Clark Art Presents 'Fragile Beauty'

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Drawn from the vast collection of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, "Fragile Beauty: Treasures from the Corning Museum of Glass" demonstrates how makers from across time and around the globe have taken inspiration from the natural world to create works of art. 
 
The objects in the exhibition range in date from antiquity to the present and show a remarkable breadth of color, technique, form, design, and function. The exhibition is on view in the Clark Center's Michael Conforti Pavilion from July 4 through October 27, 2024.
 
"We often speak of the importance of appreciating art in nature," said Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director of the Clark. "The influence and inspiration of nature is at the forefront of this exhibition, presenting exquisite glass objects that represent the finest craftsmanship in the world. We cannot wait to see these magnificent works of art displayed in the Michael Conforti Pavilion where they are sure to shimmer and sparkle. We are deeply indebted to the Corning Museum of Glass for generously loaning these beautiful glass pieces to us for this exhibition."
 
Highlights of the selection include glass from the Venetian island of Murano; enameled glass from early modern Europe and India; Art Nouveau glass by artists including Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848–1933), René Lalique (French, 1860–1945), and Steuben Glass Works (Corning, New York, 1903–present); and contemporary works. Some of these objects were made for practical use, such as drinking glasses, vases, and pitchers. Others are purely decorative, from a life-size lemon to a giant flower.
 
"I am in awe of the technical skill and boundless creativity of the glass artists who made the objects on view in this exhibition – some recently, some many centuries ago," said Kathleen Morris, Sylvia and Leonard Marx Director of Collections and Exhibitions and curator of decorative arts. "It has been a true pleasure to mine the riches of the Corning Museum of Glass in order to bring this selection together, celebrating the beauty and variety of an ancient and universal art form."

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Cozy Place to Be

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Are you looking for a move-in ready home close to the downtown area? Then this just might be the house you're looking for.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 193 Cold Spring Road.

This 1950 single-family has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house is 2,184 square feet on a little less than an acre of land. The price is $469,900.

The house not only comes with a 3.5-car basement garage but also a detached two-car garage with additional storage space above. The house includes the kitchen appliances like the dishwasher, range, and refrigerator, and has a fireplace, screened porch, and back deck. The home is also generator-ready.

We spoke to Suzette Lyons with Burnham and Gold Real Estate, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Lyons: Location, location, location!! This property is a short distance from downtown Spring Street. It's nestled conveniently away from the road and provides substantial privacy. Plus, the home has a well-maintained exterior and interior.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home? 

What a gem! The workmanship is lovely and shows the home has been loved. There is an abundance of space with four bedrooms for family or work/home office space.

The opportunities are endless.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history? 

The home was built in the mid-1950s by the owner of Yeadon Farm Dairy on the edge of the farm, now the Thornliebank/Buxton Hill neighborhood, with lumber cut from the property.

Along with thick plaster walls and ceilings on the first floor, quality craftsmanship is abundant throughout.

The house has been owned by the same family who built it and the grandson has made every effort to match the original design and style with all of the renovations, including custom-milled natural woodwork for the private second-floor primary bedroom suite. Family pride in ownership is evident in every space of this well-constructed and maintained house now waiting for a new family to call it "home."

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for? 

This home appeals to many buyers. There are four bedrooms sufficient for a full-time family, singles or second homeowners. Opportunity for in-law suite. Also, ample room for a home/office business. Lots of storage space with 3 1/2 garages and additional storage space above the oversized two-car garage.

Are there any standout design features? 

Lots of personal touches with natural woodwork throughout, freshly painted light colors to maximize natural light, new flooring in several rooms. Spacious four-season room for relaxing or home/office use. Also, offers a beautiful primary suite on the second floor.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space? 

A peaceful retreat in the woods. Cozy up to the fireplace on winter nights, enjoy the morning coffee on the back porch or the four-season sunroom. Spend the afternoon gardening in your beautiful yard and connecting with nature. A pet-friendly home offering a fenced yard and durable flooring. A family friendly home directly on the school bus routes.

How would you describe the atmosphere or feel of this home? 

The home has a welcoming feel with natural elements offering a place of comfort and belonging.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 
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