July 21, 2008

Dear Friends,

Summer in the Berkshires and you can trust BerkShares to be seen at many of the finest cultural gatherings.

On Wednesday, July 23rd at 7PM at the Ferrin Gallery (www.ferringallery.com), North Street in Pittsfield, BerkShares artist, Morgan Bulkeley discusses art, sculpture, and his life as an artist, naturalist and narrator.  He promises to share anecdotes and insights into

the unique group of colleagues who make up "The Boston Ten," artists who once worked together in Boston, and on occasion still do.  Throughout their careers they have exchanged ideas, inspired one another and most recently, created a series of 100 works on paper that they call "Collaborations." Bring your BerkShares to purchase one these unique paintings.

Berkshire Fringe (www.berkshirefringe.org) is getting the rave reviews it deserves.  Most recently – "The New York Times" and "Berkshire Living." Innovative, risky, fun, edgy, young theater here in the Berkshires at the Daniel Arts Center at Simon's Rock of Bard College.  Now through August 4th.  Not sure.  Try out a show early this week and then come back for more. Tickets in BerkShares, of course.

One of the finest dance venues in the country is here in the Berkshires – Jacob's Pillow (www.jacobspillow.org).  The Pillow continues to add new shows to meet audience enthusiasm.  And the pillow continues its commitment to supporting the local region with special programs for Berkshire residents and participation in the BerkShares program.  Festival 2008 programming runs through the end of August.  See the best at Jacobs Pillow Dance Theater.

Local, national, and international talent mix and match at Great Barrington's Mahaiwe Theater. Opera, story-telling, blues, jazz, classical, fine movies, events for children all find a gracious home in the beautifully restored theater on Castle Street.  Keep an eye on the changing events at www.mahaiwe.org and bring your BerkShares.  Count Basie's orchestra plays on July 25th. 

Folk legend Janis Ian will be at The BookLoft (www.thebookloft.com) in Great Barrington on Sunday, July 27th at 12:30 PM.  The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter will speak of her memoir "Society's Child" recalling more than forty years in the music business.   While there, check out the large selection of books all of which may be purchased with BerkShares.

The Bookstore in Lenox (www.bookstoreinlenox.com) "serving the community since Tuesday" and Yellow House Books in Great Barrington specializing in Art, Children's, Metaphysical, Music, Photography are wonderful places to browse when you have extra BerkShares in your pocket and extra time for good summer reading.

Daniel Bellow (www.danielbellow.com) sells his beautiful and functional pottery at local galleries and from his own home in Great Barrington. Gladly accepting BerkShares, he is also ready to show you his marvelously constructed kiln.  Bring the kids or grandkids, they will be entranced with the potter's art and practice.

Please report other sightings of BerkShares at this summer's cultural gatherings! 

And remember to mark September 20th on your calendar – the date of the Second Annual BerkShares Bash.  Music, fun, food, multiple BerkShares vendors on the grounds of John Dewey Academy, site of the historic Searles Castle.  We hope to see you there.

Best wishes,

The BerkShares Team
PO Box 125
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-528-1737
www.berkshares.org