‘Dark Goddess: Sacroprofanity,’ an exploration of the sacred feminine
Bennington, Vt. — Through August 11th, Bennington Museum presents ‘Dark Goddess: Sacroprofanity,’ an exploration of the sacred feminine.
This exhibition is a mix of ethnography, cultural anthropology, an exploration of the sacred feminine, and a co-creation with each of the individuals featured. The work takes on a different dimension including a new collaborative element between artists Damon Honeycutt and Shanta Lee as they explore the questions: What does it mean to embody the Dark Goddess? If one were to discover a grimoire of the Dark Goddess, how would it speak to the reader through visuals and sound?
The work will include some of Shanta Lee’s photographic images for “Dark Goddess: Sacroprofanity,” items selected from the Bennington Museum’s permanent collection, and a digital installation accompanied by a sonic element created by composer, performing artist, and academic Damon Honeycutt specifically for this iteration of the exhibition.
The audience is invited to walk between the timed and the timeless, between the sacred and profane, the authentic identities we create for ourselves versus what others place upon us, how we define who and what we see through those lenses, and how all of this is embodied in ways that create our reality.
Shanta Lee said “I recall getting excited as I bumped into an Afro-Brazilian Goddess, Pomba Gira, and wondering about the whole pantheon of Goddesses who misbehave. The inquiry started as: Who or what is the Goddess when she is allowed to misbehave? Who is the Goddess when she is allowed to expand beyond bearer of life, nurturer, and all of the other boxes that we confine women to within our society?”
The exhibit runs through August 11th at Bennington Museum at 75 Main Street in Bennington, V.T. There is a reception on Saturday, May 18th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Drag Story Hour and crafternoon at The Dollhaus Berkshires
Pittsfield— On Sunday, May 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you’re invited to a dazzling morning at The Dollhaus Berkshires, with stories and a crafternoon activity designed to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and creativity.
From 11 a.m. to noon, Drag Story Hour takes center stage, featuring Berkshires queens JV and Bella Santarella. These two fabulous Storytellers are ready to bring all the sparkle and charisma to our young audiences. To promote literacy and inclusivity, every child who attends the story hour will receive a free book. The Dollhaus Berkshires says, “Every child deserves the opportunity to dive into a world of wonder, learning, and acceptance.”
From noon to 2 p.m., the fun continues with a colorful crafternoon fundraiser, creating an enchanted flower basket. Ideal for children ages six through 12, but all ages are welcome, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to join with the youngest crafters. This hands-on activity will ignite imaginations and unleash artistic flair. A suggested donation of $15 helps cover craft supplies, books, snacks, and direct support for the local drag community.
The events are happening at The Dollhaus at 109 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. More information can be found online. For more information about Drag Story Hour, sign up for the Magical Musings newsletter online or email berkshires@dragstoryhour.org.
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Close Encounters with Music presents ‘Café Vienna—Nervous Splendor’ at The Mahaiwe
Great Barrington— On Sunday, May 19th at 4 p.m., Close Encounters With Music presents ‘Café Vienna—Nervous Splendor’ at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
The ”Café Vienna” program takes a cross-section of Viennese musical modes, from operetta to waltz, Beethoven’s “Piano Trio” which spins on a popular song by Weigl, to Schubert’s sublime testament to his beloved métier, “An die Musik.” And of course, the quintessential café music of Fritz Kreisler, “Caprice Viennois.” In charm, verve, and artistic sophistication, Vienna’s past is unsurpassed.
As of this season, CEWM has fully resumed its hors d’oeuvres and wine receptions. Audience members are invited to meet the artists and enjoy beverages and bites by Authentic Eats by Oleg on stage at the Afterglow reception.
The concert is on Sunday, May 19th at 4 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on Castle Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $25 to $52. Tickets and more information can be found online or by calling 413-528-0100.
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Cantilena Chamber Choir to present 20th Anniversary Gala Concert
Lenox— On Sunday, May 19th at 3 p.m., the Cantilena Chamber Choir will present a gala concert in celebration of its singers, alumni, and its audience members and patrons as a gesture of appreciation for the people in the Berkshires who’ve been coming to its concerts for 20 years.
To celebrate this significant milestone, the singers themselves have chosen their favorite repertoire from over 100 programs they have sung. Included on the program will be music by Bortniansky, Brahms, Ildebrando Pizzetti, Michael Hennagin, and Morton Lauridesen. The program will also feature a medley from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”
The concert is on Sunday, May 19th at 3 p.m. at Trinity Church at 88 Walker Street in Lenox. Admission is $35 and $25 for students with ID and seniors 65 and older. More information can be found online.
