The Making of the Berkshire Carousel at a Tea & Talk

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LENOX, Mass. — Local Berkshire resident, Stephanie Talanian, will tell the story of how the dream of a Berkshire Carousel became a reality on Tuesday July 15, at 4 pm. 
 
A tea will be served after her presentation.
 
According to a press release:
 
From the first piece of wood to the last coat of paint, the dream of Jim and Jackie Shulman turned a community project into a beautiful piece of art for all to enjoy. Hear the story of how two paid staff and 300 volunteers raised the funds, learned the art of building wooden horses and chariots, and turned it all into an amazing carousel for young and old to ride.
 
Stephanie Talanian, a resident of Berkshire County for over 50 years, is a member of the group partnering with Berkshire Carousel, Inc. to raise the needed funds and operate the newly reopened carousel. She grew up riding the carousels at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY and has loved all things carousel related since childhood. When the opportunity presented itself she volunteered for the original Berkshire Carousel project, where she learned to sand, carve and paint the horses. When the carousel ceased operations Stephanie joined with a small group of other volunteers to form Berkshire Collective Creations where they continue to carve and restore carousel animals. They have a studio at Greylock Works in North Adams.
 
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 (413) 637-3206. Note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox.
 
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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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