Ventfort Hall Names First Director of Programming and Events

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LENOX, Mass. — Ventfort Hall and Gilded Age Mansion and Museum announced the appointment of Chelsea Gaia as its first-ever Director of Programming & Events. 
 
Under the leadership of Executive Director Wendy Healey, who took the helm in December of 2022, Gaia will shape the mansion's future as a "beacon of culture, progress, and inclusivity" in the Berkshires, stated a press release.  
 
Appointed in January, Gaia programed a full 2024 Season for the mansion, promising an array of events and programs under the theme Reviving the Spirit of Festival House.
 
Gaia, who has over twenty years of experience in business development, audience growth, marketing strategy, and entrepreneurship brings a fresh perspective to Ventfort Hall. Having relocated from the Pacific Northwest to the Berkshires in 2022, Gaia has a track record of community revitalization and cultural engagement. Her previous roles in the Berkshires include serving as the Director of Marketing & Box Office at Barrington Stage Company and subsequently engaging several local cultural organizations as clients through her Public Relations & Engagement company, Green Bird Business Services. 
 
At Ventfort Hall, Gaia aims to honor and build upon the mansion's legacy.
 
"There is a Renaissance unfolding at Ventfort Hall, and it is undoubtedly driven by the spirit of those who have kept this place alive in this era and eras passed. While I am humbled to be part of this chapter, I intend to honor the work and stories of everyone who has shaped the legacy of Ventfort Hall as a foundation for my time here," Gaia said.

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Marionette Shows At Ventfort Hall for Children

LENOX, Mass. — The puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox with Rapunzel for two holiday vacation week marionette performances. 
 
The dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Dec. 29, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague after.
 
Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his "behind the scenery" mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood.  He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler.  Hybler's legacy also includes two marionette theaters. 
 
Also, Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as "The Royal Tenenbaums" and Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence," as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company. 
 
Admission to the show is $20 per person; $10 for children 4-17 and free for age 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults.  Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays. Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made on line at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
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