Summer benefit lit up Wassaic

WASSAIC— The front deck of the Maxon Mills was abuzz with summertime vibes last weekend as The Wassaic Project hosted its annual Summer Benefit on Saturday, June 18. From 5 to 7 p.m., area residents, donors and proud supporters of The Wassaic Project came out to the Maxon Mills dressed to impress and thrilled to celebrate the summer over wine, hors d’oeuvres and a guided tour of The Wassaic Project’s 2022 summer exhibition, “A Tournament of Lies.”

Along with celebrating 15 years since The Wassaic Project’s journey first began, The Wassaic Project’s co-founders Jeff Barnett-Winsby, Bowie Zunino and Eve Biddle honored Laurie Simmons, a groundbreaking artist and advocate for emerging artists, as the benefit’s guest speaker. Benefit guests were also invited to bid on the generous array of items featured in The Wassaic Project’s online auction until Sunday afternoon, June 19.

Local residents and patrons of the arts toasted the start of summer on the front deck of the Maxon Mills at The Wassaic Project’s annual Summer Benefit last Saturday, June 18. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle

From left, Jennifer Marchand and Tanja Craft raised a glass to the 2022 summer season from beneath the shade of the tent set up on the Maxon Mills’ front deck. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle

Summer benefit guests were given a taste of what lay within the Maxon Mills’ 2022 Summer Exhibition “A Tournament of Lies” when they encountered the horse figure stationed on the grass beside the Maxon Mills. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle

Local residents and patrons of the arts toasted the start of summer on the front deck of the Maxon Mills at The Wassaic Project’s annual Summer Benefit last Saturday, June 18. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less