Boston Symphony fiddler Bonnie Bewick and her brother, guitarist and songsmith Ken Bewick have combined their talents to share a heart warming blend of sounds and songs. Come celebrate their new CD release, “Consider the Source” and hear this fantastic duo.  Surprise BSO guests just MAY be included!

Tickets are available the day of for $15.00 or  in advance via the following link:
http://frameisawesome.eventbrite.com

Spectrum Playhouse
20 Franklin St
Lee, MA 01238

Please join us for Shifting Perspectives: The Art of Autism experience at the Good Purpose Gallery in Lee, Mass. The show begins on Friday, April 5th with an Opening Reception on Friday April 12th at 5PM. The exhibit runs until May 27, 2013.

This Art of Autism Exhibit features 9 artists from the United States and one from Ireland brought to the Good Purpose Gallery through the auspices of
The Art of Autism, an international collaborative project that brings awareness of the creative abilities of people with autism to the general public.

One of the featured artists in the show, Trent Altman, won the 2012 United Nations Award for creating one of eight Autism Stamps. These official postal stamps are launched every April as part of World Autism Day.

These artists are self-taught, and despite their learning differences associated with autism, enjoying their art as a creative expression of their interior and imaginal worlds. Their work also provides a means of communicating their experience of the world in which they live.

Along with viewing wonderful, expressionistic art, visitors have a chance to browse through two books published by Art of Autism project: “Artism” – shatters myths of limitations with the voices and art of those on the Autism Spectrum. It features 54 artists with autism from all around the world (some of the artists are well-known, such as Temple Grandin and Donna Williams); “Shifting Perceptions” – continues to erase boundaries between “professional” and art created by those with apparent learning differences. It includes stories of love, determination and faith by 77 artists and poets.

Yom Tov and Elinor Bracha Blumenthal

With vivid color and brilliant skill, Yom Tov Blumenthal penetrates imagination. His large acrylic paintings are both illustrative and surreal.

Yom Tov is on the “autism spectrum” and lives, paints, and owns an art gallery in Israel. He is also the author and illustrator of the delightful book ‘Blumentoons.’ He says, “Yom Tov is Hebrew for “good day.” So after 35 years of a somewhat out of control psychological nightmare, I find out my name is “Good Day”. How ironic…

I have a great deal of healing to do, but I finally feel that I am on a solid path to becoming the person I have always dreamed of becoming through my art and painting in my own gallery in ZFAT, ISRAEL. Through my work, I hope I can help others who have a different and unique way of seeing the world as I do.”

Both artists lives are centered in their faith.

Hosted by Berkshire musician, Robin O’Herin

Stop hibernating! Lose your Winter Blues!
Come out and share your original and cover songs, in a beautiful theater. Meet other musicians. Get stage experience. All ages and abilities are welcome. Sign up starts at 6:30pm. Open mic starts at 7pm.

Join this 3-part series for a great way to brighten up the Berkshire winter! February 16 – March 17 – April 20.

The Blues derive predominantly from African song structure, call and response, field hollers, spirituals and rhythmic dance and leave space for spontaneous creativity and experimentation in both dance and musical exploration. Tap Dance is a form that derives emotionally from oppression and blossoms into innovation. The connections are deep and wide and the explorations seem necessary in today’s fast-paced society.

Reaching from the deepest roots of American culture to the newest growths on the family tree of vernacular forms, the dialogue of these two art forms can become a bright light shining in a dark forest. Getting in touch with our roots in both music and dance, creates a grounding and depth of experience that is both organic and spiritual, slowing down time and bringing a touch point for humanity in our technological world.

This workshop is for all skill levels in Tap. First-time tappers are welcome. $25 per person, with a $5 discount for students of any kind, with ID. Shoes are available to rent for $2.00. Preregistration is preferred but walk-ins are welcome.

Preregister by calling Kyle at 413-394-5023 ex 12.

Don’t tap? Come and watch! suggested donation, $5 for audience.

January 25, 2013 – Writers Read presents 

Jonathan Baumbach & Cynthia Read Gardner

Jonathan Baumbach is the author of sixteen books, including most recently, “Dreams of Molly” and “YOU or The Invention of Memory.” His short stories have been widely anthologized including Best American Short Stories, O.Henry Prize Stories, Best of Esquire and Best of Triquarterly. He has had cameo roles in several of his son,
Noah’s films.

