The Mount's Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition Opens May 24

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LENOX, Mass. — The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home, is pleased to announce the return of its annual outdoor sculpture exhibition, opening May 24. 
 
Sculpture at The Mount showcases a dynamic mix of emerging and established artists, presenting a diverse array of works placed throughout the property's woods, gardens, and grounds.
 
According to a press release:
 
The 2025 exhibition's theme, "Movement," brings together kinetic sculptures alongside works exploring personal transformation, cultural shifts, the passage of time, and the rhythms of nature. Visitors are encouraged to view the pieces from multiple perspectives—taking in texture, form, and color—and to observe how light and setting influence each sculpture's presence. New this season, the exhibition follows a newly designed path that invites guests to explore deeper into The Mount's tranquil woodlands, adding a sense of discovery to every step.
 
"There is great synergy between Wharton's literary legacy and the compelling narratives expressed through contemporary sculpture," said Susan Wissler, executive director of The Mount. "For over a decade, we've used this exhibition to invite visitors to engage with and explore the intersection of art, stories, and nature in new and meaningful ways."
 
Free and open to the public daily. Last year's show welcomed more than 55,000 visitors. This year, The Mount continues to expand its programming with artist-led tours, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities designed to deepen the visitor experience.
 
A highlight of the season, the Meet the Artists Opening will take place on Sunday, June 29 at 3 PM, offering the public a chance to hear directly from participating artists as they discuss their work on-site. Monthly Artist-Led Tours will begin in July, offering further insight into the creative process behind the works.
 
New this year, Kids Sculpture Walks invite young visitors to explore the concept of movement in art through interactive tours and creative activities, encouraging curiosity and hands-on engagement.
 
As part of our commitment to accessibility, complimentary golf cart rides are available for guests who may need assistance navigating the wood chip trails.
 
Exhibiting Artists of the 2025 Sculpture at The Mount exhibition:
 
Kathy Ruttenberg
 
Joy Brown
 
Donna Bernstein
 
Sergei Isupov
 
Michael Perusse
 
Patrick Goguen
 
Ben Sloat
 
Robin Tost
 
Helen Duncan
 
Micajah Bienvenu
 
William Lanzillo
 
Susan Zurles
 
Craig Anderson
 
Kent Mikalsen
 
Hugh Lassen
 
Pamela Bonaguide
 
Pedro S. de Movellán
 
Thomas Berger and David Adilman
 
Vivien Collens
 
Harold Grinspoon
 
Christopher Curtis
 
Janice Corkin Rudolf
 
Rachel Hayes
 
David Skora
 
Peter Barrett
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Ventfort Hall: The Story of Festival House in the 1950’s

LENOX, Mass. — Chelsea Gaia, Director of Programming & Events for Ventfort Hall, will speak at Ventfort Hall on Tuesday, June 24 at 4 pm about the time Ventfort Hall operated as Festival House; an inn in the 50's where everyone was welcome. 
 
A tea will be served after her presentation.
 
According to a press release:  
 
The Berkshires haven't always been so open and celebratory of diversity. In fact, it's a fairly recent development with an obscure catalyst.  During the 1950's, Ventfort Hall did not exist as the Gilded Age Museum it is today, but instead, an inclusive resort open to all who wished to stay, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic class or status. In 1949, after realizing the lack of places welcoming to Jewish patronage, Bruno & Claire Aron transformed an abandoned Ventfort Hall into a haven and gatehouse for anyone who wanted access to Tanglewood performances or to experience the splendor of the Berkshires who may not have previously based on identity.
 
While not many tangible relics remain from the Festival House era - it is the Spirit of the decade that remains strong today in the Berkshires. Join Ventfort Hall Director of Programming & Events, Chelsea Gaia, to learn more about the Aron Family and how their dream of an inclusive Berkshires was realized through Festival House. 
 
Chelsea Gaia is the Director of Programming & Events for Ventfort Hall. An avid researcher and student of life, Gaia is openly neuro-divergent and finds joy and fulfillment executing in-depth study and research in many disciplines, as well as the history of each particular study.  Among her skills, she is a native plant expert for flora of the Pacific Northwest region of North America, a stained glass restoration specialist, a visual artist, a 20-year photojournalist, a seasoned graphic designer, and a multi-disciplined application scientist.
 
Tickets are $45. Members receive a discount code for $5 off all ticket prices. Students 22 and under are $22. Ticket pricing includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 am to 4 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call at (413) 637-3206.  All tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox.
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