Sandisfield Arts Center

Tom Christopher and Ruth Clausen on Native Perennials for the Berkshire garden
2015-08-01 04:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Our Berkshire wildflowers are as beautiful around the home as in the woods and meadows and provide many benefits to pollinators and wildlife as well. Thomas Christopher and Ruth Clausen, co-authors of Essential Perennials, will introduce a selection of New England’s very best native perennials, along with all the information you will need to make them flourish. Give yourself a landscape that is durable, practical, attractive, and ecologically beneficial too.
Tom Christopher lives in Middletown and Sandisfield with his wife Suzanne O’Connell. His current projects include installing a solar-powered drip irrigation system in his garden.
A book signing will follow.

A Sandisfield Forum on History and American Culture The Civil Rights Movement. . . .A Very Personal View by Val Coleman
2015-07-25 04:00 - 13:00
An intimate story of the American civil rights movement from the point of view of one of its early activists. Val Coleman will try to bring some balance to the Sixties era that has been both celebrated and savaged by history. Beginning with Coleman’s stumbling start on the staff of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1960, he gives us a narrative full of candor and rich in the music and eloquence of those years.

An Evening of Grand Opera
2015-07-11 04:00 - 13:00
A marvelous evening of Grand Opera featuring selections from some of the greatest operas ever written performed by four wonderful musicians from the New York City area. You’ll hear Soprano Patricia Vital, Tenor Jose Heredia, Baritone Charles Coleman, and Pianist Kelly Horsted.
A light supper and the performance will be in the Royal Ballroom (the auditorium upstairs in the Arts Center)
Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

Gail Levin lectures on Edward Hopper
2015-07-10 04:00 - 13:00
GAIL LEVIN is a scholar, curator and artist whose work on twentieth century and contemporary art has won her international acclaim. Her writings have been published in more than fifteen countries and her exhibitions have been shown throughout Europe, Australia, and Japan. The author of many books and numerous articles, she is the acknowledged authority on the American realist painter Edward Hopper. In 2007, The Wall Street Journal chose her book, Edward Hopper: An Intimate Biography (Alfred A. Knopf, 1995, 2nd expanded edition, Rizzoli 2007), as one of the five best portrayals of artists’ lives, going back in its selections to 1931.

Gallery of Artists Gail Levin
2015-07-10 04:00 - 13:00
On NOT Becoming an Artist: A Retro-Spective

Opening Reception : 10th Jul 2015 08:00 PM
Date of Show : 10th Jul 2015 – 30th Nov -0001

Levin’s work as a photographer has been featured in her books Hopper’s Places and Marsden Hartley in Bavaria, published in magazines and newspapers and exhibited in museums and galleries. She first exhibited her collage memoir, On NOT Becoming an Artist, at the National Association of Women Artists in New York in May

Andy Wrba and the Rotten Apples
2015-07-06 04:00 - 13:00
Chris Merenda Vocals and banjo, Ryan Hommel, Benny Kohn, vocals and piano,
Andy Wrba, bass and Bill Chapman on drums
This group features some of the region’s finest musicians collaborating to perform a combination of original music and their favorite bluegrass, folk, and traditional songs.
Chris Merenda is a multi-instrumentalist who has been a lead vocalist, drummer, guitarist in the bands The Mammals and the Picky Bastards. Ryan Hommel has performed and recorded with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, the Sweetback Sisters, and his own Optical Shop. Benny “Fingers” Kohn is known for his musicianship which is matched by his charisma on stage. Benny, Andy, and Bill are founding members of the Berkshire Jazz Collective. Andy Wrba is a bassist from Pittsfield who has strong family ties to Sandisfield (Riiska Brook Orchard). He has been with the band Barefoot Truth since 2006. Bill Chapman is one of the most in-demand drummers in the county.
Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

An Exploration of William Shakespeare's Work with the Sandisfield Players!
2015-06-27 04:00 - 13:00
The Sandisfield Players begin their 4th year as a community-based group with a two day mini-celebration immersed in Shakespeare. Come share with The Players as the group expands its theatrical range performing with scripts in hand under the artistic direction of Ben Luxon. Saturday evening, June 27, The Players perform excerpts from King Lear, Macbeth, and As You Like it, and on Sunday afternoon an abridged version of Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

