greylocknews

MGRHS board proposes 5.7% budget hike to towns, shedding science teacher but adding four positions in special ed

(UPDATED: 10:40 a.m., March 31)

Mount Greylock Regional High School would shed a science teaching position next year  -- but add four posts overall, including four in special-education services -- under a proposed $9.9-million budget – a 5.7 percent increase over this year -- approved by the school board. The figure includes a proposed $23,000 special appropriation which Lanesborough voters will be asked to approve over and above the town's mandated share of the regional district's budget.  READ FULL STORY. The board also welcomed a planned gift of 40-60 computers from Williams College. Two members of the Williamstown Finance Committee comment; saying the MGRHS budget is more than 2-percent above the FinCom's target and includes four new positions. (READ THEIR COMMENTS)

HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR FEATURES ARCHITECTURE OF FOUR CENTURIES

Williamstown, MA – We are building history every day and this year the Williamstown House of Local History’s Historic House Tour celebrates the architecture and building techniques of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries in the seven private homes open to the public Sunday, May 18 from 1-5 pm.  The tour is open to adults and children over 12.

This year’s homes range from the immaculately preserved Simonds Tavern, built in 1770 and now serving as Riverbend Farm Bed & Breakfast, and the 1799 Hickox-Turbin home, formerly used as a stagecoach stop for travelers between the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires; to the Moomaw house, completed in 2007, and built using “green” building materials and techniques and the newest technology to power and heat the home. 

The tour includes two interesting examples of mid-20th century construction, a 1959 Deck House and a 1960 TechBuilt home.  There were at least sixteen of these homes built in Williamstown, but each has its own distinctive design because owners could adapt the interior modules to suit their needs.

The two extremes of 19th century architecture are represented by the modest and charming Edson house, and the grand and handsomely restored Mole-Chapman “Painted Lady” – a fine example of a Queen Anne Victorian.

In addition to the seven private homes, the 1753 House, a replica of the “Regulation Houses” built by Williamstown’s earliest settlers, will be open for the afternoon.

Tickets to the Historic House Tour are $20 per person in advance, available at the House of Local History, Williams Inn, Wild Oats, Where’d You Get That?!?, The Store at Five Corners, and Shear Creations.  To protect the houses as you pass through them, you are requested not to bring pets, food, drinks, or cameras inside.
Tickets for WHLH members are only $18 per person.  Inquire about becoming a member when you purchase your tickets.

On the day of the tour tickets are $25 per person available at the House of Local History, or, if you pay by personal check, at each home on the tour.

The Williamstown House of Local History was founded in 1941 to promote knowledge of the town's history by collecting and preserving materials, mounting exhibitions, presenting educational programs, and facilitating research.  In addition to our permanent collection, the current rotating exhibit is “Williamstown Eating Through Time,” on display through Memorial Day weekend.  Join us from 11 am-1 pm on Monday, May 26 for the Grand Opening of our newly renovated Veterans’ Room and the exhibit “Wartimes: World Events That Shaped Our History.”

The Williamstown House of Local History is located in the west wing of the Milne Public Library, on Field Park opposite the Williams Inn, at the northern junction of Routes 7 & 2 in Williamstown, MA. For more information on the Historic House Tour, the permanent collection, rotating exhibits, or other programs of the WHLH, call 413-458-2160 or e-mail whlh1753@roadrunner.com

MCLA STUDENTS PRODUCE MAJOR PUBLICATION

NORTH ADAMS, MA – For the first time, students at (MCLA), along with Dr. Tony Gengarelly, chairman of the Fine and Performing Arts Department, have produced a major publication. A project of the advanced museum studies class, the book, “Exploring Nirvana: The Art of Jessica Park,” highlights Park’s career as an artist as well as her lifelong struggle to overcome the developmental disorder of autism.

Sponsored by the Shield Institute/Pure Vision Arts, in New York, NY, the book will be introduced on May 28, at the opening reception for the art exhibition, “The Art and Life of Jessica Park,” at MCLA Gallery 51, 6-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and marks the first time that “Exploring Nirvana” will be available to the general public.

