Becket — The Becket Arts Center has another exciting calendar of events in store for the 2019 season, including exhibitions, performances and workshops for the whole family and arts lovers of all ages.
In the upstairs gallery, viewers can enjoy three group exhibitions of works by local artists, starting Saturday, June 22, with photography of Ben Mancino, the watercolors of Marguerite Bride, the landscapes of Patricia Hogan, the stained glass art of Joseph Tracy and oil paintings by Sean McCusker. The gallery will also host the annual member show, including artwork by BAC members. Each of these eclectic exhibitions launches with an opening reception. The art center is now fully accessible, so those who prefer not to climb stairs will find a comfortable chair lift to take them up to the second floor.
Highlighting the live music offerings on the BAC calendar is the Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artists Family Concert playing at the Becket-Washington school auditorium Wednesday, July 31. To stimulate the mind as well as the senses, BAC’s inspired “Explorations” lecture series features Daniel Elihu Kramer, producing artistic director of the Chester Theatre Company, with a preview of the new season; John Osthoff, esteemed guitar maker, revealing “The Luthier’s Art”; and Camesha Scruggs, site guide at the W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site, exploring the legacy of the great civil rights leader. There will also be a panel on “How Kids are Leading the Climate Protest,” a discussion with Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington about “Impacts of the Revised Massachusetts Criminal Code”, and a concert and lecture about “The Musical Magic of Cole Porter” with singer/storyteller Frank Newton and accompanist Bob Shepherd.
The Becket Arts Center summer art camps for children ages 5–8 and 9–13 will be held this year at the Becket Outdoor Center, with both half-day and full-day programs as well as generous scholarships available.
BAC also offers an exciting assortment of workshops. There is summer yoga with Stephanie Leeds every Saturday morning and the return of a beloved family favorite, Families Dance Together, produced in conjunction with Jacob’s Pillow. Other BAC workshops include “Claiming Your Story: The Art of Autobiographical Writing” with award-winning author Jana Laiz, “Creating Classic Globe Terrariums” with garden expert Jedediah Thompson (sessions for children as well as adults), and a delightful evening with Berkshire Paint and Sip.
Find BAC’s bargain-packed silent auction at the annual Hilltown Brouhaha Saturday, July 13. And on Saturday, Aug. 24, the popular band Misty Blues will star in the annual Becket Arts Center Benefit Bash at Papa Bob’s. This event invariably sells out, so get your tickets soon.
Almost all the events on the BAC summer 2019 calendar are free or very low-cost. Opening hours for the exhibition gallery and Hilltown Gift Shop are Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. between Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, Sept. 8. The gift shop features greeting cards, ceramic bowls, mugs and vases, jewelry, scarves and handbags, “Building New Hope” coffee, books, and much more, all made by local artisans. BAC members receive a 10 percent discount at the gift shop.
For more information about any of these events, call (413) 623-6635 or email office@becketartscenter.org. For more information as well as the summer schedule, see the Berkshire Edge calendar.
The Becket Arts Center is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all contributions are deductible from income tax. It’s going to be a great summer, and everyone is welcome!