Common Thread
2015-06-13 04:00 - 13:00
Three talented musicians, that’s Common Thread. This trio draws from a broad range of folk styles with John Sellew on guitar and vocals, Jamie Vlcek providing vocal harmony and Eric Martin playing fiddle (tossing in wonderful foot percussion), viola and adding his voice as well.
This dynamic group has been singing around the Berkshires for many years. They simply love to combine their individual talents into the warm and captivating music they share with all of us.
Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

Dr. Evers Whyte - New Hope for Chronic Pain - An Integrative Approach
2015-06-13 04:00 - 13:00
How does ‘Pain’ work? What can we do to diminish it? Dr. Whyte explains new clinical findings in our understanding of the nervous system and how it can be “re-programmed” to work better for us. You will learn a simple meditation technique to decrease pain and stress, and he promises you will leave the talk feeling excited and empowered! Q&A will follow.
Dr. C. Evers Whyte, MS, DC, DACBN combines Lifestyle coaching, meditation, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, Chiropractic, electro-medicine, and advanced neuro-muscular therapy to help patients with a broad variety of chronic pain, inflammatory and mechanical conditions. He is a past adjunct clinical professor at the UB College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

Gallery of Artists Paintings by Steve Balkin
2015-06-06 04:00 - 13:00
Opening Reception : 6th Jun 2015 02:00 PM
Date of Show : 6th Jun 2015 – 30th Nov -0001

“Moving Through Eden” is the theme of Steve’s most recent work as he continues to reflect on Genesis and Eden. Balkin paints on canvas and wood with acrylics.
Opening reception Sat June 6 2-4PM

Reading Local History
2015-05-30 04:00 - 13:00
Ron Bernard and Gary Leveille team up to review and read newly published histories of southeastern Berkshire County.
Legendary Locals of the Southern Berkshires, by Gary Leveille features some 150 biographies of fascinating Berkshire personalities — past and present — who have made a lasting impact on their communities, the nation and the world. Sandisfield’s own Ron Bernard follows up on his comprehensive town history, Sandisfield Then and Now: 1762-2012, with Sandisfield An Intimate History and Some Comments Elizur Yale Smith, an equally important, if stylistically very different, account of the history and development of Sandisfield from its earliest days through the mid-20th century.

Music by Brahms and Mahler
2015-05-24 04:00 - 13:00
The Ferris Burtis Music Foundation presents a Benefit Concert featuring cellist Julian Muller and mezzo-soprano Justina Golden, with pianists Clifton J. Noble and Anne Chamberlin.
Julian Muller is currently studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He was a member of the Berkshire Symphony from 2008-11 and was awarded two grants from the Ferris Burtis Music Foundation, as well as winning prizes in a variety of competitions.
Justina Golden, mezzo-soprano, has sung, taught and conducted through her Profound Sound Voice Studio in Florence, Massachusetts for twenty eight years. Justina‘s singing career spans contemporary folk music, early music, Celtic, jazz and classical music performances. She is a member of the Illuminati Vocal Arts Ensemble, The Wilde Irish Women, and is on the staff of Umbrian Serenades.
For tickets you may either send a check to Herbert Burtis, 53 Rood Hill Road, Sandisfield, MA 01255, made out to Ferris Burtis Foundation or reserve online at https://sandisfieldartscenter.org. Please include your email address with your order. Tickets will be available at the door (cash only).
At the moment the Ferris Burtis Music Foundation is helping five very talented young musicians with the expense of their education and career.
If you wish to make a more generous gift with a tax exempt donation, check the website at https://ferrisburtisfoundation.blogspot.com for the various categories of gifts beginning at $100.00. You will be entitled to two tickets for this performance.

Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

Sally-Jane Heit - For A Woman Her Age!
2015-05-16 04:00 - 13:00
Irreverently, musically, and in Technicolor, Sally-Jane Heit acts and sings about the absurdities of life in her original one-woman show. From daughter to mother, from married to not, to “a woman of a certain age”, Sally-Jane reveals the bad little girl who made her the good little girl she is today. She has as much material as she has years… but who’s counting?
The performance will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception with the artist.
photo credit Annie Leibovitz
Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

SECOND ANNUAL SPRING DINNER & AUCTION!
2015-05-09 04:00 - 13:00
Against all odds, our little Arts Center in the woods offers a wealth of community arts and education programs that enliven the spirit and enrich the lives for young and old alike. Last year’s benefit dinner and auction was one of the highlights of our season! Join us this year for a three-course dinner, wine and a lively auction of goods and services with our special guest auctioneer, State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli. Support the Arts Center by bidding on homemade desserts, daffodils planted in your yard and dining gift certificates. Join in the fun!
Advance ticket purchase is required and can be ordered online, https://www. sandisfieldartscenter.org

BFWW Spring Reading in Honor of May Day on the Theme of LABOR
2015-05-02 04:00 - 13:00
Women writers will share their perspectives on the topic of Labor, broadly understood, with personal essays, poetry and stories exploring labor in a variety of contexts including: “labor of love,” “labor in childbirth,” “labor as hard work,” “debt bondage,” and so much more. Join us for a stimulating look at all the ways LABOR manifests in and impacts women’s lives.
The Berkshire Festival of Women Writers inspires, nourishes and strengthens women’s creative voices by offering stimulating workshops and events designed to encourage women and girls to engage with one another and their communities, and develop as writers and leaders. In addition to the annual month-long Festival in March, Women’s History Month, the BFWW features year-round programming for women writers, including the monthly Lean In, a free drop-in writer’s circle; readings, classes, workshops, retreats and networking events for women writers; and special programming using writing to develop leadership in girls and young women.
We look forward to the following women will be reading their work:

Hilde Weisert, Barbara Dean, Sunny Macmillan, Debby Mayer, Michele A. Gara, Sharon Coleman. Amy Brentano, Gail M. Burns, Beverly Pimsleur, Safara Fisher, Lee Schwartz

Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.

Gallery of Artists Works in Clay created by June Wink & Photos by Geoffrey Coelho
2015-05-02 04:00 - 13:00
Works in Clay created by June Wink & Photos by Geoffrey Coelho
Opening Reception : 2nd May 2015 02:00 PM
Date of Show : 2nd May 2015 – 30th Nov -0001
Geoffrey Coelho is a Berkshire County photographer whose work has been featured in the Berkshire Record, Sandisfield Times and Otis Gazette. He has exhibited at the Knox Gallery in Monterey and the Sohn Fine Art Gallery in Stockbridge (now in Lenox).
His photographic interests include rural landscapes, small town streetscapes, architectural interiors and exteriors and abandoned buildings and waste places. He can often be found climbing over fences in places where he probably shouldn’t be. Lately, he has been experimenting with photographic still life using a technique called “painting with light”.
June Wink describes her Journey with Clay: “From as early as I can remember, color and form have intrigued me. As a child sitting high up in my tree house, I would pour colored water (made from my crepe paper collection) into my wide variety of bottles, all shapes and sizes. At the same time, I watched as my mother baked our bread and I began to play with dough, shaping it into different forms and watching as it turned into puffy and unrecognizable balls. That’s how I became accustomed to messy hands and the idea of becoming a potter grabbed me!”

Charles Fidlar Explores Walt Whitman’s Poetry
2015-04-25 04:00 - 2015-07-19 13:00
“What happens when you ‘hear’ a song while simultaneously reciting a poem? How does the song’s rhythm and melodic contour effect poetic declamation? Charles explores these questions through Walt Whitman’s poetry.”

Charles is a graduate of Cornell University (English/French); the New England Conservatory (conducting/voice); with doctoral studies at
Stanford University (conducting /voice). He is a former assistant conductor of the Grammy-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus;
assistant conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic; artistic director of the Providence Opera Society, RI, and general manager/artistic director the Harford Theatre, Bel Air, MD where he produced and staged 12 operas.

A member of the Sandisfield Players, Charles lives in Norfolk, CT with his wife, Marilyn Davidson, and two cats, Bubbie and Nellie Battell Stoeckel.

Tickets for events at the Sandisfield Arts Center are available online or may be purchased at the door on the night of the performance on a first come-first served basis. ONLINE TICKETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSURE A SEAT.
Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, unless otherwise noted, when space allows.
