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Previously released official information:
A Spire to Become
a mural by Common Folk Artist Collective,
North Adams, MA
Built in 1863, St. Francis of Assisi was one of the steeples gracing the iconic skyline of North Adams. It was the city’s oldest Roman Catholic church and a historic landmark.
In May of 2016, the steeple collapsed, and despite impassioned cries of protest, the church was demolished.
Common Folk Artist Collective turned heartbreak into hope by salvaging pieces of of the spire’s slate and distributing them to local artists to create a mural that commemorates the church’s rich past, North Adam’s collective present, and our vibrant dreams for the future.
The mural, titled A Spire to Become, consists of 19 local artists:
Gwendolyn Byrd
Chris Carr
Kathline Carr
Misa Chappell
Samwise Fox
Allison Gageant
Katherine Haig
Christopher Hantman
Dave Motta
Donna Motta
Faith MottaHope Motta
Nate Massari
Leigh Nelson
Jim Peters
Mary Redstone
Robin Senseney
Phillip Shedd
Jessica Sweeney
Misa Chappell has activated the imagination with her ongoing explorations of the Madonna archetype, encouraging viewers to break with convention; photo courtesy Misa Chappell.
Upcoming Events
STITCHED, NY
STITCHED, upstate New York’s fashion extravaganza that highlights the work of local and national fashionista’s, announced, on November 20th, 2019, that the event will return for its second year with the Forever Young Fashion Show on February 8th, at Hudson Hall. The “dress to impress” evening brings many sectors of the community to raise awareness of the region’s evolving fashion scene while raising money for the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood
The Cougar Returns to the East
Critically acclaimed photographer, wildlife tracker, and educator Sue Morse is returning to the Berkshires with her spectacular show The Cougar Returns to the East at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield on Saturday, February 15th at 6:30pm. The event is sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR), Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC), New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF), Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, and Berkshire Community College (BCC).
Students Free | $15 Suggested Donation
WAM — 2020 Season Auditions
WAM Theatre will hold Equity Principal Auditions for our 2020 Season on February 9 and 10, 2020. Auditions will be hosted by Producing Artistic Director, Kristen van Ginhoven and Associate Artistic Director, Talya Kingston.
WAM Theatre’s 2020 Season (to be publicly announced on February 3) will include an area premiere, large ensemble cast production (September-October) directed by Kristen van Ginhoven in Shakespeare and Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse and the staged reading of an ensemble comedy directed by Talya Kingston (November 16-22) in Shakespeare and Company’s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre in Lenox, MA.
This is an Equity audition call. Non-Equity actors will be seen as time permits and should submit a photo and resume and indicate their non-union status in their request.
Bar Car Meet-up & Train Campaign News
The Train Campaign is holding a casual information event at Number 10 (formerly Castle Street Cafe) in Great Barrington on Monday 10 February 2020, 5–7pm. Karen Christensen will give an update on rail news in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Very Kennedy, owner of Number 10, will be providing free appetizers and if you donate $25 or more to the Train Campaign that evening (by check, please) you’ll also get a free beer or glass of wine.
There is no charge for this event except the price of any drinks you order (full menu here).
World Largest Poem – An Experiential Event
The Mount and WordxWord invite you to help create and perform the world’s largest poem. Each participant creates a short poem using a prompt from the previous poet. No experience necessary. The poem will be performed at The Mount on Sunday, May 3 as part of ArtWeek. Registration deadline is February 15. More information here.
Story Slam — It’s in the air.
Monthly Story Night
Tuesday, February 18th
Mt Anthony Country Club
Doors open at 6:45 • Stories start 7:30
Tickets- $5
This months theme: It’s in the air. But what is in the air? Love, as we near Valentine’s day? Or perhaps it happened in an airplane? Or was it pollen or smog that caused it? The answer is blowing… in the air? Whatever your interpretation is, let the air be full of stories.
True stories, told live without notes. Eight story tellers will have up to eight minutes to share a funny, sad, poignant, amazing, surprising, or touching story. All stories are true and first-person.
Food and drink available • Stories are recorded for future podcast
8 tellers • 8 Minutes • No Notes • No Props • True from you
Mature themes/Language Possible
February Vacation Outdoor day-camp opportunities
Vacation Exploration will once again be offered by the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation at its Sheep Hill location. The program will run during school vacation Tuesday, February 18h – Friday, February 21st from 1 – 4 and is open to children in grades K – 4. Outdoor activities will be nature oriented and include hikes, crafts, cooking/baking and more!
Cost: WRLF members $120 / Non-members $145
Space is limited, please register by February 11th.
Email [email protected] or call 413-458-2494 for more information
