‘Chronicles of Human Presence and Dissolution’
Chatham, N.Y. — The North River Gallery will present “Chronicles of Human Presence and Dissolution,” an exhibit featuring the paintings of Jeffrey L. Neumann and the photographs of Ian Creitz, Saturday, July 2, through Wednesday, July 27. The Gallery will hold an opening reception for the artists on Saturday, July 2, from 4 – 7 p.m.
Neumann’s work focuses on the American soul that attracted his attention at an early age as he traveled extensively with his father and was dazzled by roadside attractions such as motels, gas stations, and diners that emerged during the post-World War II boom years. The passage of time in Creitz’s photos expresses the beauty of the corrosion through the juxtaposition of change, decay, and natural growth. Both became interested in image making at early ages through family influences, the one moving in an expansive landscape, the other finding an expansive world within the limited landscape of his hometown.
For more information, call the Gallery at (518) 392-7000.
–E.E.
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Township No. 1 Day
Monterey — The Bidwell House Museum invites Monterey and Tyringham residents and all friends to its free celebration of local history on Saturday, July 2, from 1 – 4 p.m. The event is so named for the earliest official designation for the settlement: “Township No. 1 at Hoosatonnuck” in 1737.
The museum has planned a full afternoon of programs and entertainment for all ages. Bonner McAllester and Joe Baker, the Adams Brothers, and Oakes and Smith will provide live music. Games, crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and more will be available for children. Local historian Bernard Drew will give a talk entitled “Mark Twain in Tyringham,” and the Tyringham Historical Commission will exhibit photographs of beloved Tyringham residents. Matt and Kyra Hart will demonstrate their woodenware carving, and the McAlisters will demonstrate metal forging.
Bidwell Head Gardener Ruth Green will give a tour of the Bidwell House’s colonial gardens, and Tom Ryan, Service Forester for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Southern Berkshires will give a talk and walk on forest health. The day’s festivities will also include a baking contest: Bring your favorite home-baked pies, cakes, or cookies by 1:25 p.m. to be entered into the taste-off. Prizes will be offered for the best confections. The judges will include Monterey and Tyringham selectboard members. An online entry form is available. Food offerings will include sausages from the grill, beer, old-time soft drinks, lemonade, popcorn, and watermelon.
For more information, call the Museum at (413) 528-6888.
–E.E.
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Family marionette shows
Richmond — Robbins-Zust Family Marionettes will celebrate its 45th summer season with regular performances at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Stockbridge and the Whitney Center for the Arts in Pittsfield. One-hour performances at St. Paul’s Church will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the months of July and August. Tickets are $5. Free, half-hour shows will take place at the Whit at 11 a.m. on Sundays during July and August. The Whit will also host two specialty performances featuring a Medley of Magic and Marionettes and Eric Thee Illusionist on the Sundays of July 17 and July 31.For more information, call (413) 822-0663.
–E.E.
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Mongiardo family art exhibition
Great Barrington – L’Atelier Berkshires will present an exhibition of art by the Mongiardo family Friday, July 1, through Sunday, July 31. An opening reception will take place at the Gallery on Friday, July 1, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The exhibition represents the first time that the fine art and unique furniture from Nicholas Mongiardo and his sons, Taj, Carlo, and Massimo has been shown together. Nicholas Mongiardo moved to the Berkshires in 1975 and started his furniture restoration business. His son Taj has added his own contemporary flair by creating unique surfaces and cutting-edge designs. Carlo Mongiardo is a painter and sculptor living and working in Housatonic. Massimo Mongiardo lives in New York City and his art and designs have been recognized by national companies.
For more information, call the Gallery at (510) 469-5468.
–E.E.
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Tony Pastore named July 4th parade marshal
Pittsfield — The Pittsfield Parade Committee has announced that Tony Pastore will be the Grand Marshal for 2016 July 4th parade. Pastore is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and American Legion Post 68, and has been a frequent Fourth of July parade participant as a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. He served as the commander of the DAV from 1992-94 and DAV chaplain for the last 40 years.
Born in 1924, Pastore, a 1942 graduate of Pittsfield High School, was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1943 and saw action at Monte Cassino and Anzio in Italy. His unit entered Rome on June 4, 1944 and then invaded Southern France. He was transferred to the 524th Fighter Squadron of the 27th Fighter Group, where his duties included repairing planes and supporting the infantry. Pastore was stationed in Germany at the conclusion of the war. He was honored with the French Fourragere and his unit received a Presidential Unit Citation. After returning home in December 1945, he reenlisted and went to radio school and atomic school before receiving a medical discharge. Pastore took part in an honor flight to Washington, D.C. in September 2015.
–E.E.
