Springfield Museums presents ‘Portraits in RED: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project’ a striking series by artist and activist Nayana LaFond
Springfield— On view through September 7th, Springfield Museums presents “Portraits in RED: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project” by artist and activist Nayana LaFond.
In this striking series of portraits, artist and activist Nayana LaFond sheds light on the crisis affecting Indigenous peoples, particularly women, who are eleven times more likely to go missing than the national average. The exhibition is the last time the works will be on view together. At its close, the portraits will be returned to living family members.
LaFond (b. 1981), a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, began “Portraits in RED” in May 2020 as a therapeutic exercise. Each painting depicts a missing or murdered Indigenous person, a family member, or an advocate, rendered in shades of gray to raise awareness, inspire action, and honor the lives and stories of those impacted by this crisis. The canvases are marked by a vivid red handprint, the universal symbol for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s movement (MMIW).
Research by the Urban Indian Health Institute shows Indigenous women and girls in the United States are significantly overrepresented in cases of missing and murdered people by a ratio of 10 to 1. It is estimated that, on average, one in three Native women will be assaulted in her lifetime. Compounding the issue, cases of violence against Indigenous women and girls remain grossly underreported. Of the over 5,700 missing Native women and girls counted by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) in 2016, only 116 were registered in the federal missing persons database. The statistics are astonishing, but the artist encourages viewers not to focus solely on the numbers. “When looking a the paintings, please consider that these are real people with stories, families, and lives,” she says.
The exhibit is on view through September 7th at the Springfield Museums, located at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield. There is an artist talk on Thursday, May 15th from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration and more information can be found online.
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‘Bees & Bollywood’ at Olana’s Third Thursday
Hudson, N,Y.— On Thursday, May 15th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Olana Partnership presents special bees and Bollywood programming at its monthly Third Thursday at the Olana State Historic Site.
At 3 p.m., get a taste of spring during a special honey tasting and fascinating pollinator talk with beekeeper Chris Layman of Fox Farm Apiary. At 6 p.m., learn beginner-friendly Bollywood dance moves to current and iconic songs in this fun outdoor class with instructor Arobi Hanif, ending with a special outdoor performance. Visitors are also invited to enjoy free landscape and historic house access.
The event is on Thursday, May 15th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Olana State Historic Site, located at 5720 NY-9G in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.
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Bidwell House Museum opens 35th season with ‘A Personal Conversation in Mrs. Washington’s Bedchamber,’ performed by Sandy Spector
Monterey— On Saturday, May 17th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Bidwell House Museum opens its 35th season with “A Personal Conversation in Mrs. Washington’s Bedchamber,” performed by Sandy Spector.
Attendees will spend time with Mrs. Washington as she completes dressing for her day, in this interactive and informative program. During your time together, Mrs. Washington will share news of her family, and how the current events in which her husband is so deeply involved have impacted both her family and her developing nation. Whether you’re a history lover, a fan of Martha Washington or simply looking for a fun and engaging experience, this program will have something for everyone.
Sandy Spector is a Boston based historian, researcher, and interpreter, and has been a Revolutionary War reenactor since 2000, but now finds herself in her favorite role, Martha Washington. Sandy is known for bringing emotional depth, humanity, and a sense of humor to her portrayal as Martha. She spends most of her time researching and interpreting Mrs. Washington and has been portraying Martha – alone or with George – in numerous states and venues for the past 10 years, including the National Park Service’s Washington’s Headquarters. As well, she presents for museums, classrooms, libraries, historical societies, and various associations in person throughout the US. She is currently writing a book about Martha Washington, in Martha’s voice.
The performance is on Saturday, May 17th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bidwell House Museum, located at 100 Art School Road in Monterey. There will be post-show refreshments served. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Becket Arts Center presents staged reading of ‘Art,’ the Tony award-winning play by Yasmina Reza
Becket— On Saturday, May 17th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., the Becket Arts Center presents a staged reading of “Art,” the Tony award-winning play by Yasmina Reza
Three professional actors, Mary Budzn, Paula Langton, and Elaine Vaan Hogue, will perform this provocative comedy about the complexities of art and friendship.
The performance is on Saturday, May 17th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Becket Arts Center at 7 Brooker Hill Road in Becket. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Mary E. Dardess Elementary School presents ‘Oz! The Musical’ at Chatham High School
Chatham, N.Y.— On Friday, May 16th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 17th at 2 p.m., the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School presents “Oz! The Musical” at Chatham High School.
Join Dorothy and her favorite friends Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion as they travel to Oz and escape the Wicked Witch of the West. A dazzling take on an old classic, this show will have you laughing along and dancing in your seat!
The performances are on Friday, May 16th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 17th at 2 p.m. at Chatham High School, located at 50 Woodbridge Avenue Chatham. Tickets are $5 at the door.
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BART Charter School presents ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’ at the Adams Theater
Adams— On Friday and Saturday, May 16th and 17th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 18th at 2 p.m., BART Charter School presents “Chicago: Teen Edition” at the Adams Theater.
Step into the roaring 1920s with “Chicago: Teen Edition,” a dazzling, high-energy adaptation of the legendary Broadway musical—tailored for a younger cast, but packing just as much punch This bold and stylish production follows the scandalous exploits of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they vie for fame, fortune, and freedom in a city where the truth is as slippery as a jazz tune. With iconic choreography, show-stopping numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango,” and a cast of rising teen stars, this performance will leave you tapping your feet and cheering for more.
The performances are on Friday and Saturday, May 16th and 17th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 18th at 2 p.m. at the Adams Theater, located at 27 Park Street in Adams. Tickets and more information can be found online.
