image description
A painting by Bruce Shickmanter.

Art on Main Gallery New Exhibit: Oil Water Clay

Print Story | Email Story
Works by Michael Coyne.
WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — A new exhibit by artists Mike Coyne and Bruce Shickmanter will open at the Art on Main Gallery on Aug. 24.
 
There will be an opening reception on Aug. 26 from 2 to 4 pm.
 
Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. 
 
The gallery is located on 38 Main Street.
 
Michael Coyne is a retired emergency physician whose artistic interests include metalwork, ceramics, photography, and painting. Michael’s art is inspired by; music, travel, the outdoors, and his love of colors. His works have been displayed in a variety of galleries and shows within New England and the Southwest.
 
In his paintings, Bruce Shickmanter tries to use pleasing shapes along with light and color to convey a sense of magic, mystery and movement. He uses the texture and matte finish of gouache to create a contrast with the transparent and ephemeral qualities of watercolors. He has begun to use acrylic as an extra complement to his work. The scenes he paints are often places he has come across while hiking or biking or are inspired by a photo that stimulates his creativity.  
 

Tags: art exhibit,   

Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

King and Confidantes Debate Hope and Change in 'American Five'

By Alan PetrucelliSpecial to iBerkshires
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Fiction and fact meld in the regional premiere of "The American Five," now playing at the Larry Vaber Stage of the Unicorn Theatre. 
 
The play takes a fictionalized look at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his four closest confidants in the months leading up to the famed March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. The quintet, through differing opinions, animated arguments, constant threats of violence and a late-night meal featuring challah bread and wine, become a family as they prepare for the history-making march that galvanized the Civil Rights movement.
 
Most of us know the King saga. It's the second act in which playwright Chess Jakobs' genius shines. Prejudice runs rampant here: Is Stanley Levison, a Jewish lawyer from New York who shows up in Montgomery to join the fight for racial equality and "to repair the world," viewed as white? Jewish? Both? And march strategist and organizer Bayard Rustin experiences his own fight for civil rights because of his homosexuality. Here, Jakob explores prejudice on different levels.
 
The cast is top-notch with many emotional highs. As King, Rashun Carter (who would look more like his character if he had a full moustache) and Sydney Elisabeth (as Coretta Scott King) are at their best during a scene that bounces between humor and poignancy. 
 
She questions her husband about his meeting with President John F. Kennedy; he is angry and refuses to discuss it. "There is no 'you' out there, without a 'me,' in here," she says, leading King to agree that because of her self-worth and unwavering devotion to him, she is "Coretta Scott Queen."
 
As Clarence Jones, King's personal counsel, Brett Diggs has assurance and dignity; Harry Smith's portrayal of lawyer Stanley Levison, is nothing short of extraordinary. Destan Owens' performance as gay Bayard Rustin is the play's most outstanding performance as he defends his relations with men: "You don't get to judge me!" he tells King. "I'm just trying to find love."
 
"The American Five" is tightly directed by Gerry McIntyre; the historic period projections and footage/designed by Alex Hill remind people that there are dreams, such as hope and change, that are still being fought.
 
View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories

A & E
image description

King and Confidantes Debate Hope and Change in 'American Five'

A & E
Community News
image description

Prosperity Way Phase 1 Complete; Berkshire Gas Volunteer Day

Community News
Schools
image description

Monument Mountain Graduates Reminded to Keep Ecological Mindset

Schools
Schools
image description

Small but Mighty Lee Graduates Remember One of Their Own

Schools
Sports
image description

Lenox Edges Hoosac Valley to Reach State Semi-Final

Sports
Sports
image description

Durant Leads Drury Back to Final Four

Sports
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?