The Clark Art Institute will offer free admission for all visitors from January through March 2024
Williamstown— The Clark Art Institute will offer free admission for all visitors from January through March 2024.
In its second year, the “Free for Three” program is part of the Institute’s ongoing effort to expand awareness of its programming and to welcome new visitors. In 2023, the Clark welcomed nearly 20,000 visitors during the three-month free admission period.
“We want everyone in our community to feel welcome at the Clark and hope that they will take advantage of our free admission months to explore our galleries, wander our grounds, and get to know the Clark better,” said Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director of the Clark.
During the free admission season, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Clark’s noted permanent collection and to see three new exhibitions, “50 Years and Forward: British Prints and Drawings Acquisitions” (open through February 11th), “50 Years and Forward: Works on Paper Acquisitions” (open through March 10th) and “Paper Cities” (opens March 9th). Also, on February 10th, the Clark will open the latest presentation of contemporary art in its public spaces with an installation by David-Jeremiah.
The Clark’s grounds, which are always open free of charge, provide miles of walking trails. In winter months, the Clark’s popular Project Snowshoe program offers visitors the opportunity to borrow free snowshoes to explore the beauty of the campus in winter. Snowshoes are available in adult and child sizes on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Clark also offers a wide array of more than sixty free public programs, concerts, and other activities. Details on January through March programming can be found at clarkart.edu/events.
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Artist talks and closing reception of “Landscapes, Portraits, and Still Lifes” at Center for Peace through Culture
Housatonic— On Friday, December 29th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., three Berkshire-based artists discuss their work featured in the exhibition “Landscapes, Portraits, and Still Lifes” at the Center for Peace through Culture.
Photographer and poet Bobby Miller will talk about his rich background as a photographer and hair stylist during NYC’s Studio 54 era and his many experiences with art and culture icons such as Andy Warhol. Oil painters Jonathon Nix and Julie Edmonds will share insights and processes behind their signature styles of portrait painting.
The event is on Friday, December 29th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Center for Peace through Culture on Front Street in Housatonic. More information can be found online.
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The Norfolk Library presents the Children’s Film Festival Seattle’s ‘Best of the Fest’
Norfolk— On Wednesday, December 27th and Thursday, December 28th, the Norfolk Library presents the Children’s Film Festival Seattle’s ‘Best of the Fest’.
Each year, the Children’s Film Festival Seattle curates its “Best of the Fest” traveling program that includes award-winning and audience favorite films from the most recent festival. This program is intended to let youth audiences gain global awareness through the magic of film.
On Wednesday, December 27th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., the “Best of the Fest: Animation Showcase” will be screened. Dive into exciting adventures and vibrant colors with this joyful collection of award-winning and audience favorite short animated films from the festival. Follow along as different critters and kids embark on adventures of friendship, family, and learning to be yourself. This program features films from Canada, Indonesia, India, Switzerland, and the United States. This program is for all ages and runs for 59 minutes. Registration online is appreciated.
On Thursday, December 28th from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the “Best of the Fest: Live-Action Shorts” will be screened. See the world through the eyes of the kids in this program of award-winning and audience favorite live-action short films from Children’s Film Festival Seattle. These narrative and documentary films feature inspiring young people who go on their own adventures, discover how to be true to themselves, and confront some of life’s challenges for the first time. This program features films with diverse characters and languages, and it is suggested for children ages 8+. It runs for 82 minutes. Registration online is appreciated.
The screenings are on Wednesday, December 27th and Thursday, December 28th at the Norfolk Library on Greenwoods Road East in Norfolk. Registration and more information can be found at the above-mentioned links.
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Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents a double Domingo Brunch featuring Lexi Weege and Chantell
Pittsfield— On Sunday, December 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dottie’s Coffee Lounge presents a double Domingo Brunch featuring Lexi Weege and Chantell.
From 10 a.m. to noon, Lexi Wedge will perform. Combining the best of classic country, Motown, and soul, Weege’s original songs are full of spirit. Whether she’s crooning a heartbroken ballad or belting out the blues, her dexterous voice is at the heart of it all. Her acrobatic vocals soar high and plunge low, tugging at your heartstrings. Her nearly twenty years of experience is evident in the craft of her songwriting, and in the bold confidence she exudes onstage.
From noon to 2 p.m., Chantell, a classically trained Berkshire County transplant from Chicago, will take the stage. In her early career, Chantell performed on studio albums for PBS and Sesame Street. Recently, she has studied and performed with Broadway producers as well as opened for Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax in a concert of hope dedicated to essential workers. Her passion and love for music and people are intrinsic within her vocal arrangements and songwriting.
The live music brunch will be on Sunday, December 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. Daily specials, the full menu, and coffee bar will be available. More information can be found online.
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MusicMoves presents Duncan dance classes for children starting on January 10th
Sheffield— The winter session of MusicMoves, dance in the style of Isadora Duncan, begins on January 10th at Dewey Hall. Classes are held for ages four to six on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for ages seven to ten. Classes for adults will begin in February.
MusicMoves incorporates the philosophy and teachings of iconic dance pioneer Isadora Duncan. Classes emphasize her natural, lyrical, and free approach to movement. To register, call or text 413- 358-7474, or email [email protected]. More information can be found online.
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Second Nature Art introduces Creative Playdate Workshops for elementary students
Great Barrington— Second Nature Arts is excited to announce the launch of Creative Playdate Workshops, a unique artful play program designed for elementary students in grades K-4. From January 16th to March 14th, children can embark on an after school adventure in creativity at two convenient locations.
From storytelling, sculpture, watercolors, and more each child’s innate curiosity will be nurtured. Participants will delight in making discoveries and growing their imaginations through immersive play-based learning, recreation, and experimentation with materials. Each afternoon will be an opportunity to connect with friends, tackle fun challenges, share skills, and celebrate learning.
More information including session times and locations can be found online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 413-457-1646.
