'New Horizon's' reflective material mirrors the world around it.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A traveling art installation by Doug Aitken, "New Horizon," will float over the Berkshires this week.
The 100-foot tall mirror hot-air balloon is the fourth installation in The Trustees of Reservations' "Art & the Landscape" series that was launched in 2016 to inspire new and expanded audiences at some of the organization's most scenic and highly visited gardens, historic houses, beaches, and public parks.
Aitken set off in New Horizon on July 12 on Martha's Vineyard and will end his journey on Thursday, July 25, at Field Farm on Sloan Road.
"When we invite artists to respond to our landscapes through their art for our 'Art & the Landscape' program, we expect inspired responses, but this project by Doug Aitken surpasses our expectations," said Barbara Erickson, Trustees president and chief executive. "He has taken not just the concept of the landscape but also the ideals of conservation, the values of social consciousness, and the nostalgia ofthe best summer road trips andblendedthem all in to a visually poetic manifestation of the New England summer."
Aitken is known for working in numerous mediums, from film and installations to architectural intervention, as means to inspire the viewer to interpret the world around us with a new perspective. His works are often platforms for engagement that provoke innovative thought and dialogue. New Horizon was conceived and commissioned specifically for the Trustees to be presented — and to reflect — at some of its most iconic natural landscapes throughout Massachusetts.
At Field Farm's Family Day on Thursday, the balloon will tethered above the farm's 300 acres to reflect the landscape and surroundings. There will also be nature-inspired crafts and activities along the Pond Trail and a music and conversation event on the "Future of Culture" that evening with Aitken and curator Pedro Alonzo. Crooked Stick Pops, SoCo Ice Cream, Ooma Tesoro and the Notch Brewing Traveling Biergarten will be there as well.
On Saturday, New Horizon travels to Naumkeag in Stockbridge for a garden party and a Naumkeag After Dark event with desserts, a cash bar and Bang on a Can. The balloon's more than 3,500 LED light nodes will respond to the music. Sunday morning, the New Horizon will be back at Field Farm for a sunrise experience from 7 to 10 with balloon rides and breakfast.
The Family Day at Field Farm is free but regisration is required here. Admission to the Garden Party is $10 per car. All other events are ticketed prices ranging from $20 per person to $250; see events at Field Farm and Naumkeag for more information.
The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, July 25; Field Farm, Williamstown
Family Day: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | 1 to 2:30
Happening: 6 to 10 p.m. "Future of Culture" with Aitken & Alonzo; music by Destroyer, No Age
Saturday, July 27; Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Naumkeag Garden Party: 4 to 7 p.m.
Naumkeag After Dark: 8 to 10 p.m. Music: Bang on a Can plays Terry Riley's In C
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Williamstown Fire Committee Talks Station Project Cuts, Truck Replacement
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Prudential Committee on Wednesday signed off on more than $1 million in cost cutting measures for the planned Main Street fire station.
Some of the "value engineering" changes are cosmetic, while at least one pushes off a planned expense into the future.
The committee, which oversees the Fire District, also made plans to hold meetings over the next two Wednesdays to finalize its fiscal year 2025 budget request and other warrant articles for the May 28 annual district meeting. One of those warrant articles could include a request for a new mini rescue truck.
The value engineering changes to the building project originated with the district's Building Committee, which asked the Prudential Committee to review and sign off.
In all, the cuts approved on Wednesday are estimated to trim $1.135 million off the project's price tag.
The biggest ticket items included $250,000 to simplify the exterior masonry, $200,000 to eliminate a side yard shed, $150,000 to switch from a metal roof to asphalt shingles and $75,000 to "white box" certain areas on the second floor of the planned building.
The white boxing means the interior spaces will be built but not finished. So instead of dividing a large space into six bunk rooms and installing two restrooms on the second floor, that space will be left empty and unframed for now.
The Charter Review Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to endorse an amended version of the compliance provision it drafted to be added to the Town Charter. click for more
Developer David Traggorth asked the trustees to make the contribution from its coffers to help unlock an additional $5.4 million in state funds for the planned 54-unit apartment building at the south end of the Cable Mills site.
click for more
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college.
click for more
Neighbors of a proposed subdivision off Summer Street last week asked the Planning Board to take a critical look at the project, which the residents say is out of scale to the neighborhood. click for more