Community Three Kings Day celebration at St. Stephen’s Church
Pittsfield— This evening, Tuesday, January 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Las Cocineras Latinas, Manos Unidas, and Wisacre Farm present a community Three Kings Day celebration at St. Stephen’s Church.
Three Kings Day, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany or Theophany, is a beloved holiday in Puerto Rican culture. It celebrates the arrival of the three Kings (or Magi): Balthazar, Melchior, and Gasper, who, following a star, came from afar to worship the newborn King Jesus. In Puerto Rico, this beloved holiday is especially festive, featuring parades, music, dancing, and family feasts.
For the past few years, Mariam of Gustios Boricuas, a member of the producer catering co-op Las Cocineras Latinas, has set aside this day to create a mini version of her hometown celebrations, sharing this adored holiday with our wider community through cultural foods, music, dance, art projects, and a gift for each child in attendance.
The celebration is this evening, Tuesday, January 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, located at 67 East Street in Pittsfield.
***
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art’s Carle After Dark series continues with a Winter Warmer Slumber Party
Amherst— On Thursday, January 8th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art’s Carle After Dark series continues with a Winter Warmer Slumber Party, a night of cozy pajamas, candlelight, cider, hot chocolate, and puppetry.
Families are invited to gather around a glowing “fire,” snuggle up with blankets and friends, and enjoy a magical story-time, perfect for winding down the day. The evening continues with delightful shadow puppet shows by CactusHead Puppets, opportunities to create your own shadow puppets, and special offerings designed to enchant both the young and the young at heart.
The event is on Thursday, January 8th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located at 125 West Bay Road in Amherst. More information can be found online.
***
‘Welcome to Yiddishland’ documentary to open Temple Anshe Amunim’s third annual community film series
Pittsfield— On Sunday, January 11th at 2 p.m., the Temple Anshe Amunim’s third annual community film series will open with the local premiere of the acclaimed musical documentary “Welcome to Yiddishland, the story of the revival of the Yiddish language.
The films selected to be showcased this year speak to issues to which people of all backgrounds and experiences can relate: artistic expression, the bonds of friendship, and perseverance while overcoming career setbacks. Post-screening discussions led by filmmakers and/or experts in the subjects addressed by the film will follow each screening.
A discussion of “Welcome to Yiddishland” and the history of the Yiddish language will be led by Sebastian Schulman of the Yiddish Book Center. Schulman is a literary translator of Yiddish, Russian, and Esperanto. His translations and other writings have appeared in The Dirty Goat, Forward, Pakn Treger, and elsewhere.
The series opens on Sunday, January 11th at 2 p.m. at Temple Anshe Amunim, located at 26 Broad Street in Pittsfield. The second film in the series “Joe Papp in Five Acts” will be screened on February 1st, and the third film “Shari and Lamb Chop” will be screened on March 1st. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
Berkshire Art Association ‘10×10 Real Art party’ call for art
Pittsfield— In collaboration with the Clock Tower Artists and the City of Pittsfield’s 10×10 Festival in February, the Berkshire Art Association (BAA) seeks donations of original artwork for their annual “10×10 Real Art Party” (“10×10 RAP”) show and fundraiser drawing.
The BAA welcomes submissions from artists from the Berkshires and beyond. All artwork will be included in an event to benefit art students of Berkshire County. The drawing for art and the 10×10 RAP will be a live in-person event hosted at the Clock Tower Business Center on Thursday, February 19th.
Artists may submit up to three pieces each measuring 10 inches by 10 inches, prepared with a wire or hooks for hanging. Artwork may be in any medium and should reflect the quality of the artist’s usual work. The submission deadline is February 9th and late entries will not be accepted. Registration and submission information can be found online.
***
Guild of Berkshire Artists presents an afternoon introduction to cold wax with Carolyn Abrams
Great Barrington— On Monday, January 26th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Guild of Berkshire Artists presents an afternoon introduction to cold wax with Carolyn Abrams.
Interested in experimenting with oils and cold wax medium? You’re invited to an afternoon of playing with this awesome medium. A demonstration will introduce you to the materials and supplies, then it’s time for you to play. All materials are supplied so you can decide if it’s for you before you invest.
The introduction is on Monday, January 26th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkshire South Community Center, located at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. Registration and more information can be found online.
***
NAACP Berkshire County Branch to host virtual panel on parent advocacy and public education
Berkshire— On Wednesday, January 7th at 6 p.m., the NAACP Berkshire County Branch will host a virtual panel on parent advocacy and public education.
The event will bring together parents, educators, early childhood leaders, and community advocates to explore the critical role parent advocacy plays in shaping equitable public education across Berkshire County. The discussion will focus on practical strategies families can use to navigate school systems, advocate for student needs, and partner effectively with schools—while also examining systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
“Families are often the first and most consistent advocates for their children, yet many face obstacles when trying to access services, understand their rights, or be heard within school systems,” said Dr. Frances Jones Sneed, Education Committee Co Chair of the NAACP Berkshire County Branch. “This conversation is about equipping parents and caregivers with knowledge, confidence, and community support, so advocacy leads to real change for students.”
Panelists will address topics including effective communication with schools, special education processes, discipline practices and school climate, support for multilingual learners, and the use of community-based resources to close opportunity gaps. The panel will also explore how race, disability, housing instability, transportation access, and rural geography shape families’ experiences with public education in the Berkshires.
The virtual event is on Wednesday, January 7th at 6 p.m. on Zoom. It is open to parents, caregivers, educators, and community members interested in strengthening family advocacy and promoting educational equity throughout Berkshire County. To receive the Zoom link, email naacpberkshirecounty@gmail.com with the subject line: “Parent Advocacy and Public Education in the Berkshires Zoom.”
***
Women of Spirit in the Berkshires ‘Courage,’ a facilitated conversation
Lenox— On Sunday, January 11th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Women of Spirit in the Berkshires, a non-denominational circle of women, presents “Courage,” a facilitated conversation with Q&A and exercises.
The group will address questions such as: “What is the true nature of courage?” and “What inspires us to move beyond our sense of security, to let go and leap, or to show up and be present?” exploring a connection with a truer self anchored in love.
The conversation is on Sunday, January 11th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Church on the Hill, located at 55 Main Street in Lenox. Reservations are appreciated but not required and can be made by emailing womenofspiritberkshires@gmail.com.
