Wednesday, November 12, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: Guild of Berkshire Artists at The Colonial; WAM world premiere; CATA at Pleasant Valley; Indigenous Peoples’ Day at The Clark; White Cane Day; Harvest Festival at Berkshire Botanical Garden; Fall Fest at Arrowhead

Guild of Berkshire Artists presents “Color of Autumn,” a new fall exhibition at the Colonial Theatre.

Guild of Berkshire Artists presents ‘Color of Autumn,’ a new fall exhibition at the Colonial Theatre

Pittsfield— Through December 13th, Guild of Berkshire Artists presents “Color of Autumn,” a new fall exhibition at the Colonial Theatre. 

“Colors of Autumn” consists of eleven works of art selected from Guild of Berkshire Artist applicants by a jury. From realistic to the abstract, media include oils, acrylics, watercolor, mixed media, cold wax, fiber, and photography, showcasing the artistic strength and stylistic diversity of the submissions.

The exhibit is one view through December 13th at the Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. There will be virtual receptions on October 22nd and 27th from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Zoom. More information can be found online.

***

WAM Theatre presents world premiere of Stacy Isom Campbell’s ‘1999’

Lenox— From October 16th through November 2nd, WAM Theatre presents the world premiere of Stacy Isom Campbell’s “1999.”

When a student questions the films selected in her course, Emma, a seasoned film criticism professor and producer, is forced to confront a buried secret from 1999. As she reflects on the choices that shaped her career, she wrestles with the legacy of beloved films and the weight of silence. Can she protect her students, honor her art, and still live with the truth?

Courtesy WAM.

A finalist for the 2025 Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and the Modern New Works Festival, 1999 is a bold, timely examination of generational divides, creative friendships, and the moral cost of complicity. With a critically acclaimed cast and a powerhouse creative team, this production promises an unforgettable, thought-provoking experience. Director Genée Coreno shared. “In the wake of Weinstein, Epstein, Diddy, and the ongoing #MeToo revelations, the play asks: what is the personal and generational cost of staying devoted to the art without confronting the system that shapes it?”

This timely and powerful performance features Zoë Laiz, Caroline Festa, and Zurie Adams, all three actors returning to WAM after captivating performances in recent seasons. Performances run October 16th through November 2nd at Shakespeare & Company, located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

***

CATA at Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Lenox— Through November 18th, CATA will be exhibiting nature-inspired paintings at Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 

CATA artist Bella. Courtesy CATA.

The exhibit is on view through November 18th at Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 472 West Mountain Road in Lenox, There is an opening celebration on Wednesday, October 15th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found online. 

***

Clark Art Institute celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a pop-up exhibition of print materials created by indigenous artists

Williamstown— On Monday, October 13th at 1 p.m., Clark Art Institute celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a pop-up exhibition of print materials created by indigenous artists from North America and around the globe.

Featured are artists’ books by Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke), Raven Chacon (Diné), and others, as well as a wealth of ephemera documenting indigenous artists representing their nations in the Venice Biennale, such as Jeffrey Gibson (Cherokee/Choctaw, US ’24), Archie Moore (Kamilaroi/Bigambul, Australia ’24), Bernardo Oyarzún (Mapuche, Chile ’17) the Sámi Pavilion (Nordic Pavilion ’22), and more.

Courtesy The Clark.

The pop-up is on Monday, October 13th at 1 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online. 

***

UCP of Western Massachusetts and WRRS 104.3 LPFM to host a ‘White Cane Day’ celebration to raise awareness about the rights and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired

Pittsfield— On Wednesday, October 15th from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., UCP of Western Massachusetts and WRRS 104.3 LPFM will host a “White Cane Day” celebration, an annual observance that honors the white cane as a symbol of independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Courtesy UCP of Western Massachusetts.

National White Cane Day is a time to raise awareness about the rights and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired. UCP of Western Massachusetts is using this opportunity to educate the public, promote accessibility, and celebrate community inclusion. There will be a Mayoral proclamation,  assistive technology demonstrations, and a challenge course, where sighted individuals attempt mobility activities blindfolded. 

The celebration is on Wednesday, October 15th from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at UCP of Western Massachusetts, located at 75 South Church Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.

***

Berkshire Botanical Garden to host annual Harvest Festival

Stockbridge— On October 11th and 12th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Berkshire Botanical Garden will host its annual Harvest Festival, one of the Berkshires’ most beloved traditions

The garden’s 24-acre grounds will be transformed into a lively celebration of community, culture, the natural world, and the region’s agricultural heritage. There will be a hay maze, a hay jump, hayrides, a haunted house, a petting zoo, face painting, square dancing, a plant sale, pop-up shops, artisan craft vendors, regional food trucks, a scarecrow contest, the Grumbling Gryphons, and live music by The Wanda Houston Band, The O-Tones, Sunday Strummers Ukulele Ensemble, and Katherine Winston.

Courtesy Berkshire Botanical Garden.

The family-friendly festival is on October 11th and 12th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkshire Botanical Garden, located at 5 West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under. More information can be found online.

***

Berkshire Museum and Berkshire County Historical Society present ‘Fall Fest’ at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead

Pittsfield— On Saturday, October 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Berkshire Museum and Berkshire County Historical Society present “Fall Fest” at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead.

Celebrate the season with Berkshire Museum, Berkshire County Historical Society, Baseball in the Berkshires, Bidwell House Museum, Berkshire Cider Project, and Berkshire Be-Witches. Unwind and enjoy the fall colors on the scenic grounds at Arrowhead. There will be cider pressing, hay rides, a magic show, face painting, balloon entertainment, lawn games, crafts, a cider-tasting for ages 21 and up, and more. 

Courtesy Berkshire Museum and Berkshire County Historical Society.

The family-friendly festival is on Saturday, October 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arrowhead, located at 780 Holmes Road in Pittsfield. Admission is free. More information can be found online. 

spot_img

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.

Continue reading

BITS & BYTES: Tarik Shah at Race Brook Lodge; Fall Festival of Shakespeare at Shakespeare & Company; Great Barrington Public Theater 10-Minute Play Festival;...

Legendary bassist Tarik Shah is a remarkable and extraordinary individual who is serious about the music and brings a high level of jazz improvisation with a lot of joy and integrity.

BITS & BYTES: Albert Cummings at The Colonial; Catalyst Quartet at Linde Center; YATTA at ART OMI; Spencertown Academy member exhibit; Edward Pelkey at...

Albert Cummings is a powerhouse blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose electrifying sound has cemented him as a leading voice in modern blues.

BITS & BYTES: Dan Tyminski at The Mahaiwe; Music Mountain presents Ulysses Quartet at Wethersfield; The Orchestra Now presents ‘Jurassic Park’; Rick McLaughlin Trio...

Tyminski’s voice famously accompanies George Clooney’s performance of the Stanley Brothers’ classic song, “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow,” in the film, “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.