Community Access to the Arts and Berkshire Botanical Garden present ‘Garden Dreams,’ an exhibit of nature-inspired work by artists with disabilities
Stockbridge– From March 6th through the 29th, Community Access to the Arts and Berkshire Botanical Garden present “Garden Dreams,” an exhibit of nature-inspired work by artists with disabilities.
The exhibit features over 40 paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures created through Community Access to the Arts’ year-round workshops serving children, teens, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Works were inspired by the vibrant plants, herbs, and flowers found at Berkshire Botanical Garden, as well as by the beautiful natural landscapes found across the Berkshires. “Garden Dreams is a window into the imagination of artists with disabilities,” says CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller.
Mike Beck, executive director of Berkshire Botanical Garden said, “The artists of CATA capture the spirit of our gardens with remarkable imagination and joy. These works remind us that gardens are not only places of beauty, but sources of inspiration and belonging for everyone in our community.”
In addition to creating the vibrant artwork on display, artists with disabilities also took on roles as paid Assistant Curators to shape the exhibit—including selecting artwork, framing, and helping to install the exhibit. This pilot program is part of a strategic initiative at CATA to create more leadership and job readiness pathways for artists with disabilities interested in taking a deeper dive into an art form or technical skill.
The exhibit is on view from March 6th through the 29th at Berkshire Botanical Garden, located at 5 West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is free. Works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for the individual artists. There will be an opening reception on Friday, March 6th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art presents ‘The Carle After Dark: Splashes and Spells’ an evening of enchantment inspired by their ‘Sprites, Spells, and Splashes: Magical Beings in Picture Book Art’ exhibit
Amherst– On Thursday, March 5th atom 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art presents “The Carle After Dark: Splashes and Spells” an evening of enchantment inspired by their “Sprites, Spells, and Splashes: Magical Beings in Picture Book Art” exhibit.
The Museum transforms into a playground of wonder, celebrating the mysteries of night, the sparkle of dreams, and the magic of timeless tales, where you can craft your very own magical wand, choosing a crystal and creating a personal incantation, learn whimsical wand movements that invite playful exploration, experience story-time featuring tales of legendary sprites, melodies, and miracles; and sip on color-changing magical potions. Live music will be provided by Rob Fontana and Vernon David.
The event is on Thursday, March 5th 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.
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Bard College Conservatory of Music and Bard Graduate Vocal Arts Program present Menotti’s ‘Amelia Goes to the Ball’ and Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi’ at the Fisher Center
Annandale-On-Hudson, N.Y.– On March 6th at 7 p.m. and March 8th at 2 p.m., Bard College Conservatory of Music and Bard Graduate Vocal Arts Program present a dual performance of parasitic comedy with Menotti’s “Amelia Goes to the Ball” and Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” at the Fisher Center.
A new production by stage director Doug Fitch, the operas will be performed by singers from Bard’s Graduate Vocal Arts Program with the Bard Conservatory Orchestra, conducted by James Bagwell, director of music performance studies and professor of music at Bard.
With comic invention and lyrical wit, “Amelia Goes to the Ball,” Menotti’s first staged opera, relays the story of an Italian socialite’s navigation of hurdles to attend the season’s first ball, while Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” transforms a Dantean tale of fraud into a masterclass of operatic irony and memorable motifs. Both one-acts showcase composers at the height of craft, blending human folly, clever plotting, and musical sophistication.
The hybrid performances are on March 6th at 7 p.m. and March 8th at 2 p.m. at the Fisher Center, located at 60 Manor Avenue in Annandale-On-Hudson in N.Y. The operas will be sung in Italian with English subtitles, and the performance will feature spoken dialogue in English. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents ‘How to Trace Ancestors Through Letters and Postcards’ with genealogist Kathryn Lake Hogan
Pittsfield– On Thursday, March 5th at 7 p.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents “How to Trace Ancestors Through Letters and Postcards” with professional genealogist Kathryn Lake Hogan.
Letters and postcards can open a uniquely intimate window onto family history. Explore how these often-overlooked materials can help genealogists uncover powerful personal and historical insights. Hogan will explain how letters and postcards allow researchers to hear ancestors’ voices, document family relationships, and capture the details of everyday life. Participants will also learn strategies for locating correspondence within families, archives, and public collections, and how postal routes and geography can illuminate patterns of migration. The program will conclude with guidance on correlating correspondence with census data, directories, and vital records.
Kathryn Lake Hogan, UE, PLCGS, is a professional genealogist and educator. She is the founder of Looking4Ancestors and a graduate of ProGen 4 and the International Institute for Genealogical Studies. The virtual presentation is on Thursday, March 5th at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Great Barrington’s Garrett Happ to appear on national ‘Scrabble’ game show
Great Barrington– On Thursday, March 5th at 8 p.m., Great Barrington’s own Garrett Happ will appear on “Scrabble,” the new competition game show airing on The CW network.
Happ works at his family’s Barrington Brewery and Restaurant, where locals know him for his quick wit, competitive spirit, and passion for basketball. Now he’ll bring that same energy to the national stage, one carefully placed tile at a time.
Barrington Brewery and Restaurant, located at 420 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington, is hosting a watch party. Reservations can be made by calling 413-528-8282.
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Construct presents annual ‘Warm Up The Winter Concert,’ an evening of music and community in support of local families
Great Barrington– On Thursday, March 5th at 6:30 p.m., Construct presents its annual “Warm Up The Winter Concert,” an evening of music and community in support of local families.
For the past month, our Warm Up The Winter campaign has raised support for fuel and utility assistance and emergency motel stays. This work helps neighbors stay safe, warm, and housed during the coldest time of year. You’re invited to close out this effort with an evening of music and community.
The event features performances by Wanda Houston and Friends, including Luke and Brian Franco, Gina Coleman, Bill & Haley Chapman, Carrie Wilson & Son, Jackson Whalan Family, Doug Mishkin, Jackson DuCharme, and The Heth Family Players.
The event is on Thursday, March 5th at 6:30 p.m. at Barrington Hall, located at 426 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online. Your presence matters. Every ticket and donation strengthens the safety net for households facing winter hardship. If you cannot attend, you can still make an impact by contributing through donation.
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Williamstown Democrats to elect delegates to Democratic State Convention
Williamstown— On Tuesday, March 3rd at 7 p.m., Williamstown Democrats will convene at the
Municipal Building, located at 31 North Street, to elect six delegates and four alternates to represent Williamstown at the 2026 Massachusetts State Democratic Convention.
Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Williamstown, who are 16 years old by the start of the caucus window (February 19th, 2026) and pre-registered by the time of their caucus, may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), individuals with disabilities, people of color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus online.
The 2026 Convention will be in person at the DCU Center in Worcester on Friday, May 29th, and Saturday, May 30th. This is a nominating convention for all statewide offices. Those interested in getting involved with the Williamstown Democratic Committee should contact Jim Mahon at jmahon195@gmail.com or 413-884-5694.
