BITS & BYTES: Bella Vendetta open studio; Neo

Berkshire based artist, filmmaker, and photographer Bella Vendetta will be showcasing a hand selected never before shown collection of her black and white photography.

Long time Berkshire based artist, filmmaker, and photographer Bella Vendetta will be showcasing a hand selected never before shown collection of her black and white photography

North Adams— On Friday, September 8th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., long time Berkshire based artist, filmmaker, and photographer Bella Vendetta will be showcasing a hand selected never before shown collection of her black and white photography.

During an open studio at Bella Luna Rosa Studios, as part of First Friday in North Adams, join Bella and check out the photography studio, view her photography work, meet the artist, and purchase prints that are ready to take home. Bella Luna Rosa Open Studios are always an eclectic mix of models, fellow photographers, performers and artists.

As a special highlight, Bella will be showcasing some behind the scenes photos from a forthcoming documentary film releasing next spring.

The open studio is on Friday, September 8th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bella Luna Rosa Studios at the Beaver Mill on Beaver Street in North Adams. There is no admission fee. This show is meant for folks aged 18+ as it contains adult art nude photography. There is plentiful parking across the street. Please note that the studio is a walk up and there is no elevator. Please wear a mask. More information can be found online.

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Hudson Hall and the Flow Chart Foundation present ‘A Night of Neo-Benshi’

Hudson— On Friday, September 1st at 7 p.m., Hudson Hall and the Flow Chart Foundation present “A Night of Neo-Benshi”.

Taking inspiration from early Japanese silent film interpreters (called “benshi” in Japanese), “neo-benshi” artists replace the dialogue of scenes from popular films with their own distinctive reinventions performed live in front of the silver screen. From cult classics to blockbusters, The Flow Chart Foundation’s “A Night of Neo-Benshi” reimagines the filmgoing experience with performance, poetry, and a good dose of the unexpected. Ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime, it’s a one-time only event that’s not to be missed. Trixie’s List called it “the place in town to see and be seen.”

The event is on Friday, September 1st at 7 p.m. at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House on Warren Street in Hudson. Tickets are $20. More information can be found online.

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First Fridays Artswalk returns with live music, magickal live painting, a biodata sonification demonstration, and new art shows

Pittsfield— On Friday, September 1st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the First Fridays Artswalk in downtown Pittsfield returns.

Download the Downtown Pittsfield app in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone, or access a digital tour online.

A few highlights among the many, many offerings include duo Bree Nicola and Crys Moore at Persip Park from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 175 North Street. Bree Nicola is a singer/songwriter from Pittsfield currently working on her first EP. Crys Moore is an indie/R&B artist from Pittsfield.

Creative Sorceress Mollie Kellogg will demonstrate her messy and glitter/star-embedded mixed media underpainting pouring process from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sotille Park at 200 North Street. Kellogg’s Incognito Witch Project celebrates hidden magick and encompasses fine art, film, music, and dance.

Aerofauna Studio presents “The P.E.B.E. Project”, a biodata sonification demonstration. Plants connected to instrumentation that registers stomatal conductance and translates the signal into sound. The project is presented by Linda Merry who has a Master of Arts in Biology from Miami University and who currently works at Berkshire Community College in the Life Sciences. Pencil illustrations by artist Natalie Zoe White will also be part of this exhibit at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pittsfield at 175 Wendell Avenue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

ReDefine Community Center at 5 Melville Street will feature local artists Matthew Brinton and Nicole Fecteau. Stop by from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to view their art and chat with them about their artistic process. Matthew Brinton will present works in charcoal, pen, marker, and pastels, and Nicole Fecteau will present works in fabric.

Witch Slapped at 78 North Street will feature “The Fantastical Artwork of Kit Curry”.

The free, family-friendly event is on Friday, September 1st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Pittsfield. More information on First Fridays Artswalk can be found online or by calling 413-443-6501.

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The Lee Chamber presents ‘Lee Art in the Park’

Lee— On Saturday, September 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Lee Chamber presents “Lee Art in the Park”, a premier cultural event.

The art festival features the creative works of over 35 juried local and international artists. They will exhibit a wide variety of media including photography, drawing, ceramics, jewelry, painting, mixed media, printmaking, fiber, metal sculpture, and glass.

The festival is on Saturday, September 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the town green on Park Place in Lee. The event is family-friendly and will be held rain or shine. More information can be found online.