Told in various accounts by art and autism professionals, as well as by fine and performing arts students who had the opportunity to work with Park, the book is result of four years of dedicated work. Students contributed 26 essays and helped with fundraising and marketing. Columbia University professor Dr. Oliver Sacks, whom The New York Times called “the poet laureate of medicine,” wrote the book’s foreword. “

Our museum studies classes have been doing exhibitions all along, but the book project is a new addition we hope to continue. It involves yet another process of bringing the work of an artist to the attention of the public, which is what arts management is all about,” Gengarelly said. “‘Exploring Nirvana’. . .is an important and comprehensive chronicle that elegantly enlightens us about the life and work of an extraordinary woman and important contemporary artist,” said Pamela Rogers, director of The Shield Institute Pure Vision Arts studio.

Professionals from the field of autism also praise the publication. According to Dr. June Groden, director of the Groden Center, an autism research institute in Providence, R.I., the book is “a student project with professional results” that will appeal to many readers. And, Ann Telfer, president of the Ann Arbor Autism Foundation, said, the book is “a gift not only to the 1.5 million families affected by autism, but to the entire world. . . . ‘Exploring Nirvana’ should appeal not only to individuals interested in or affected by autism, but to anyone with an interest in visual art and the process of artistic creation.”

The project, which involved 34 MCLA students and spanned four years, began in spring 2004 with an exhibition of Park’s art at the College’s 94 Porter Street Gallery, which drew hundreds of visitors. The popularity of this exhibit led to the idea of a catalogue of Park’s work, which became a course called “Topics in Arts Management: Art Book,” in fall 2004, where students did research about autism and Park, and wrote essays about her paintings. Nine students from the spring 2004 exhibition, joined by 10 students new to Park and her art, created an initial group of 18 entries that serve as the basis for “Exploring Nirvana.” Eleven of these students continued to work on the book project into the spring of 2005 and, in the second course on the subject, “Art Book II,” students generated eight more entries, developed a book layout, and raised money to support its publication.

Having begun as a 54-page catalogue, “Exploring Nirvana” grew over the next three years into a 96-page volume with 86 color illustrations. In spring 2007, yet another museum studies class – involving seven more students – organized a traveling exhibition, “The Art and Life of Jessica Park,” to provide a context for the release and marketing of the book. The first venue for the exhibit is MCLA Gallery 51. “

It is through this kind of experiential learning that so much about human nature and the working world can be understood and then combined in a project that invites all students on various levels to participate and to share their insights and enthusiasm about the remarkable art of a truly extraordinary person,” Gengarelly said.

The exhibition, “The Art and Life of Jessica Park,” will run through June 22.  “Exploring Nirvana” will be on sale at the gallery for $19.95. MCLA Gallery 51 is at 51 Main St., North Adams. The Gallery is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information about the exhibition, call 413-664-8718, or go to www.mcla.edu/Gallery51 . For more information about “Exploring Nirvana,” go to www.mcla.edu/JessicaPark or www.jessicapark.com

Make Art for the River

North Adams, MA - Northern Berkshire Creative Arts and the Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) will collaborate for NBCA's monthly Family Art Day, May 17, from 1-3 PM.  River habitats and inhabitants will be the subject of sculptures, masks and painted banners, which will be displayed at the upcoming annual Riverfest. Family Day attendees will receive free admission to Riverfest.

NBCA Family Day is a fun way for parents and caregivers to work alongside their children and create art. This event is free and open to the public but you must call NBCA to register. Please leave your name, phone number, and number and ages of children attending. For more information about NBCA, see www.nbcreativearts.org or call 413-663-8338.

NB Creative Arts Seeks Donations to Moving Art Tag Sale

North Adams, MA - Northern Berkshire Creative Arts is seeking donations of Art objects in good condition, including: paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures, tapestries, weavings, quality ceramics, and art posters for their May 24 Moving Art Tag Sale to benefit NBCA programs for children.

