Clark Art Holds Series of in Focus Gallery Tours

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —This spring, the Clark Art Institute continues its popular series of In Focus gallery tours.

Visitors are welcome to join a Clark educator for a thematic tour of the permanent collection. Tours meet in the Museum Pavilion at 2 pm on select dates.

March 22
Women Artists
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join a Clark educator for a tour focused on women artists in the Clark’s collection. Learn about the obstacles these artists overcame in pursuit of their art.

April 26
Far Horizons: Landscape Art
Learn about landscape art in the Clark’s permanent collection, and how these paintings offer a window into the fascinating artistic, social, and philosophical questions developing at the time of their creation. Explore artworks that span centuries, from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.