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Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the Lenox Cultural District and Gordon Fine Arts presents the seventh annual ‘Lenox Fall Art Walk’

Lenox— On Saturday September 9th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday September 10th from from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the Lenox Cultural District and Gordon Fine Arts presents the seventh annual “Lenox Fall Art Walk”, an art festival in downtown Lenox.

The Art Walk is a curated show of artists and artisans who showcase their work throughout downtown Lenox. The Artists’ tents will be set up along the Main Street sidewalk and into Lilac Park. A wide range of Artists representing various mediums will display their artwork and artisan products including paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, and clothing. There will also be live music performances on Church Street and food vendors on Main Street.

The festival is on Saturday September 9th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday September 10th from from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Lenox. More information can be found online.

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Labor Day weekend activities scheduled at The Trustees sites around Massachusetts

Massachusetts— History, the outdoors, and family fun are all on tap over Labor Day weekend at The Trustees of Reservations sites across Massachusetts. Enjoy the last days of summer with kayaking, touring historic homes and gardens, birdwatching, outdoor yoga, touring a sculpture park, hiking to waterfalls, or hanging out at the farms.

Events are taking place at the Trustees properties throughout the state. Local events include a guided tour of the Mission House in Stockbridge which takes visitors back to the colonial era when Stockbridge began as a mission to convert the local Mohican community, and a guided bird hike at Bartholomew’s Cobble in Sheffield.

A complete schedule of Labor Day events taking place at The Trustees sites around Massachusetts can be found online.

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The Bidwell House Museum presents ‘Housatonic Heritage Walk: On The Royal Hemlock Trail‘, a hike through Township No. 1 with Dr. Richard Greene

Berkshire/Litchfield— On Saturday, September 2nd at 10 a.m., the Bidwell House Museum presents “Housatonic Heritage Walk: On The Royal Hemlock Trail“, a hike through Township No. 1 with Dr. Richard Greene.

Each year, the Bidwell House Museum is excited to participate in the Housatonic Heritage Walk series that takes place throughout the Berkshires and northern Connecticut. On this excursion across the Bidwell grounds as well as the BNRC’s Hudson-Howard property, visitors will trace the route of the early residents of Township No. 1 from their homes to the first meeting house on a hill near the museum. Dr. Richard Greene will lead the group on old roadways, past foundations and stone walls of long-ago homesteads, and explore flora and fauna along the way.

This free walk is on Saturday, September 2nd at 10 a.m. at the Bidwell House Museum on Art School Road in Monterey. The walk is limited to 25 people and attendees are asked to pre-register online. Dress for the weather, wear hiking boots, and bring water and a snack. The hike will last two to three hours. Be aware that the terrain is steep and rocky in a few places. This is a strenuous hike and is best for those with some hiking experience. Light rain will not cancel. More information can be found online.

Save the date! The free, family-oriented, interpretive annual Housatonic Heritage Walks in the Berkshires and Litchfield County are being offered on Saturdays and Sundays through October 1st. All types of heritage walks are offered, ranging from tours of historic buildings, cemeteries, and town centers, hikes on are trails, walks through industrial heritage sites and ruins, walks and bike rides on old country roads that have a history, behind-the-scenes tours at various performing arts venues, and strolls through formal gardens and estates. More information can be found online.

Detailed Heritage Walks brochures are available at libraries, post offices, restaurants, and grocery stores in the region. The Walks schedule is also available online. To request a brochure by mail, email [email protected]

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The Town of Great Barrington Agricultural Commission presents “Transform Your Yard to Support Pollinators: A 12 Step Program” with Heidi Dollard

Great Barrington— This evening, Thursday, August 31st from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Town of Great Barrington Agricultural Commission presents “Transform Your Yard to Support Pollinators: A 12 Step Program” with Heidi Dollard.

Many people now realize the importance of pollinators and other essential wildlife. They want to make their yard pollinator-friendly, but don’t know where to start. This talk will step you through the process of evaluation, planning, and implementation, with many options for large and small changes.

Heidi Dollard serves on the Steering Committee of the Massachusetts Pollinator Network. She works to educate gardeners and homeowners on how they can support pollinators and other beneficial wildlife, while creating a beautiful and low maintenance landscape. Heidi has a MS in Biology and is a Master Gardener. She has been an enthusiastic native plant gardener for many years.

The virtual presentation is this evening, Thursday, August 31st from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Access Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85729181502. Dial in audio only here: +1 929 205 6099. The webinar ID is: 857 2918 1502.

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