For Your Enjoyment
LEAVE THE HIBERNATING TO THE BEARS AND EXPLORE ALL THAT THE BERKSHIRES HAS TO OFFER THIS WINTER
The view from Thomas Schütte’ s Crystal at the Clark.( Courtesy of the Clark)
IT’ S TEMPTING IN THE WINTER
TO HUNKER DOWN on the couch( which has its merits), but it’ s perhaps just as tempting to venture out to a museum or performance venue, which have stepped up their winter programmings to entice( and excite) people of all ages, including youngsters and young adults, houseguests and homebodies, parents and grandparents— you name it. And when school’ s out for winter break, museums are on it with creative programs.( Make sure also to check out the article in the preceding pages for an extensive list of holiday events around the Berkshires.)
MASS MoCA in North Adams is teeming with workshops, conversations, and exhibitions to get you in from the cold. Details and tickets are at massmoca. org.
Nov. 22, 11a. m.: Join local painter Julia Dixon for a Family Portrait Workshop, in celebration of artist Vincent Valdez’ s Just a Dream, drawing from the diverse portraits on display.
Dec. 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p. m.: Conversation with Joy James and Jasmine Syedullah and curator Terence Washington to discuss the work of Zora J. Murff, which centers around Black Americans’ desires and aspirations.
Opening Dec. 6: RACE / HUSTLE by Murff, featuring photographs, collages, and installation works that explore themes of race, capitalism, and the struggle for liberation.
Jan. 24: Community Free Day with art-making, readings, workshops, meet & greets with community organizations, artists & authors, family story time, plus a chance to wander through all the buildings and exhibits, all at no charge.
Feb. 20, 7 p. m.: Shopping Center of the Universe by Robin Frohardt, a theatrical work of speculative nonfiction.
Opening Feb. 21: Technologies of Relation. In response to the rapidly advancing technologies that are shaping our daily lives and social fabric, the artists examine how we relate to each other, to our devices, to our future.
See these works in progress at MASS Mo- CA’ s Hunter Center:
Dec 11, 7 p. m.: Short-sighted, in association with Jacob’ s Pillow by pioneering choreographer Deborah Hay performed by Hay’ s
long-standing dancers.
Dec. 20, 7 p. m.: What to wear, a comedic, post-rock opera by composer Michael Gordon and the late downtown theater renegade icon Richard Foreman.
Great Barrington Public Theater( GBPT) uses the winter months to showcase resident playwrights and host in-person conversations with theater makers about making theater. Readings of new works from GBPT’ s resident playwrighting group, Berkshire Voices, start at 7 p. m. and are followed by a discussion with GBPT Artistic Directors Judy Braha and Jim Frangione. All events are free( donations suggested) and take place at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington.
Nov. 18 – 19: New 10-minute plays. Dec. 9: Reading of a new, full-length play. After the New Year, GBPT presents Chat
Holiday 2025 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 15