First Pittsfield's sheep, now Vt. moose

By Susan BushPrint Story | Email Story
'Mooselight in Vermont' outside of the Bennington Chamber. (Photo Courtesy of the Bennington Chamber)
NORTH BENNINGTON, Vt. — It wasn't speed dating, but numerous moose-inspired artists and business-oriented sponsors found their artistic mates during a Moosefest 2005 reception Friday night at the Vermont Arts Exchange building on Sage Street. The event was hosted by the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization driving the May-October festival, which will bring about 55 life-sized, artist-designed moose statues to prominent area locations. Over 100 design proposals were submitted, and a panel of jurists selected finalists earlier this month. About 30 designs were on display during the reception, and prospective sponsors reviewed the renditions in search of a design they felt worthy of the $1,500 sponsorship contribution. Several designs acquired sponsors prior to the reception, said Jerry Kline, chairman of the Moosefest Committee and owner of Sweet Pea Antiques on Route 7. Kline noted similar endeavors that brought publicity to other locales, including the Pittsfield, Mass., sheep and Brandon, Vt.'s pigs. The Chamber Events Committee began discussing the plan about one year ago, he said. "This idea grew out of that committee, and it's taken on a life of its own," he3 said. The moose project is getting attention, Kline said, noting that a statue covered in hand-applied twigs designed as "Algonquin Moose" by Shaftsbury artist Jane Glesne is on display at the Guilford Visitor's Center. A blue-hued moose, "Mooselight in Vermont," designed by Bennington artist Tony Conner has been luring curious travelers to the Chamber's Visitor's Center parking lot, and was brought to the reception site for the event. The Pownal-based Leonard's True Value storeowners have purchased a moose for $2,500 and plan to place it at the business site. Because that moose was purchased outright, as opposed to sponsored, the business will own the moose, Kline said. A total of 10 statues were reserved for purchase, he said. Sponsored moose may find owners during a silent auction scheduled for an Oct. 29 Moosefest Grand Gala. Northside Diner owner Rosan Greene attended the reception as an artist and a sponsor. Greene said her love of painting and Pittsfield's Merino sheep project acted as catalysts for her interest. "I like to paint," said Greene, who plans a Vermont rural scene on her moose. "I went to Pittsfield and saw the sheep and I enjoyed it. This gives me the chance to show my artwork and I'm very excited … It’s a huge challenge. Periodontist William Guild and his wife, Dawn, said they plan to share sponsorship with area dentists Justin Salem and Thomas Macksey. "We felt that it was a great opportunity to support area artists and arts in the community," William Guild said. "If I painted a moose, I wouldn't be able to give it away, and sponsoring is the next best thing." Design submissions included proposals from several regionally known artists, including Joel Rudnick of Williamstown, Mass., Suzanne Little-Stefanik of Adams, Mass., and Ray Bub of Pownal. Kline said designs without sponsors after the event would have sponsors by month's end. Artist workshops meant to assist artists with transitioning their ideas from paper to statue are scheduled to begin within the next week, he said. The statues must be completed by May 1, and a public presentation is scheduled to kick off on May 15. Kline said hopes are high that the moose will captivate tourists and draw them to the region. "We believe that this will do great things for Bennington," he said.
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Friends of Great Barrington Libraries Holiday Book Sale

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries invite the community to shop their annual Holiday Good-as-New Book Sale, happening now through the end of the year at the Mason Library, 231 Main Street. 
 
With hundreds of curated gently used books to choose from—fiction, nonfiction, children's favorites, gift-quality selections, cookbooks, and more—it's the perfect local stop for holiday gifting.
 
This year's sale is an addition to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on this Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 PM. Visitors can swing by the Mason Library for early parking, browse the sale until 3:00 PM, then meet Pete the Cat on the front lawn before heading downtown for the Stroll's shopping, music, and festive eats.
 
Can't make the Holiday Stroll? The book sale is open during regular Mason Library hours throughout December.
 
Proceeds support free library programming and events for all ages.
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