Cynthia Read Gardner’s poems have been published in Alaska Quarterly Review, Southern Poetry Review, The Bridge, Berkshire Review, Potlatcxh, and three Mad River Press anthologies: Crossing Paths, Holding True, and Under One Roof. She holds degrees from Simon’s Rock College, Simmons College, and Smith College School for Social Work. She works as a clinical social worker in private practice and in juvenile and adult courts as a forensic mental health clinician. In addition to her writing and clinical work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, swimming, and competitive running. She and her husband live in Berkshire County and have two grown sons. Her chapbook from Finishing Line Press, How Will They Find Me, was published in 2012.

Each fourth Friday will feature a poet and writer reading from their works for approximately 30 minutes each. We welcome these fine writers to our free reading series and we hope you will attend!  Readings will begin at 5:30 in the gallery. All you have to do is show up, sharpen your ears, and enjoy!  The authors’ books will be available for purchase after their readings.  Buy local!  There is no admission fee, but we do pass a hat for our writers and poets who otherwise read for free. Feel free to bring snacks to share.

Other readings to be announced monthly. I hope you will plan to attend this growing series! Feel free to email me with any questions.

More Information
David Giannini
Coordinator of series, poet, writer
davidg@bcn.net

Location
Good Purpose Gallery
40 Main Street
Lee, Massachusetts 01238
413-394-5045
………………….

The first Berkshire Shorts Film Festival in October 2012 was a smashing success! We had over 100 people in attendance, and the response to the films was outstanding. So we’ve decided to hold another one on Friday, February 22, 2013 during Lee’s Cabin Fever Festival.

In case you weren’t aware: The Berkshire Shorts Film Festival is a festival by and for young and independent filmmakers. We love to receive local work produced in Berkshire County, MA, however we will consider anything made by independent filmmakers anywhere in the world. We accept animation, narrative, experimental, music video, student, drama, comedy, horror, and of course the campiest of the camp. Anything flies at Berkshorts; our goal is to celebrate short films and independent filmmakers and create a fun and entertaining event for the community as a whole.

Submission Guidelines: 

1. Films must be under 25 minutes in length
2. Films must not contain any nudity (limited profanity may be OK)

To submit a screening version of your film, you can email me; Pattoole@gmail.com, with one of a few things:

1. A youtube or vimeo link to watch your film in its entirety
2. A transfer directly to me via wetransfer or something similar of the full version of your film
3. A DVD in the mail to the following address:

P.O. Box 290, Millerton NY, 12546

Once a film is accepted, I will require a quicktime file of the best possible quality (preferably compressed at an H.264 codec, to cut down on space.)

Please share with anyone who might be interested!

Date

Friday, February 22, 2013 at 8PM

To Submit or Learn More:

Visit: http://berkshireshorts.weebly.com
Patrick Toole: pattoole@gmail.com

photography from different points of view

exhibit: Jan 12 – Feb 12

artist reception Saturday Jan 19, 5-7

photographers:
Paul Solovay
Charles Steinhacker

Charlie Jacobs

Dominick Avellino

Chris Ray

on the floor -
sculpture by Joe Katz

A very exciting collection of Berkshire photographers dripping with talent and very different perspectives as well as subject matter.  This show is not to be missed!

Paul Solovay captures the sound and movement of musicians and dancers as they perform – painterly and soulful.

Charlie Jacobs: high fashion editorial

Dominick Avellino:  portraits

Chris Ray: an artful view of structures, landscape and micro imagery.

 VIEWFINDER

exhibit: Jan 12 – Feb 12

artist reception Saturday Jan 19, 5-7

at the Good Purpose Gallery 40 main street Lee MA. 413-394-5045

winter hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 8:30 – 4    Sunday 8:30 – 3

A fundraising event showcasing a wide-variety of talents from adolescents on the autism spectrum and with other learning differences. A good cause that is fun for the whole family!

Main Stage
20 Franklin St
Lee MA, 01238

Friday, December 7 2012 – 7:30pm -  The Eagles Brass Ensemble. The Eagles Band was founded in 1936 and is the oldest continuing performance ensemble in the Berkshires. Come witness the impressive collection of musical pieces performed!

Free with suggested donation of $10.

Location:
Spectrum Playhouse
20 Franklin St
Lee, MA 01239
(413) 394-5023 ext. 12
kgoldman@cipberkshire.org