Tag: Patrick Hollenbeck

“The idea is that personal struggles inspire artistic expression. These artists each take on the sad, forgotten, mundane aspects of existence and turn then into various artistic practices: works on paper, text, installation, video and photography." -- 'The Radness in the Sadness' co-curator Sara S. Wallach

The idea for the statue would have to be approved by the library trustees, the Historic District Commission, and perhaps the selectboard, as well.

The accusations came to a head earlier this month when the selectboard held a hearing to consider calls for her removal from the housing authority. Some witnesses vouched for Smith's integrity and hard work but others accused her of practicing nepotism, creating an environment of "toxicity," and exhibiting "aggressive and hostile behavior."

The primary order of business for Conner and Nappo was to get the selectboard to write a letter of endorsement for Grayhouse's application for $75,000 on an emergency basis from the Massachusetts Historical Commission's Preservation Projects Fund.

There was also an agreement that the Ramsdell's resources and services need to be focused, in part so that the Ramsdell is not merely duplicating the services of the Mason, but on a smaller scale.

Buyer Patrick Hollenbeck, who also chairs the Great Barrington Libraries board of trustees, said he's not sure what he wants to do with the property.

Last month, the board of trustees of the town's libraries endorsed the idea of putting a statue of the scholar, civil rights leader and Great Barrington native in front of the Mason Library on Main Street in the center of town. The project can only move forward if sufficient funds are raised and the Historic District Commission and the selectboard approve.

Not only are supporters of the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois trying to name one of the local public schools after him, but they want to commission a sculptor to come up with a life-sized likeness of him that would be placed on the front lawn of the Mason Library.

In his letter to the editor, Patrick Hollenbeck writes: “My concern is that both of these demanding leadership positions require tremendous time and energy and are deserving of undivided attention.” 

Friday, March 23, is the last day nomination papers can be obtained from the town clerk for candidates who want to be on the ballot for the Tuesday, May 15, nonpartisan municipal elections.