Imagination Creates Reality
Art on Main, West Stockbridge
On View: August 31- September 5, 2022

The Guild of Berkshire Artists has leased its first brick-and-mortar building for the next year to provide artists with the opportunity to curate a show and present their work while also contributing to the vibrancy of downtown West Stockbridge. 

The guild will be hosting its second exhibition entitled "Imagination Creates Reality" in its new space featuring artwork created by Michael Coyne and Bruce Shickmanter that runs from Wednesday, Aug. 31, until Monday, Sept. 5.
 
The gallery will be open Saturday through Monday from noon until 4 p.m. and Thursday from 3 until 7 p.m.
 
There will be a reception to give individuals a chance to speak to the artists on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 2 until 4 p.m. 

An exhibit like this gives artists a chance to see someone else's creative process which can later provide insight into their own art, Shickmanter said. 
 
The title of the exhibition represents what the artists are trying to portray. Shickmanter starts in reality and goes off from there. He will change the perspective to make it work with his creative process. 
 
"My impressions come from reality, but through my own lens, so it distorts them and I have kind of a distinctive pattern of painting. That's kind of different for most people," he said.
 
"I have a way of looking at images, and I break them up. And I have, what colors are gradations of colors in them. I think it amplifies the image and brings out the characteristics that are interesting."

Check out our article on the artists here. More information here. 

In the Light of a Shadow 
Mass MoCA, North Adams
On View: Through September 5 

This September is the last chance to see Mass MoCA’s “In the Light of a Shadow” exhibit created by American conceptual artist Glenn Kaino to explore the power of collective action in creating a “more just world.”  

According to the Mass MoCA website, Karino was inspired “by the connection between protests across the globe” in response to the events of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965, and in  Derry, Northern Ireland on January 30, 1972. 

This immersive experience uses lights and shadows to tell the story of the cries of protesters throughout time forcing the onlooker to walk in their footsteps and remember the past to forge a “hopeful path forward.” 

More information here. https://massmoca.org/event/glenn-kaino-in-the-light-of-a-shadow/

Rodin in the United States
The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
On View: Through September 18 

This September at the Clark Art Institute is the last chance to see one of the largest exhibits of the works of Auguste Rodin seen in the United States in the past 40 years.

The exhibit consists of 50 sculptures and 25 drawings from American museums and private collections that collectively demonstrate the story of the collectors, agents, art historians, and critics who worked to make Rodin known in America. 

This exhibit demonstrates the progression of his pieces becoming fully established in the United States.

Part of the exhibit can be found on the first floor when entering the Clark, to the right of the main lobby, where Rodin's "Monument to Balzac" is on display. Visitors can sit in the "Rodin library" filled with books on sculptor and where sketchpads with pencils are available for use. 
 
The rest of the exhibit is on display within the museum and separated into three parts: "The Collectors," "The Era of Museums" and "The Revival."
 
For more information check out our last article or visit the Clarks website. 
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/68647/Clark-Art-Features-Rodin-in-the-United-States-.html

The Towns of Berkshire County
Ventfort Hall, Lenox 
On View: Through September

The historic mansion, Ventfort Hall, located at 104 Walker Street, will be featuring the photographic exhibit “The Towns of Berkshire County” through the month of September showcasing one picture from each of the 32 towns in Berkshire County.

The images have been provided by 27 members of the Springfield Photographic Society, capturing the uniqueness of the communities, and illustrating its history, culture, public spaces, and natural beauty. 

Each photographer chose one perspective that they felt was important to understand their town. 

The exhibit is displayed throughout the entire mansion and is included in the regular admission to the museum. Visiting hours are daily, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Masks, while in attendance, are required. 

More information here. https://gildedage.org/exhibits/the-towns-of-berkshire-county/

Art of the Hills: Visual Evidence
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
On View: Through September 11

This September is the last chance to see the third installment of the Berkshire Museums' juried art exhibition “Art of the Hills.” 

The exhibit highlights work by upcoming and established Berkshire-based artists in various genes in an effort to celebrate this region's rich and creative culture. 

This installment welcomes Christine Lafuente and Valerie Hegarty as its featured artists.  

Lafuente is known for her use of color and “painterly approach to still life and landscape painting” which has been on view at over thirty solo gallery and museum exhibitions.

Hegarty is a s a painter, sculptor, ceramicist and installation artist whose work has been featured in several museums and solo exhibitions.

More information here. https://berkshiremuseum.org/portfolio-item/art-of-the-hills-visual-evidence/