Whether exploring local farms, enjoying a summer concert, or attending an author talk, there was always something happening in the Northwest Corner in 2024 to inspire and engage. From live music and theater to seasonal recreational activities and art exhibitions, our community had no shortage of ways to connect, enjoy, and celebrate the creative and cultural life of the region.
Here are some highlights from events covered by Compass, the Arts and Lifestyle section of The Millerton News and The Lakeville Journal in the Art, Books, Food, Movies, Music, Recreation, and Theater categories.
ART
From Feb. 17 to March 29, the Sharon Historical Society hosted its annual juried art show with the theme “Let’s Dance.” The exhibit featured a range of works exploring the theme of dance across various artistic mediums.
Opening on May 18, Wassaic Project’s “Tall Shadows in Short Order” was an immersive art exhibition that featured large-scale, site-specific installations by 30 artists. It offered a unique visual experience over several months and was a highlight of the summer arts scene.
Held in September, The Voice of Art’s (TVOA) Fine Art Festival differed slightly from the Litchfield Art Festival which took place in May. The September festival took place in Sharon and like the spring fest, celebrated the arts with a curated selection of works by artists from the northeastern U.S. Featuring everything from paintings to jewelry, the festival was a must-attend for art lovers.
In October, “SHELTER” opened at the Royal Arcanum Building in Norfolk. Featuring work from fourteen area artists, the benefit raised $20,000 for The Gathering Place in Torrington which provides essential services to the homeless across 26 towns in Litchfield County.
BOOKS
The Salisbury and Kent Libraries hosted series of author talks throughout 2024, welcoming both local and internationally renowned authors to engage with the community about their work. These events included Q&A sessions and book signings, providing an intimate setting for readers and writers to connect.
The popular Author Series at The White Hart Inn in Salisbury continued to bring in local and national writers to speak about and read from their work. Local authors Eric Schnall and Roxana Robinson thrilled audiences with their new novels, and journalist Jonathan Alter was interviewed by John Hendrickson, senior editor at The Atlantic magazine on his book, “American Reckoning.”
In July, culture writer Laura Van Straaten skillfully interviewed Maurice Samuels, a distinguished professor at Yale University and director of its Program for the Study of Antisemitism on his new book on The Dreyfus Affair at Congregation Beth David in Amenia.
In September, Susan Seidelman, writer and director of such classics as “Desperately Seeking Susan,” and “Smithereens,” visited as part of the Haystack Book Festival in Norfolk with a reading from her new memoir, “Desperately Seeking Something.”
Brunch at Troutbeck. Jim Henkens
FOOD
Troutbeck’s executive chef, Vincent Gilberti, continued to delight visitors to the historic resort’s restaurant and even shared a recipe for Black Emmer Pancakes with readers of the paper. This dish is a staple dish of their brunch, which relaunched in February.
Panacea opened in Amenia in the site of the long-beloved Serevan Restaurant to rave reviews. Pastries by Hanna in North Canaan now offers sweet delights to go with your cup of coffee at the wonderful Ilse Coffee.
The NECC began a new pop-up food market selling local vegetables and protein on a sliding scale. Robust discussions about food access in our region were ongoing and plans for a food market at Millerton Square Plaza were revealed at year’s end.
Farmer’s markets such as the one in Sharon, Millerton, Salisbury and elsewhere continued to provide the community with locally grown produce and a vibrant weekly gathering spot.
FILM
The Triplex in Great Barrington offered screenings with special Q&A sessions. A screening of “I Am a Noise” included a guest appearance from the film’s subject, Joan Baez. The theatre also hosted an election film series which included a screening of “Paving the Way,” about Geraldine Ferraro’s legacy.
The Norfolk Library film series included screenings of wonderful, independent films such as Michel Negreponte’s “Herd” and a documentary film series called “Covering Conflict.”
The Moviehouse in Millerton hosted numerous screenings and talk backs with filmmakers and actors, as well as the second SOAR student film showcase.
Joan BaezFrederic Legrand
MUSIC
From the blues of Robert Cray and Shemekia Copeland at Infinity Hall in Norfolk to the classical and jazz summer series at Music Mountain, our area was rich with musical offerings in 2024.
In July, The Litchfield Jazz Series returned for its 29th year. The Stissing Center in Pine Plains hosted many concerts of internationally renowned musicians.
The Oldtone Roots Music Festival returned to Hillsdale in September after forming a nonprofit in 2023 and featured local and nationally touring acts.
Trade SecretsAnne Day
RECREATION
In May, the 24th annual Trade Secrets event raised funds for Project Sage. 2025 will be the 25th year of the fundraiser and sure to be full of botanical surprises.
