Javotte Ray, granddaughter of Sterling and Francine Clark, with the cake celebrating the 60th anniversary of the museum they founded.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Nearly one year after it completed a $145 million expansion and renovation, the Clark has the blessings of the Clarks.
Javotte Ray, the granddaughter of Sterling and Francine Clark, on Sunday visited the art museum they founded to help the Clark Art Institute celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Sixty years ago to the day, the Clarks welcomed the world to a white marble building on South Street that the couple built to house its private collection.
Six decades later, that white building is just as impressive and the paintings are just as memorable, but little else would be recognizable to Ray's grandparents.
On Sunday, she stood with Clark Director Michael Conforti on the Fernandez Terrace — one of many features added as part of the 15-year expansion of the Clark.
And she pronounced it good.
"She knew the Clark in its earliest years and she certainly knew her grandparents very well," Conforti told the crowd. "Do you think they would have wanted this to happen, Javotte?"
"I think they would have," the Swiss resident said. "I think they certainly must be looking at us and enjoying themselves.
"You see ... a museum is something to be seen by as many people as possible. Many people will be able to come to the museum and enjoy the pictures, enjoy everything.
"They certainly would be happy. This museum has been remarkably developed, and now it is known worldwide. I think my grandfather would be very happy about that."
Then Ray and Conforti cut a cake in honor of the 60th anniversary, and the crowd enjoyed the art — on view for free for the occasion — as entertainment was provided by two Williams College a cappella groups, the all-male Williams Octet and the all-female Ephoria.
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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
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The group planning a new skate park for a town-owned site on Stetson Road hopes to get construction underway in the spring — if it can raise a little more than $500,000 needed to reach its goal. click for more