Seymour Robins Retrospective Exhibit Opens this October

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The Sheffield Historical Society will present a unique opportunity to view the creative mind of a prolific and talented graphic designer, Seymour Robins, in an upcoming exhibit of the paper sculptures he created from the mid-1950s through 1998.

Over 75 hanging or standing paper sculpture creations, which include designs for corporate clients, museums and UNICEF, as well as his own yearly holiday sculptures, will be featured in this retrospective exhibit, Paper Sculptures & Other Works by Seymour "Rob" Robins, scheduled for October 4-November 2, 2008. A reception for the artist will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 1 to 4 pm.

Seymour “Rob” Robins lived on Boardman Street for almost 40 years in the old Wilcox barn, which he completely renovated over the years into his home and studio. His career followed his military service and, beginning in the early 1950’s, he was one of Manhattan’s most prolific and talented graphic and package designers. Rob’s last commission for a paper sculpture was from MOMA in 1998, when his macular degeneration limited his vision. Rob, a lifelong student of vision, was also a major contributor to the field of perception studies at Princeton University.

The Society recently accepted a gift of his collection of his paper sculptures and other graphic design materials. Several of Rob’s sculptures are part of the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York City.

Rescued and restored by the Society in the early part of this decade, The Old Stone Store is the Society's latest acquisition to its seven building campus. Dating from 1834 it is the oldest existing retail building in the town, and now functions as the Society's gift shop and exhibition space. The Old Stone Store is open weekends, Saturday 10-3 and Sunday 11-3, or by appointment. It is located on the Green in Sheffield. For more information about Sheffield Historical Society, call 413.229.2694 or visit us on the web at www.sheffieldhistory.org.
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Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

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