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The Springfield Museums to host cosmic activities for Astronomy Day
Springfield— On Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Springfield Museums present Astronomy Day, an annual event part of a nationwide, grass-roots movement to bring astronomy to the people.
Attendees will enjoy cosmic activities including hands-on science experiments, rooftop observatory tours, live planetarium show, crafts, and more.
The events take place on Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Springfield Museums located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield. Most activities are free with admission. Parking is free. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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The Clark Art Institute offers a new program, ‘Sensing Nature at the Clark: From the Outside In’
Williamstown— On Sunday, May 19th at 2 p.m., the Clark Art Institute offers a new program, “Sensing Nature at the Clark: From the Outside In.”
Clark educators lead a slow engagement with nature and art focused on enhancing wellbeing and encouraging visitors to connect with the landscapes on The Clark’s campus and in the galleries. The event begins outdoors, with a short, mindful walk in the woods designed to engage the senses with the natural environment; a contemplative art-looking experience in the galleries follows.
The free program is on Sunday, May 19th at 2 p.m. at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. Rain or shine, meet on the Fernández Terrace. Advance registration required. To register, email education@clarkart.edu.
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Five Corners Historic District free walking tour
Williamstown— On Sunday, May 19th at 1 p.m., the Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association is pleased to host a free guided walking tour of the Five Corners Historic District followed by refreshments and a Q&A.
This outdoor walking tour will include highlights of the Five Corners Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993, including The Store at Five Corners, houses from the 1700s-1800s, the South Center School (Williamstown Historical Museum), and sites of the former William A. Morey Store, Greylock Institute boarding school, and Idlewild Inn.
The tour is on Sunday, May 19th at 1 p.m. at the Store at Five Corners at 4 New Ashford Road in Williamstown. All are welcome to join.
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‘Pittsfield Clean Up Day’ encourages the whole city to clean their neighborhoods
Pittsfield— On Friday, May 17th from noon to 3 p.m., Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) will host a Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup.
DPI’s Downtown Pittsfield Cleanups are good-natured competitions between local companies and individuals supporting an important part of DPI’s mission to keep downtown clean, safe, and friendly. This year over 250 volunteers representing over two dozen local businesses and organizations have signed up.
Participating teams include Adams Community Bank, Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Pride, BFAIR, Big Y, City of Pittsfield and Pittsfield Police Department, Crane Currency, CT Management Group LLC, Dulye Leadership Experience, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Guidewire Inc., MassHire Berkshire Career Center, Molari Inc., Pittsfield High School, RE-FORMation Academy, Richmond Appraisal Company, SABIC High Performance Products, Servicenet (The Pearl and Living in Recovery), Smith, Watson & Company, LLP, Soldier On, Taconic High School, The Home Depot, Witch Slapped, and Veterans’ Services for the City of Pittsfield.
As part of the Downtown Cleanup, the first round of new gardens will be planted, made possible by a new partnership entitled “Downtown Blooms”.
As a companion to Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup, DPI has proclaimed Friday, May 17th as “Pittsfield Clean Up Day”. On May 17th, all Pittsfield residents are encouraged to get outside and clean up in their own neighborhoods. Suggested tasks include sweeping sidewalks, picking up trash and debris, and anything else that makes the neighborhood a more welcoming place. Residents are encouraged to celebrate spring and their community spirit by participating in Pittsfield Clean Up Day and posting pictures of their efforts with the hashtag #PittsfieldCleanUpDay.
More information on the Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup and Pittsfield Clean Up Day can be found online or call 413-443-6501.
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West Stockbridge Public Library town conversation on accessibility
West Stockbridge— On Saturdays, May 18th and 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., join West Stockbridge Library for a conversation about increasing accessibility.
West Stockbridge Public Library wants to hear from you regarding making the library accessible to people with disabilities. If you or a loved one have been prevented from enjoying the many things public libraries have to offer, stop in for a conversation about our plan to make the entrances to both the library and the Town Hall accessible to people with disabilities. It is essential to make it possible for every person to reach our public library and Town Offices.
The conversations take place on Saturdays, May 18th and 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Stockbridge Public Library at 21 State Line Road in West Stockbridge. Registration is optional. For more information, visit online or call 413-232-0300 x 308.
