Berkshire Museum announces summer line-up

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PITTSFIELD - The Berkshire Museum is offering a full season of intriguing exhibitions, programs and film for people of all ages, including a special Centennial Birthday Bash on July 3 at Bousquet Ski Area ending with a fantastic fireworks display; a new permanent exhibition Alexander Calder: An Artist at Play with original works by one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century; and an extraordinary installation by master glass artist William Morris titled Myth Object and the Animal which runs June 14 - August 24. OPENING JUNE 14 William Morris: Myth, Object and the Animal June 14 - August 24, 2003 For some 20 years, master glass artist William Morris has questioned the relationship between human kind and nature. According to art critic James Yood, his work speaks of a special continuum, of the magic in the intuitions sensed by our ancestors, and of the fundamental value of our effort to understand our bonds with nature. Myth, Object and the Animal features an extraordinary installation comprised of glass elephant tusks that take the shape of an ancient sailing vessel lined with forms reminiscent of human bones and war instruments. A fascinating "object wall" is created by a multitude of unique art pieces and vessels. Each is a unique work of art in its own right; together, their impact is stunning. Morris has, in the words of Patterson Sims, Curator of Modern Art at the Seattle Art Museum, "turned artifacts into art". He has a repertoire of techniques that virtually no other American glass master can equal, and has been associated with the world-renowned Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. Morris has worked with masters of Italian glass as well as American glass artist, Dale Chihuly. "All I do is create objects from ordinary life. The real myth is that nature subjects itself upon us every day, whether we know it or not." - Morris Opening May 1 As Time Goes By: The Centennial of the Berkshire Museum What do Gertrude Stein, Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, Ann Bancroft, William Gibson, William S. Burroughs, David Smyth, and Buckminster Fuller have in common? They have all played a part in the Berkshire Museum's colorful one hundred-year history. Learn more about this venerable local establishment in this new exhibition created in honor of the Museum's Centennial Celebration. Opening May 17 Masters of Contemporary Glass May 17 - August 31 Dense and solid, fragile and delicate, the strength and vulnerability of glass captures and plays with light like no other art form. Celebrate the magical beauty of glass at the Berkshire Museum with Masters of Contemporary Glass, an extraordinary collection of contemporary glass from 16 prominent glass artists. The exhibition opens on Saturday, May 17 and runs through August 31, 2003. OPENING JUNE 7 Beaded Identity: African Beadwork from the Antoinette Herber Collection June 7 - August 31 Thousands of green, red, white, blue, purple and black glass beads form bold geometric designs in the clothing and ornaments in the Berkshire Museum's exhibition, Beaded Identity: African Beadwork from the Antoinette Herber Collection. On view June 7-August 31, the exhibition features the striking work of Ndebele, Zulu, and Maasai bead artists primarily from the 1960's through the 1980's. In Africa, beadwork is much more than decoration. It marks the transition from one stage of life to the next, identifies status, and carries messages of love. Meaning varies from society to society, but one thing remains constant: beadwork carries a strong message of cultural identity. NEW PERMANENT EXHIBITION Alexander Calder: An Artist at Play Permanent Exhibition Opening June 1 In 1927, he was best known as the son of the famous sculptor, Alexander Stirling Calder. The young Alexander Calder dreamed that someday, he too would make a name for himself. In the meantime, he had to make a living. So, he created nine playful, imaginative toys, hoping a toy company would manufacture them. And manufactured they were, as "futuristic toys for advanced kiddies." Years later, the original toys found their way into the collection of the Berkshire Museum. For the first time, this remarkable collection is on permanent display as the centerpiece of an interactive exhibition. Alexander Calder: An Artist at Play combines the nine original toys, replicas of the toys that can be used for open-ended play as the artist intended, a workstation for experimentation with the mechanisms that create the motion of the toys, plus two early Calder mobiles. Centennial Celebration Berkshire Museum Centennial Birthday Bash! 5-10 p.m., Thursday, July 3, 2003 Bousquet Ski Area, Pittsfield, MA Everyone is invited to join Berkshire Museum staff and Board of Trustees in a celebration of 100 years serving Berkshire County's families. The party begins at 5 p.m. with discounted admission to Bousquet's outdoor activities, including swimming pools and water slides. Picnic fare and refreshments available for purchase. Bring your own picnic gear and enjoy an amazing fireworks display on the mountain, with music brought to you by WUPE FM-96/WUHN 1110 AM. There will be lots to do before the fireworks at sunset, including: · Nature walks with Museum Staff · Strolling performers · Concert at 7:30 