Community Access to the Arts and Good Purpose Gallery present ‘Friendly Universe,’ an exhibit of paintings by artists with disabilities
Lee— Now through January 13th, Community Access to the Arts (CATA) and Good Purpose Gallery present “Friendly Universe,” an exhibit of paintings by artists with disabilities, featuring a wide range of styles, from bold and exuberant abstract paintings, to meditative reflections on the artists’ experiences and the world around us.
Many works featured in the exhibit were created through CATA’s adaptive painting workshops. A hallmark of CATA’s inclusive arts programs, these workshops incorporate innovative techniques making painting and visual arts accessible for artists with a wide range of disabilities, including techniques inspired by Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.), originally developed by artist Tim Lefens. Working one-on-one with CATA faculty, artists use color wheels and a specialized series of yes/no questions to guide their creative decisions. Artists who are not able to manipulate a paintbrush instead use a laser pointer to direct the movement of the brush on the canvas. Additional works in the exhibit were created in an innovative new pilot program, the CATA Supported Studio, where artists with disabilities work independently on self-directed projects with the support of a CATA Faculty Mentor, pursuing personal goals and developing their unique style.
“Each artist has created profoundly expressive work. Exhibits like this help our artists with disabilities share their talents with the wider community, drawing us into their life experiences through vibrant works of art. Our entire community is enriched by their creativity!,” said CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller.
The exhibit runs now through January 13th at Good Purpose Gallery, located at 40 Main Street in Lee, next door to Starving Artist Cafe. Gallery hours are Wednesdays to Mondays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be an opening reception on Tuesday, December 10th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations and more information can be found online.
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Winter solstice celebration at Olana
Hudson, N.Y.— On Saturday, December 21st from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate the winter solstice at Olana with a special community day featuring a series of free opportunities and a chance to experience Olana’s beautiful winter landscape.
Did you know Frederic Church was a star gazer, often including cosmic elements in his landscape paintings? Welcome the winter season by learning more about the way celestial bodies influenced Church. Sun-gaze with Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association, get a personal astrology reading with Constellation Catskill, and participate in fun sky-centric activities and games. Other activities include free access to Olana’s historic interiors, a live set by DJ Jared, games, and everyone’s favorite miniature donkey, Hank, back by popular demand.
The celebration is on Saturday, December 21st from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Olana State Historic Site, located at 5720 State Route 9G in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.
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Seeing Rainbows and Wander present a ‘Narrative Visioning and Processing Salon’
Pittsfield— On Sunday, December 8th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Seeing Rainbows and Wander present a two-part, hybrid Narrative Visioning and Processing Salon, a space to connect, reflect, and build a shared vision for liberation through storytelling.
Participants are encouraged to bring quiet creative projects (writing, painting, crafting, or music) that inspire joy and self-expression. While free-flow creativity remains the heart of the salon,
this special session introduces guided narrative visioning prompts designed to inspire liberatory storytelling and community reflection. Participation is as flexible as desired—attendees may fully engage with prompts or quietly create and observe.
The salon is on Sunday, December 8th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Wander, located at 34 Depot Street in Pittsfield. Reservations and more information can be found online. Part two is scheduled for January 5th.
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Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents Latin Night with Prashad and Luanna
Pittsfield— On Friday, December 13th from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents Latin Night with Prashad and Luanna.
Get ready to heat up the dance floor with an evening of music, movement, and fun. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for an introduction to Latin Dance, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to brush up on the basics. At 7 p.m., there is a salsa class featuring partner work, spicy moves, and a turn on the dance floor. At 8 p.m., the dance floor opens for everyone to enjoy merengue, salsa, bachata, and more. No experience or partner is necessary – just bring your energy and love for dancing. Invite your friends and make it a night to remember.
The event is on Friday, December 13th from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, located at 444 North Street in Pittsfield. Full cash bar available. More information can be found online.
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December Berkshire Green Drinks
Berkshire— On Wednesday, December 11th from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) presents “”Protecting the Environment of the Berkshires: BEAT’s Year of Progress,” their final Green Drinks presentation of 2024, a virtual event at which BEAT staff will talk about the organization’s important work of this past year and explore what comes next as the new year approaches.
Be part of the discussion, hear about the ongoing air quality monitoring work through BEAT’s Breathe Easy Berkshires program, the organization’s continued work in improving aquatic and terrestrial wildlife connectivity, progress made on BEAT’s Environmental Leadership & Education Center, the continuing campaign to end fossil-fueled peaker plants, the fight to prevent the expansion of the Enbridge Algonquin pipeline through Project Maple, and some favorite 2024 highlights from BEAT-organized events.
Berkshire Green Drinks (formerly Pittsfield Green Drinks) is an informal gathering on the second Wednesday of the month that is free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. The drinks aren’t green but the conversations are. Everyone is welcome.
The virtual presentation is on Wednesday, December 11th from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. online. Registration and more information can be found online.