Drop off: week of May 12, Monday through Friday, 3 - 5:30 pm. All donations are tax deductible.

The Moving Art Tag Sale will be held Saturday, May 24, from 9am to 3pm

For more information: 413-663-8338 or rdewitt@nbcreativearts.org

NBCA Offers Workshop in Handmade Paper Jewelry

North Adams, MA - Northern Berkshire Creative Arts is offering a teen/adult workshop on Wearable Art: Handmade Paper Jewelry taught by Robin Brickman on Sunday, May 18,  from 2pm to 4pm. Tuition is $45.

Using sculpted paper techniques, participants will make paper jewelry inspired by nature. Robin Brickman, an award-winning illustrator of children's picture books, will lead the group in creating an attractive handmade paper sculpture. Appropriate for adults and teenagers. (Ages 13 and up; ages 11 and 12 are welcome if accompanied by an adult). To register, print out a registration form or call the office at 413-663-8338.

"Talking With..." To Be Presented at Main Street Stage

NORTH ADAMS –TALKING WITH by Jane Martin will be performed at Main Street Stage, 57 Main Street, North Adams

Produced by Melissa Quirk, this cast features many of the talented  members from the Town Players’ production held at BCC in March.  Back  by popular demand, the production has been remounted and restaged to  suit the new space at Main Street Stage.

TALKING WITH is a series of stories about individuals:  an actress  just moments before the curtain rises, a housewife fantasizing about  life in Oz, a disillusioned rodeo rider, a daughter mourning the loss 
of her mother, a snake handler, a champion baton twirler, a woman who  finds redemption through body art, and an elderly woman simply looking  for a peaceful place to rest.  Each story is richly entertaining and  cleverly written.  One finds humanity, humor and depth in each piece.

As a collection, TALKING WITH is the story of Everywoman.  It includes tales of faith, disillusionment, dreams and redemption.  There truly  is a little something for everyone.

TALKING WITH  performs at Main Street Stage, 57 Main Street, North Adams, on May 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st at 8pm.  Tickets may be  reserved by calling 663-3240.  Ticket prices:  $15 adult; $10 students/
senior citizens.

NB Healthcare Hosts OB/GYN Open House May 8

North Adams, MA - Northern Berkshire Healthcare will host an open house on Thursday, May 8, to welcome the members of Northern Berkshire Obstetrics & Gynecology to new space on the third floor of North Adams Regional Hospital.  The open house will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Call 413-664-5142 for details.

NAPL Announces Art Exhibit, Computer Class

North Adams, MA - Paintings by Williamstown artists Carole Ott and Barbara Joseph will be exhibited at the North Adams Public Library throughout the month of May. The artworks may be viewed any time the library is open:  Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 8, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 5, and Saturdays from 9 to 1 PM. Call 413-662-3133.

Registrations are also being accepted at the library for a four-week session of computer classes with A1 E11. On Thursday, May 8, a beginner computer class will be held. Classes begin at 6 PM and end at 7:30. The program is free but registration is required; interested individuals must commit to four classes. Registration may be done by visiting or calling 413-662-3133.

NB Community Coalition Monthly Forum Set for May 9

North Adams, MA - The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is holding their monthly forum on Friday, May 9, from 10:00 – 12:00 PM at the First Baptist Church at the corner of Eagle and Main Streets. The meeting will consist of a discussion lead by members of the UNITY Youth Leadership Program.   Questions about the meeting can be addressed to Kate Merrigan or Alison Basdekis at 413-663-7588.

NAPL Hosts "Altered Books" Open House May 13

North Adams, MA - The North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street, is hosting “Altered Books,” featuring the work of 31 Drury High School Seniors, all this month. There will be an open house on Tuesday, May 13 from 6:00-7:30 PM. The artists will be on hand to discuss their work and light refreshments will be served. Call 413-662-3133.