopping.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with artist Joe Wheaton to create Radiant Nights. The Village serves as a unique canvas for Joe’s limitless creativity, and he delivers the most stunning video projections and audio experiences that illuminate several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn. The element of whimsical surprise is always part of the experience as our guests stroll through the Village and soak up the immersive and festive energy.” said Carrie Holland, Director of Hancock Shaker Village.
Wheaton shared, “This year I’m creating Worlds of Wonder where I combine disparate worlds, pairing things that do not normally go together. In doing this they broaden and redefine the language of each other. The result is an inviting and surreal world. Curious and beautiful. All of this married with the music adds yet another dimension.”
The exhibit runs from December 7th through December 31st at Hancock Shaker Village, located at 1843 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. The hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following evenings: December 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and the 27th through the 31st. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
American Mural Project presents ‘A Sandra Boynton Christmas,’ featuring best-selling author-illustrator Sandra Boynton
Winsted, Conn.— On Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m., American Mural Project (AMP) presents “A Sandra Boynton Christmas,” a one-time-only musical event celebrating Boynton’s newest album and songbook, “Cows and Holly.”
Sandra Boynton, renowned author, cartoonist, and Grammy-nominated songwriter, will bring the holiday spirit to AMP with an evening of music and conversation. The event will feature live performances of songs from “Cows and Holly,” the seventh album created by Boynton in collaboration with long-time partner Michael Ford. The album boasts an impressive lineup of talent, including Zooey Deschanel, Lyle Lovett, Yo-Yo Ma, Patti LuPone, and Raúl Esparza.
The evening will showcase the newly produced music videos that Boynton and Ford have created for the album and live performances by Boynton’s friends and family. AMP founder Ellen Griesedieck will also join Boynton on stage for an engaging discussion about the album’s creation and the evolution of Boynton’s illustrious career.
Grammy-nominated for her platinum-certified “Philadelphia Chickens,” Boynton’s six previous albums with Michael Ford have two gold records and one platinum and have sold over three million copies. Boynton & Ford have worked with B.B. King, Meryl Streep, Brian Wilson, Neil Sedaka, Stanley Tucci, Blues Traveler, Laura Linney, Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kristen Bell, and even “Weird Al” Yankovic in a duet with Kate Winslet, among many others. Sales of Boynton’s beloved books are nearing 90 million copies.
The all-ages show is on Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m. at American Mural Project, located at 90 Whiting Street in Winsted, Conn. The doors will open at 6 p.m. for guests to explore the 120-feet long and five-story high indoor mural exhibit. Tickets and more information can be found online. All proceeds will benefit AMP.
***
Congregational Church of Salisbury presents the Salisbury UCC Christmas concert and screening of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ with live jazz
Salisbury, Conn.— On Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m., the Congregational Church of Salisbury UCC hosts its annual Christmas concert.
Promising to be an uplifting start to the season, the concert will feature performances by the Salisbury UCC Choir, under the direction of David Baranowski, and the handbell choir, led by Mary Davidson. The program includes a selection of familiar and new holiday favorites as well as opportunities for audience participation.
A special screening of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will follow, accompanied by a live jazz trio performing the iconic Vince Guaraldi score, featuring a children’s dance performance.
The all-ages concert is on Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Salisbury, located at 30 Main Street in Salisbury. Admission is free, and donations are warmly appreciated. A reception of seasonal treats will follow. More information can be found online.
***
Cantilena Chamber Choir presents ‘Christmas at Trinity’
Lenox— On Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m., Cantilena Chamber Choir presents ‘Christmas at Trinity,’ a beloved “must see” tradition in Lenox.
On the program will be traditional music for Christmas by Parsons, Bach, Kodaly, and Bruckner, plus new carols by Ola Gjeilo. There will also be an audience sing-along.
The Cantilena Chamber Choir, now in its 21st season under the direction of Andrea Goodman, is comprised of 24 dedicated singers of the highest caliber, who possess vocal training, excellent sight-reading skills, and considerable choral experience.
The concert is on Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m. at Trinity Church, located at 88 Walker Street in Lenox. The concert is free for children under age 12. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
10th annual ‘Wreath Art Auction’ at the Lichtenstein Center
Pittsfield— On Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development presents the 10th annual Wreath Art Auction at the Lichtenstein Center.
Talented local artists have graciously donated their talent, time, and hearts to create beautiful holiday wreaths, and much more. At 5 p.m., there will be a grab-and-go sale At 6:30 p.m., following the Park Square tree-lighting ceremony, the auction will begin. There will also be a raffle. All proceeds will benefit the South Community Food Pantry, which serves 1200 Pittsfield families every week.
The event is on Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lichtenstein Center, located at 28 Renne Ave in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
***
‘Cookies & Cocoa with the Clauses’ at Crissey Farm
Great Barrington— On Sunday, December 8th at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Crissey Farm and Drag Story Hour Berkshires, in partnership with Cakes in the Wild and The Bookloft, present the second annual “Cookies & Cocoa with the Clauses.
This year’s event will bring holiday magic to the Berkshires with a meet & greet and photos with the Clauses, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, crafts, story time, and each child will receive a gently used holiday book to take home and continue the tradition of holiday reading.
“Cookies & Cocoa with the Clauses is about bringing families together to celebrate the season in a joyful and inclusive environment,” said Poppy DaBubbly, Chapter Director of Drag Story Hour Berkshires.
The event is on Sunday, December 8th at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Crissey Farm, located at 426 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington, Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
‘Meet & Greet with Santa!’ at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge
Pittsfield— On Saturday, November 30th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dottie’s Coffee Lounge is hosting a Meet & Greet with Santa!
Christmas is coming to Dottie’s! Bring your camera for photos with Santa. A full coffee and food menu, including specials for children, will be available for purchase.
The free event is on Saturday, November 30th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, located at 444 North Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
***
Dalton United Methodist Church Christmas cookie platter sale
Dalton— Sunday, December 15th is the deadline to order cookies from the Dalton United Methodist Church Christmas cookie platter fundraiser.
Platters will feature an assortment of Christmas cookies and handmade chocolates. They are $20 each and must be pre-ordered by Sunday, December 15th by calling the church at 413-684-0521 and providing name, phone number, and number of platters desired. The platters will be available for drive-through pick up at the church from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st.
