Community Calendar

In “Pretend till it Hurts”, Matthew Gilbert presents a series of sculptures and textile drawings that depict fatal stories with a dark sense of humor.

Blending cartoon logic with gothic imagery, Gilbert projects themes of abandonment onto crumbling architecture. The plush materials and whimsical details soften the otherwise catastrophic subject matter, adding theatrical melodrama that is both sincere and deprecating.

I propose to exhibit a selection of works from my recent series Apart. This is an ongoing body of work that reflects the tension between us as individuals and the systems that define our world. I constantly wonder how I as an artist can effectively respond to the daily injustices people experience. Growing up surrounded by the propaganda of a dictatorial regime, I resist the urge to follow that path, instead focusing on a more nuanced response.

As an immigrant from communist Czechoslovakia raised by Holocaust survivors, my personal history was shaped me to inhabit a particular vantage point—an observer of society, neither fully belonging to the world I live in nor to the one I came from. This dual perspective fuels my perception of global events, particularly the alarming resurgence of totalitarianism and its implications for us all.

The notion of civilizations collapsing, strikes a passionate chord within me, especially now, as we are powerlessly watching the awful human consequences and devastation of the middle east by cruel imperial whims.

I hope that my work, driven by a conviction that we can and must learn from the past, trying to prevent the repetition of its darkest chapters reminds the viewer of how art and joy can form meaningful modes of resistance.

I find comfort in direct interaction with materials - painting, drawing, and collage—through which I express my observations and emotions. Each mark is a contemplative act, a quest to transform feelings of helplessness into a resonant expression that speaks to me. My creative process unfolds organically, driven by intuition and a desire to uncover the unseen and the unexpected. I explore both the accumulation and subtraction, reflecting the fluidity and subjectivity of my personal experiences and insights.

In my art I’m dedicated to forging these new pathways, blending the poignant realities of our global challenges with the enduring beauty and potential for renewal that each new day brings.

Lights Across the Hudson 2026
Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation invites the community to join us for our second annual Lights Across the Hudson, a luminary event celebrating those we have lost.

Join us for this spectacular tribute on Friday, July 31st, 2026, from 7-9:30 PM at The Walkway Over the Hudson, which will shine brightly as thousands of glowing luminaries light the way in memory of loved ones. This event will feature:

Luminaries
Inspirational Readings and Music
Special Moments
Food Trucks

This event is FREE and open to all who wish to join us! Whether you’re honoring a loved one or simply looking to be a part of this community remembrance, everyone is welcome to attend and share in the spirit of togetherness.

Come celebrate life, remember those we’ve lost, and be a part of something truly meaningful!

Shakespeare & Company Presents - Shake It Up: The Remix

A blend of modern music and Shakespearean verse. Co-created by Allyn Burrows and Jacob Ming-Trent, Directed by Allyn Burrows

July 29-August 2 at 3:30 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm at the Tina Packer Playhouse

The hit that had audiences on their feet returns—revved up and remixed. The Tina Packer Playhouse transforms once more into the Elephant Lounge for Shake It Up: The Remix, an exuberant mash-up of modern music and Shakespearean verse. Audiences are invited to clap, sing, stomp, and dance in the aisles as the players unleash a breathless, rocking revue

Tickets are $25-$78 and are on sale now at shakespeare.org, or by calling the box office at (413) 637-3353

Join Museum Educators weekly, June - August 2026, for artmaking activities for all ages inspired by the American Stories: Revolution to Rockwell exhibition. Explore the galleries and then get creative. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, visit https://www.nrm.org/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=795&hide_subsequent_recurrences=1

On Saturday August 1, 2026 The DRAW, the arts education program of the Midtown Kingston Arts District (MKAD), hosts the 6th Annual DRAW-A-THON—a 12-hour drawing extravaganza for all ages. Inspired by the renowned 24-hour event started in 2008 by Antenna in New Orleans, visitors can come and go throughout the day, filling every surface in The DRAW’s studio with drawings. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just picking up a pencil, our teaching artists and Youth Workforce leaders create engaging drawing experiences for all ages, abilities, and skill levels.

