Berkshire Botanical Garden offers a “Bring Your Own: Indigo” class
Stockbridge— On Sunday, May 7th from 3 to 5 p.m., Berkshire Botanical Garden is offering a “Bring Your Own: Indigo” class. This is a hybrid class and will be offered both online and in-person.
The class offers an exploration of the most popular natural dye, indigo. From India to Japan to Greece, indigo has been the foundation of century-old textile traditions. Maggie Pate will begin this class with a brief introduction to indigo and then give a demonstration of how the magic of indigo works. Bring your own fiber and dye with our indigo vats. The purpose of this class is for students to repurpose old items, cover up stained pieces or create something original with new purchases. Each student will be asked to bring up to four small natural fiber items from home (no blankets).
Maggie Pate’s work in textiles is a cross-section that explores the synthesis of textures, repetition and geometry. It forms a poetic visual language that ignites the potential of figurative rhythm – a visual synesthesia; where shapes, colors and mood transform into a kaleidoscopic canvas. The last few years, her focus has shifted to cultivating a 100% sustainable and eco-friendly studio by capturing color with predominantly food waste collected from local restaurants and farms.
The class is Sunday, May 7th from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge. The cost of the registration is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Participants may register online. For more information, call 413-298-3926.
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Berkshire HorseWorks offers a one day play-shop for mothers and daughters in honor of Mother’s Day
Richmond— On Sunday, May 7th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in honor of Mother’s Day, Berkshire HorseWorks will be offering “Saddle Your Own Horse,” a one day play-shop for mothers and daughters on a private seven-acre ranch. Co-facilitated by bestselling author and girls’ leadership advocate Barbara Newman, the interactive, experiential program is designed to empower moms and their daughters to live more courageously in the world by tapping into their inner cowgirl spirit. All feet will be on the ground, learning side by side with an intuitive herd of rescue horses and donkeys. No horse experience is necessary.
At this play-shop, mothers and daughters will discover the eight principles by which the cowgirl lives and how they can embolden you. They’ll find their own cowgirl spirit as they sit by an intimate campfire, listen to a storyteller, and interact with therapy horses in ground-based activities. This workshop encourages women to manifest and embody the courageous bold spirit within, leading to increased resilience, perseverance, facing fears head on, independence, resourcefulness, journeying outside one’s comfort zone, cultivating self-awareness, authenticity, and authority.
The workshop is on May 7th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The learning adventure including a BBQ lunch, mindful hiking with horses, art, journaling and Eagala-based activities is offered to mothers and their daughters ages nine and up, at a cost of $375 for two. Space is limited so make sure to reserve your spot. Sliding scales available. For reservations, email info@berkshirehorseworks.com or call 413-698-3700.
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Bernay Fine Art will open The Familiar Unknown, a new show curated by Sue Muskat and Phil Knoll
Great Barrington— On May 6th, Bernay Fine Art will open The Familiar Unknown, a new show curated by Sue Muskat and Phil Knoll. The show will feature work by twenty-two artists from the Hudson Valley, the Berkshires, and the New York Metropolitan area.
The title, The Familiar Unknown, refers to a reexamination of a life that we once took for granted and are now not sure of. The world we live in today is somewhat out of control with the challenges to our democracy, our rights as individuals and global warming.
The twenty-two artists in this show are very aware of our ever-changing environment and are engaged in the issues that surround us. They use their art to send their message. By design, none of the talented artists in the new show have shown work at the gallery previously.
Sue Muskat and Phil Knoll, the curators of The Familiar Unknown, are both artists and friends of the gallery. Bernay Fine Art was excited to bring a new set of eyes to the gallery space and Sue and Phil, who curated the fantastic Shimmer show at the Berkshire Botanical Garden last year, were the obvious choice. Sue and Phil’s projects always involve high quality art, brilliant artists, and a natural gift for bringing our art community together.
On Saturday, May 6th at Bernay Fine Art on Main Street in Great Barrington, guests are invited to the opening of The Familiar Unknown with a reception for the artists from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibit will run through Sunday, June 4th. For more information, visit Bernay Fine Art online.
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Berkshire Museum and Shakespeare & Company present Shakespeare at the Museum
Pittsfield— On Saturday, May 6th from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Berkshire Museum and Shakespeare & Company present Shakespeare at the Museum curated by the museum’s own Emily Rome.
Experience an ode to Cleopatra next to the Museum’s resident mummy; consider Macbeth’s final speech surrounded by a collection of beautiful clocks; become immersed in the poetry of the sea in the Museum’s Aquarium, and more. At this special promenade event, you are invited to wander the galleries of the Berkshire Museum, encountering actors performing speeches and scenes from a variety of Shakespeare’s plays.
The event is on Saturday, May 6th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Berkshire Museum on South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $30 and $25 for Museum members, students, and seniors. Visit Berkshire Museum online for tickets and more information.
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The Community Recreation Association’s 46th annual May Day races
Dalton— On Sunday, May 7th at 9 a.m., the 46th annual Community Recreation Association (CRA) May Day Races will be held at Nessacus Middle School, with a major sponsorship by Greylock Federal Credit Union. Races include the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer, the Obstacles & Popsicles kids’ races for ages 8 and under, and a 1-mile Splatter Sprint for ages 8 and up, all with chip timing by Berkshire Running Center.
Obstacles & Popsicles, a race for ages 8 and under, features a course running under, over and through fun obstacles. Every participant in the Obstacles & Popsicles kids’ races will receive a ribbon and freeze pop at the finish line.
The 5K road/trail race and 10K road race begin at 9 a.m. The Obstacles & Popsicles races begin at 10 a.m., with the Splatter Sprint immediately following. The awards presentation is expected to begin at 11 a.m. The first 100 runners to register (combined 5K/10K) will receive a long-sleeve wicking T-shirt. Visit the Dalton CRA online to register. For more information, call 413-684-0260. Online registration is also available at berkshirerunningcenter.com. All proceeds benefit CRA and Dalton Youth Center programs.