The annual Fall Foliage Hike at Mount Riga drew hikers from the community to experience the vibrant autumn colors of the region’s natural landscape. The guided hike provided stunning views and an opportunity to explore the outdoors.
The Sharon Audubon Center and the Cary Institute of Ecological Studies offered a variety of nature walks and educational programs throughout the year, allowing the community to connect with local wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.
THEATER
The Sharon Playhouse continued to be a central hub for theater in the region. Its 2024 summer season featured a blend of classic plays and new works, drawing both theater enthusiasts and casual attendees for an enriching experience.
The Copake Grange staged several productions including World War II drama “A Shayna Maidel.”
Our area’s vibrant cultural scene always offers a diverse array of arts, entertainment, and lifestyle content—2024 was no exception.
The cast of Charlie Brown at Sharon Playhouse.Matthew Kreta
Brunch at Troutbeck. Jim Henkens
Joan BaezFrederic Legrand
Trade SecretsAnne Day
The cast of Charlie Brown at Sharon Playhouse.Matthew Kreta
"They had this in mind from last year," girls varsity head coach Les Funk of Pine Plains said. Funk said the young team wanted the sectional title and "never gave up," until they won it Wednesday, March 5, at Mount Saint Mary College.Photo by Nathan Miller
Naveah Rennie, no 34 of Pine Plains, was the Bombers' dominant scorer, racking up 20 points by the end of the matchup against S.S. Seward Institute during the Section IX Class C finals at Mount Saint Mary College on Wednesday, March 5.Photo by Nathan Miller
Lent: Time to consider social gospel movement
We are entering the annual Christian season of Lent this week.With its 40 days of contemplation and “little Easter” Sundays, it is a time to remember the healing ministry and the sacrifice of Jesus.During this season, we are invited to think deeply about our role as agents of grace and love in our hurting world.
There is a long history of making sacrifices and commitments for Lent, modeling our discipleship and hopes for a more heavenly world. It is through this lens that I invite you to join us in considering what gifts and services the community needs that we can commit to bringing forth in the weeks leading up to Easter.While many lean into solitary introspection during Lent, it may be particularly advantageous to use our meditations and sacrifices for the greater good this year.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, advised his followers centuries ago that “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness. Faith working by love is the length and depth and breadth and height of Christian perfection.”These words are connected to the firm belief of Wesley that a Methodist was fundamentally one who loved God with all their heart, mind, strength, and soul, along with loving one’s neighbor as oneself.He believed that being in love with God naturally also required loving other people, as every person was a beloved soul coming from the same source of life that we are.
Consequently, Wesley stood against slavery long before it was a popular view, prioritized caring for those who were poor and imprisoned, and made a point to do good to as many as he could for as long as he was physically able.
Indeed, the Methodists are not the only Christians who believe such things.These thoughts are primary messages of the Christian faith.In more recent history, we can note that during the time of the Golden Age, at the end of the late 19th century, the Christians mobilized to counteract the abject poverty, child labor, dangerous working conditions, and lack of education of the time.Famous theologians such as Washington Gladden, Walter Rauschenbusch, and W.E.B. DuBois began the Social Gospel movement, enacting with new verve the passion of Christ that empowers the community toward building the Kingdom of God.As Christians, they believed in uplifting the downtrodden and creating a community where all had a chance to thrive.Child labor laws were enacted, better working conditions were secured, Sunday School helped provide education, settlement houses were created, and the Salvation Army was born.
The social gospel movement continued in another wave of reforms and empowerment through the Civil Rights era.Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his intellect, energy, and life to help secure the reforms that enabled persons of color to vote, go to non-segregated schools, and have the right to share public spaces without discrimination.Like Christ, he paid the ultimate price for his prophetic vision.However, his impact on our society was formidable, lasting far beyond his short lifetime.
As Christians, it is very clear what to do in times of hardship, crisis, or challenge.Throughout the centuries, our call has been to help heal the world, doing whatever we can to uplift and transform loneliness into community, reminding each one how precious they are and how important it is to unite for the sake of the whole.Individually, the challenges can be overwhelming, even too much to bear.Collectively, we can do all things through the One who strengthens us.As they say, “We have the receipts!” We can do it again.
This Lent, let us give up our pessimism and fear, replacing it with a commitment to community and hope.Yes, things can seem dreadful, but our souls are not served by allowing ourselves to descend into the dark.We are keepers of the light.Let us do all within our power to create brightness so that its warmth may strengthen all as we live into the Social Gospel movement for our time.Chin up, friends, we can do this.We simply must be willing to get serious about doing it together.
Rev. Dr. Anna Crews Camphouse is pastor of Canaan, Lakeville, Millerton, and Sharon United Methodist Churches
Lead Pastor of the Northwestern Hills Cooperative
Parish UMC