This year’s DRAW-A-THON rides into town with a Rodeo theme! Saddle up for a day of wild creativity featuring a spin on our creativity wheel, cowboy-inspired drawing challenges, larger-than-life collaborative murals, unexpected drawing tools, and plenty of playful surprises. No pre-registration is needed, all materials are provided, and the first 100 visitors will receive a special emergency drawing kit. So grab your boots, bring your imagination, and join us for the most creative rodeo in town!

In “Pretend till it Hurts”, Matthew Gilbert presents a series of sculptures and textile drawings that depict fatal stories with a dark sense of humor.

Blending cartoon logic with gothic imagery, Gilbert projects themes of abandonment onto crumbling architecture. The plush materials and whimsical details soften the otherwise catastrophic subject matter, adding theatrical melodrama that is both sincere and deprecating.

I propose to exhibit a selection of works from my recent series Apart. This is an ongoing body of work that reflects the tension between us as individuals and the systems that define our world. I constantly wonder how I as an artist can effectively respond to the daily injustices people experience. Growing up surrounded by the propaganda of a dictatorial regime, I resist the urge to follow that path, instead focusing on a more nuanced response.

As an immigrant from communist Czechoslovakia raised by Holocaust survivors, my personal history was shaped me to inhabit a particular vantage point—an observer of society, neither fully belonging to the world I live in nor to the one I came from. This dual perspective fuels my perception of global events, particularly the alarming resurgence of totalitarianism and its implications for us all.

The notion of civilizations collapsing, strikes a passionate chord within me, especially now, as we are powerlessly watching the awful human consequences and devastation of the middle east by cruel imperial whims.

I hope that my work, driven by a conviction that we can and must learn from the past, trying to prevent the repetition of its darkest chapters reminds the viewer of how art and joy can form meaningful modes of resistance.

I find comfort in direct interaction with materials - painting, drawing, and collage—through which I express my observations and emotions. Each mark is a contemplative act, a quest to transform feelings of helplessness into a resonant expression that speaks to me. My creative process unfolds organically, driven by intuition and a desire to uncover the unseen and the unexpected. I explore both the accumulation and subtraction, reflecting the fluidity and subjectivity of my personal experiences and insights.

In my art I’m dedicated to forging these new pathways, blending the poignant realities of our global challenges with the enduring beauty and potential for renewal that each new day brings.

With themes of hope, community, and renewal, the Stockbridge Sinfonia will present a program celebrating the richness of the American orchestral and choral tradition alongside a classical masterpiece.

Program: An American Showcase

Trumpet Concerto, Joseph Haydn. Soloist: Peter Fiegel
America the Beautiful, Arr. Philip Rothman, for chorus and orchestra
The Promise of Living, Aaron Copland, for chorus and orchestra
Make Our Garden Grow, Leonard Bernstein, for chorus and orchestra
Symphony No. 1, Florence Price
Ceremonial Music for Orchestra, Stephen Murray
Concerto in Eb by Joseph Haydn, soloist Peter Fiegel

The Stockbridge Sinfonia is a unique multi-generational full symphony orchestra that undertakes ambitious orchestral works. It is the largest and longest operating community orchestra in the Berkshires. The Stockbridge Sinfonia uses music as a tool to develop the leadership of youth, recognize the talents of adults and build community across Berkshire County. All of this is accomplished through our mission of “classical music for the love of it!”

Tracy Wilson, Music Director
Christine Singer, President

Free and open to the public; donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information, please visit www.stockbridgesinfonia.org or call either 413-822-1318 or 413-298-3137.

Join us for our much anticipated summer gathering as we come together at The Pub, Hilltown Commons adjacent to the Huyck Preserve to enjoy good food, drink, music, and scenery with fellow friends of the Preserve. Tickets are required.