p.m. featuring bluegrass family performer Ben Rudnick and Friends · Activities for kids, including face painting and make-your-own Wally, the Museum's front-lawn dwelling stegosaurus · A Welcome Tent, with raffle prizes, giveaways, commemorative t-shirts and posters, plus more fun for kids! Centennial Celebrations Underwritten by Berkshire Bank, Crane & Company and Colt Insurance Agency FAMILY PROGRAMS Super Saturdays All Super Saturdays are free with Museum admission. BALLOON MAGIC SUPER SATURDAY SATURDAY, MAY 24 11 a.m. Mr. Twisty Clown, magician, and court jester, Mr. Twisty will entertain children and adults alike with his fast-talking, balloon-making, magic-doing, just plain silly Mr. Twisty show. Come early and enter the raffle for Mr. Twisty's special "Do-It-Yourself" Magic and Balloon Animal Kits. 12:30 p.m. Up, Up and Away! Take a guess at how many helium balloons it will take to levitate a stuffed toy stegosaurus. We'll conduct the experiment live, and then award the stuffed steggie to the first person with a correct answer drawn in our raffle. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Make a Balloon Rocket Create it, inflate it, and send it flying. TOY CIRCUS SUPER SATURDAY SATURDAY, JUNE 7 11 a.m. Jim West's Mozart, Monsters, and Matisse This multi-media delight features giant colorful friendly monsters set to the music of Mozart, including "Chewalotapus," the bug catcher, in a shadow play with hilarious sound effects. A Theatreworks USA presentation 12 p.m. Berkshire Circus Camp Jugglers on the Museum's front lawn demonstrate circus techniques. 1- 3 p.m. Circus Toys Workshop Using painted wood, wire and cardboard to create whimsical circus toys. AFRICAN SUPER SATURDAY Saturday, July 26 11 a.m. Anansi, Spiderman of Africa! The award-winning Crabgrass Puppet Theater presents a side-splitting selection of African folktales, starring Anansi the Spider who loves to eat and hates to work. These trickster tales are brought to life with infectious music, fabulous puppetry, hand-batiked scenery and traditional African costumes. 12 - 1 p.m. African Safari Learn about the people, animals and habitats of Africa on a journey through the Museum. Encounter live African animals, dioramas, and the traditional dolls and clothes from the Museum's current exhibition, Beaded Identity. 1 - 3 p.m. Hands-on Dolls and Drums Fashion your own beaded doll inspired by traditional Ndebele beaded dolls or create your own tik-tak (whirling drum). Masks, Movement and Music Super Saturday SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2003 11 a.m. "Animan" Performance Play along with performance artist and mask maker Larry Hunt, in the production of Animan. Using over 20 beautifully crafted original animal and human masks, this theatrical work looks at how human attitudes affect the earth's creatures. 12 - 2 p.m. Mask Making Workshop Proud as a lion? Sly as a Fox? Bring your attitude to the classroom and use your feelings (and hands) to create your own animal mask. 2 p.m. Music of the Didgeridoo Listen to the exotic sounds arising from the didgeridoo, an aboriginal instrument native to Australia. Composer and teacher William Barton, who is widely recognized as one of Australia's finest traditional didgeridoo performers, will impress audiences of all ages. FUN WITH FLORA SUPER SATURDAY Saturday September 27, 2003 11 a.m. Fall Foliage Fooleries Celebrate the coming of fall with the Fall Foliage Fooleries. Clad in fantastic, fall-colored leaf costumes watch as they whirl and twirl to witty theatrics. 12 - 2 p.m. Flowers: Showoffs in the Garden! Join Berkshire Botanical Gardens staff and Museum Educators to learn about the role of the flower in the life cycle of the plant. Take home your own seed tape, which can be planted in the spring. 2 p.m. Berkshire Plants Explore the museum's own native plant garden with naturalist Dave St. James. Discover the plants of the Berkshires and listen as Dave reveals stories, history and unique facts about plants we see in their native habitat. FAMILY PERFORMANCES Admission for all family performances: Members: $5 Adults, $3 Children ages 3-18 Non-members: $8 Adults, $5 Children ages 3-18 Includes museum admission. BTF Plays! Presents Arabian Nights 11 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday June 25-28; July 2,3,5; July 9-12; July 16-19 We've chosen three of our favorite tales from Arabian Nights-the enchantingly romantic Prince Ahmed and the Fairy Queen, the hilarious confusion of The Tale of the Fool and the thrilling suspense of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. With journeys, genies and jests, it's a magic carpet ride for all ages. Shaker Mountain Performing Arts presents Little Red Riding Hood 11 a.m., Wednesday and Friday, August 6 & 8 Seymour Barab's adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood is an interesting take on the fairytale classic in which the scary wolf is transformed into a comic character and all the characters learn important lessons about life. Hansel and Gretel 11 a.m. Thursday and Saturday, August 7 & 9 Engelbert Humperdinck's classic children's opera is based on the famous tale of two children, their poor mother and father, a sandman and a dew fairy along with an evil witch in a gingerbread house. Albany Berkshire Ballet presents Peter and the Wolf 11 a.m. Wednesday - Saturday, August 20 - 23 Albany