Lauren Clark Fine Art and Childs+Clark Gallery present ‘Wheaton Swan Song,’ a farewell exhibit of work by beloved and renowned sculptor Joe Wheaton
Great Barrington— From November 28th through December 29th, Lauren Clark Fine Art and Childs+Clark Gallery present “Wheaton Swan Song,” a farewell exhibit of work by beloved and renowned sculptor Joe Wheaton.
Wheaton describes his work in his own words: “Familiar yet strange, beautiful yet menacing, threatening yet delicate. Reaching and solid, my work traverses many contradictions. As in life, beautiful lines have sharp edges, precarious forms balance with great certainty yet are vulnerable to nature’s menacing ways. I am interested in using recognizable materials and relationships in configurations that will serve to re-evaluate how one perceives what might at first seem obvious. Dark forms stand in front of their ever-changing shadows. Lines motion and engage, but are like life, elusive and mysterious.”
Wheaton is leaving it all behind for politically warmer climes where he will rethink his creative direction and work. At this farewell exhibit, his work will be featured with 50% off sale pricing. If you’ve ever coveted a piece of his sculpture, this is your opportunity!
Concurrently, the galleries will present the work of glass artist Tomo Sakai. Sakai graduated from Tama Art University in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in glass, and then studied glass engraving and coldworking in the Czech Republic. She had a residency with the flame-worker Emilio Santini at The Studio in 2021. The inspiration for her glass work comes from her experience growing up in Japan, where traditional crafts and modern culture are closely related. From this experience, she learned to merge traditional glass techniques with modern forms and processes—a fusion of materiality and simplicity.
The exhibits are on view from November 28th through December 29th at Lauren Clark Fine Art and Childs+Clark Gallery, located at 684 Main Street in Great Barrington. There will be a very special opening reception on Friday, November 28th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found online.
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American Mural Project’s Happy House Piano Series continues with pianist Zoe Bates
Winsted, Conn.— On Friday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m., American Mural Project’s (AMP) Happy House Piano Series continues with pianist Zoe Bates.
Bates is known for her soulful interpretations of artists like Susan Tedeschi and Etta James. She was the lead singer of the local band Temporary Sanity and is a college a cappella alum. She brings rich vocal expression and a deep love of performing to every set.
AMP’s Happy Hour Piano Series eases you into the weekend with live piano music and libations in Connecticut’s most singular art space. Home of the world’s largest indoor collaborative work of art, AMP provides a stunning backdrop for this intimate musical evening of keyboard artistry. Whether you enjoy the performance from a comfy couch on the upper levels, in a seat close to the keyboard, or as a musical accompaniment while you explore the mural, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience gorgeous music set against a spectacular work of art.
The concert is on Friday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m. at American Mural Project, located at 90 Whiting Street in Winsted, Conn. The doors open at 5 p.m. A cash bar offers a selection of wine, craft and domestic beer, cider, and various beverages. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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The Foundry presents Klezmer Night with Itay Dayan and his Band
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents Klezmer Night with Itay Dayan and his Band.
Itay Dayan is considered one of today’s most promising voices in klezmer music. Renowned for his virtuosic playing and genre-defying creativity, Itay seamlessly weaves together klezmer, jazz, and classical influences, crafting a sound that honors tradition while fearlessly exploring new musical frontiers.
The concert is on Saturday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. The doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Christ Trinity Church presents a 100th anniversary screening of Charlie Chaplin’s classic silent film ‘The Gold Rush’ with live accompaniment from internationally acclaimed silent film musicians Donald Sosin and Joanna Seaton
Sheffield— On Saturday, November 29th at 7 p.m., Christ Trinity Church presents a 100th anniversary screening of Charlie Chaplin’s classic silent film “The Gold Rush” with live accompaniment from internationally acclaimed silent film musicians Donald Sosin and Joanna Seaton.
The 1925 American comedy was written, produced, and directed by Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin stars in the film (in his Little Tramp persona) as the Lone Prospector. Trapped in a small cabin by a blizzard, the Tramp is forced to share close quarters with a successful prospector, Big Jim (Mack Swain) and a fugitive, Black Larsen (Tom Murray). Eventually able to leave the cabin, he falls for a lovely dance hall girl, Georgia (Georgia Hale) and tries valiantly to win her affections. When Big Jim needs help relocating his claim, it appears the Tramp’s fortunes may change.
Chaplin drew inspiration from photographs of the Klondike Gold Rush (1896-99) as well as from the story of the Donner Party (1846-47) who, when snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, were driven to cannibalism or eating leather from their shoes. The opening scene in the film was shot on location at Truckee, California, in the snow country of the Sierra Nevada. Here Chaplin faithfully recreated the historic image of the prospectors struggling up the infamous Chilkoot Pass in Yukon, Canada. Six hundred extras clambered up the 2,300-feet pass dug through the mountain snow. The rest of the film was shot on the back lot and stages at Chaplin’s Hollywood studio, where elaborate Klondike sets were constructed.
The Gold Rush was critically acclaimed upon its release and continues to be one of Chaplin’s most celebrated works. Chaplin himself cited it as the film for which he most wanted to be remembered. The screening is on Saturday, November 29th at 7 p.m. at Christ Trinity Church, located at 180 Main Street in Sheffield. There will also be a sing-along of songs from the 1920s. Tickets are $15 at the door. More information can be found online.
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Friends of the Bushnell-Sage Library presents Kevin O’Hara to read from his new book ‘A Christmas Journey, Volume Two’
Sheffield— On Sunday, November 30th at 2:30 p.m., the Friends of the Bushnell-Sage Library, as part of their Author Talks Series, presents Kevin O’Hara to read from his new book “A Christmas Journey, Volume Two.”
O’Hara is a Pittsfield native, inveterate traveler, and habitual storyteller. He is the proud recipient of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Award, given in 2012 for his first two books, “Last of the Donkey Pilgrims” and “A Lucky Irish Lad.” He also is a longtime contributing columnist to The Berkshire Eagle and was named the 2020 writer-in-residence at Herman Melville’s, Arrowhead.
He is sure to delight with commentary on his experiences of Irish holiday traditions and entertainment. Both volumes of “A Christmas Journey” with illustrations by David King will be available for purchase and signing at a reception after the reading.
The event is on Sunday, November 30th at 2:30 p.m. at the Bushnell-Sage Library, located at 48 Main Street in Sheffield. More information can be found online.
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Greylock Federal collects donations to support local food pantries
Pittsfield— Through December 31st, Greylock Federal Credit Union is hosting a food drive to support local food pantries. All donations, which may be dropped off at any branch location, will be matched with a monetary donation by the credit union.
“We recognize that these are incredibly challenging times for so many in the Berkshires and beyond. If you have a little extra in your pantry or can pick up an extra item while shopping, please consider donating at one of our branch locations. Every contribution helps make sure our neighbors have enough to eat,” said Rachel Mabee, Vice President, Culture and Brand. “A food drive is a simple, but powerful way we can collectively care for our community.”
Donations may include unexpired, non-perishable canned and boxed foods. A list of branch locations can be found online.
