Sandisfield Arts Center Announces 30th Anniversary Opening Weekend

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SANDISFIELD, Mass.— The Sandisfield Arts Center will commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025 with Opening Weekend events on May 30 and 31. The weekend's theme is "The Landscape We Live," and it will also celebrate the installation of climate-friendly air conditioning and a renovated gallery space.
 
The season will begin with an art exhibition dedicated to Sandisfield, featuring its landscape, natural elements, and the works of local artists including Bill Carlson, Erika Crofut, Jaye Moscariello, Josie Miner, June Wink, Linda Moronti, Peter Biamonte, Sam Mercier, Susie Crofut, Teresa Bills, and Virginia Overton.
 
The exhibition will open with a reception on Friday, May 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Garfield Family Gallery, named in recognition of a donation from the Estate of Leslie and Johanna Garfield, who were long-time residents and supporters of the Arts Center. Following the opening, gallery hours will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends until its closure on July 6.
 
Saturday, May 31, will feature a Book Talk/Slide Show by Ron Bernard titled "From Church to Synagogue to Arts Center," followed by "Sandisfield in Poetry and Prose: Readings by Local Poets Hannah Fries and Hilde Weisert." The afternoon will conclude at 4 p.m. with "Singing Sandisfield’s Unsung Heroes," a recognition of local residents who contribute to the town.
 
The complete schedule for the 2025 season, which includes art exhibits, music, talks, workshops, performances, and films, is available at sandisfieldartscenter.org.
 
Renovations to the Arts Center's historic building, including climate-friendly HVAC, an upgraded electrical system, gallery improvements, and the groundwork for a kitchen and storage shed, were funded by grants from the Homestead Foundation, the Wyomissing Foundation, the Feigenbaum Foundation, the 1772 Foundation, the Estate of Leslie and Johanna Garfield, and individual donors. The project was guided by pro bono work from local architects and a project manager.
 
The Sandisfield Arts Center, located at 5 Hammertown Rd. in Sandisfield, MA, is a non-profit organization with the aim of preserving its historic building and providing cultural and educational programs for the community. The center is managed by a volunteer board and supported by volunteers and donors. Programs are partially funded by grants from the Sandisfield Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
 
 
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Great Barrington Fire, Police Respond to Chimney Fire

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Fire Chief Scott Turner called for mutual aid as soon as he saw flames. 
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Firefighters made quick work of a chimney fire on Tuesday afternoon and two police officers aided the occupant in escaping the building. 
 
Fire Chief Scott Turner said the blaze at 205 North St. was reported about 12:38 p.m.
 
"When I arrived on scene, we had a small amount of flames coming out of the eaves of the roof over by the chimney for the wood stove, and then we had light smoke conditions on the second floor," he said. 
 
Police Officers Andres Huertas and Elias Casey were first on the scene and immediately entered the single-family home to find the occupant was on the second floor. 
 
They helped her out of the building, Turner said, "they did a great job."
 
The chimney is a metal chimney and burn marks could been seen where it meets the eaves on the side of the building. 
 
North Street is a narrow residential way and firetrucks from Alford, Egremont, Monterey, Richmond, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge were parked along nearby streets. Scene support was provided by police, Southern Berkshire Ambulance, and National Grid. 
 
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