Berkshire Ballet interprets Tchaikovsky's symphonic fairytale and brings to life exuberant Peter and the animal friends who help him triumph over the danger in his own backyard. Aesop's Fables 11 a.m. Wednesday - Saturday, August 27 - 30 Favorite fables such as The Tortoise and the Hare and The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs are portrayed in this ballet that is choreographed to an original score. ADULT PROGRAMS Wild Edible Plants Field Trip 8 a.m. Saturday, June 28 $10 members; $15 Non-members Join naturalist Dave St. James and Berkshire Museum Natural Science Curator Thom Smith on a search for the wild edibles around us. Learn which plants Berkshire natives and early settlers used as food, medicines, and dyes. Participants will sample edibles and learn how to spot dangerous look-alikes. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Marshes, Swamps and Bogs 8 a.m., Saturday, July 26 $10 Members; $15 Non-members Be prepared to get your feet wet with Dave St. James and Thom Smith as you explore different wetlands. Examine native plants such as cranberries, orchids, cattails, and other classic wetland plants, including the insect-eating pitcher plant and sundews. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. ReDiscovering Music: Tanglewood Lecture Series 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Wednesdays, July 8 - August 26 The ReDiscovering Music series celebrates its 14th season with a full roster of renown speakers. Preview major performances at Tanglewood with these engaging and enlightening talks for music lovers. Check local listings for weekly topics. $65 for all eight lectures in series (must be purchased by July 8th); $10 per lecture. Students admitted free with valid ID. Co-sponsored by the Tanglewood Association of Volunteers July 8 Andrew Pincus Music critic, The Berkshire Eagle; author, lecturer; Hidden Treasures: a Few Concerts You Might Overlook, a commentary on the upcoming Tanglewood season and his personal picks July 15 Maurice Peress Crossing Borders: Classical, Klezmer and Jazz: A Seth Rogovoy discussion of the blend and give-and-take of these three musical genres July 22 Martin Bookspan Memories of Munch; reminiscences from retired BSO Principals: Doriot Anthony Dwyer, flute; Ralph Gomberg, oboe; Harry Shapiro, horn; Roger Voisin, trumpet July 29 Phyllis Curtin A conversation with Andrew Pincus - Singing: A Life Study; How this art has led me to unexpected places August 5 Ernest Liotti Professor, music history and literature, Loyola College; founder and director, DaCamera Singers; The Birth and Growth of the Concerto August 12 Norman Fisher Cellist, TMC Faculty; Chamber Music Master Class August 19 Janet Bookspan No Second Fiddle, Famous Spouses of Famous Artists Janet will be joined by a panel for a lively conversation August 26 Dr. Leon Botstein President, Bard College; music director, American Symphony Orchestra; co-artistic director, Bard Music Festival; Editor, "The Musical Quarterly"; educational innovator, author and lecturer Free Tours for Tanglewood Lecture Series attendees! Learn more about the Berkshire Museum. 9-9:30 a.m. Advanced reservations required; space is limited. Call (413) 443-7171, ext. 10 Topics: July 15 William Morris: Myth, Object and the Animal Maria Mingalone, director of education and Public Programs at the Berkshire Museum July 22 Hudson River Gallery, Jean & Russ Bousquet, Museum docents July 29 Ancient Civilizations, Ann Mintz, Museum director Aug 5 Aquarium and Natural Science, Thom Smith, curator of natural science VISUALLY SPEAKING LECTURE SERIES Calder Toys Restoration: An Artist at Play 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14 Lecture free with Museum admission Learn about the conservation process of the Berkshire Museum's Alexander Calder toy collection. Director of the restoration project, Hugh Glover from the Williamstown Art Conservation Center, will provide an art conservationist's view of the restoration process. A brief tour of the newly opened permanent exhibition Calder: An Artist at Play will follow the lecture. Glass in Process: Contemporary Glass Today 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28 $5 for Museum Members and BILL Members; $12.50 for Non-members Includes museum admission A dynamic group of panelists will convene to discuss the world of contemporary glass art. Representatives include renowned artist Thomas Patti, gallery owner Kenn Holsten and Mark Richard Leach, deputy director of The Mint Museums, Charlotte, NC, and private collectors Ralph and Dena Lowenbach. Co-sponsored by Berkshire Institute for Lifetime Learning LITTLE CINEMA Screenings nightly at 8 p.m.; matinee Mondays at 2 p.m. $7 General Admission; $4 Museum Members; $5 Matinee and Adults 65 on Thursdays. Purchase a Film Buff Movie Pass and avoid the ticket line! 5-Movie Pass: $20 Members; $30 Non-members. Purchase your Film Buff Movie Pass online at www.berkshiremuseum.org. Be the first to know about upcoming Little Cinema Films; sign up for Little Cinema e-mails at www.berkshiremuseum.org. Friday, May 23-Thursday, May 29 The Pianist Friday, May 30-Thursday, June 5 Bend it Like Beckham Friday, June 6-Thursday, June 12 Russian Ark Friday, June 13-Thursday, June 19 Nowhere in Africa
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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