For more than two hundred years, artists have been inspired by the Housatonic River and by the scenic beauty of the mountains and valleys of Massachusetts through which it flows.
A national treasure in the heart of New England, the river has endured the pressures of industrialization and begun a lively recovery thanks to the dedication of many environmentalists and concerned citizens who care deeply about its future.
"Housatonic River Reflections," a new exhibition on view at the Norman Rockwell Museum from August 13 through September 19, 2004, celebrates the talent and vision of regional artists who pay homage to the splendor of this beloved natural resource, exploring and portraying the river's many faces.
"Housatonic River Reflections" will showcase award-winning art from juried exhibitions sponsored by the Sheffield Art League and Simon's Rock College, as well as work by other artists with a noted affinity for the Berkshire landscape.
Artists featured in the exhibition include:
Patricia Blair Ryan, Emily Buchanan, Mario Caluori, Erica Child Prud'homme, Laurie Cormier, Frank D'Amato, Stephen Filmus, Ann Getsinger, James Gilbert, Martin Greene, Keith Hatcher, Pat Hogan, William Holland, Helen N. Jacobs, Joan Jardine, Ann Jon, Chet Kalm, Karen Kellogg, Wendy Klemperer, Kate Knapp, Ruth Kolbert, Elisabeth Levy, C. Lee Rogers, John Manikowski, Melody Mason, Gene Montez Flores, Dorothy Napp Schindel, Bonnie Oloff, June Parker, Ivor Parry, Daisy de Puthod, Nina Ritson, Jim Schantz, Andrea Scott, Gabrielle Senza, Mary Sipp-Green, Karin Smith, Lennart Swede Ahrstrom, Sheila Tintera, Robin Tost, Margot Trout, Nancy Virbila, Catherine Wallace Harding, Barbara Winters, Tom Zetterstrom, Paul Zura. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on August 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition is free with Museum admission.
"Housatonic River Festival"
Saturday, August 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the history, art and ecology of the Housatonic River with a family festival day to be held at the Norman Rockwell Museum on August 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Housatonic River Festival" will present hands-on art classes, nature workshops, gallery tours, performances and more. The festival is presented in conjunction with the new exhibition "Housatonic River Reflections."
Presenters and performers at "Housatonic River Festival" include a cappella singing group Quintessential, Thunder Bay performance group, the Too Old to Care acoustic trio, ecologists from the Housatonic Valley Authority and the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, and artists from IS183, Sculpture Now, and the Sheffield Art League.
Visitors are invited to meet and speak with representatives from Berkshire Canoe Tours, the Berkshire Fishing Club, the Berkshire Natural Fish Hatchery, Expeditions, the Housatonic Environmental Action League, Housatonic River Initiative, Housatonic River Outfitters, Housatonic River Restoration , Norman Anderson Sculpture, River Run, the Sheffield Historical Society, and Trout Unlimited. The event is free with Museum admission.
For more information, the public is invited to call 413-298-4100, ext. 220. Visit the Museum's Web site at www.nrm.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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