Happening this Week

BEARS IN THE BERKSHIRES: WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR
January 21st, Thursday, 6:45 - 7:45PM
VIRTUAL
The North American Black Bear plays an important role in the ecosystems of New England. Their incredible strength, senses and curiosity are often the source of commotion in Berkshire County. Together with Zach Adams of Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, you will discuss the natural history of black bears, their role in the ecosystem and how to maintain safe and positive human-bear interactions. Free.
Click here to register for the event

ARROWHEAD: MELVILLE FAMILY LIVING
January 22nd, Friday, 4 - 5PM
VIRTUAL
You may already know about Herman Melville and his treasured home Arrowhead but for this unique tour you will be accompanied by Melville’s wife, Elizabeth, as she walks guests through her home and talks about her life there in the mid-19th century. Arrowhead docent and actress, Francine Ciccarelli, will portray “Lizzie” and bring the women and children who lived at Arrowhead to life as she makes her way through the home where her husband wrote all of his short stories, his initial works of poetry and his classic Moby Dick. $10 Members, $20 Non-members.
Click here to register for the virtual tour

FREEDOM FUND AWARDS: CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE
January 23rd, Saturday, 7 - 8:30PM
VIRTUAL
Every year, the Berkshire County Branch of the NAACP takes the opportunity to highlight and honor several individuals from our community who have significantly impacted the lives of people in our county and our nation. The event also serves as a fundraiser for college stipends for up to 20 Berkshire County high school graduates of color. This year’s annual Freedom Fund Award keynote speaker is acclaimed writer and 2020 National Book Award Finalist, Deeshaw Philyaw. Donations encouraged.
Click here to register for the event

BERKSHIRE PLAYWRIGHTS LAB: KEEPING THEATRE ALIVE
Various
VIRTUAL
This past year Berkshire Playwrights Lab collaborated with theatre organizations across the county to form the #Theatre5Alliance--an organization dedicated to bringing the arts to people’s homes and highlights the importance of keeping local theatre alive. Over two dozen award-winning screen and stage actors immediately answered the call and came together to perform original works they wrote themselves. This series of three episodes includes monologues from John Lithgow, Bryan Cranston, Tony Shaloub, Laurie Metcalf and many other recognizable and talented artists. Free, donation encouraged.
Click here to watch the performances

CONTEMPORARY ART CIRCUITS IN SAO PAOLO: TRAVEL FROM HOME
January 28th, Thursday, 5 - 6PM
VIRTUAL
International leisure travel may still be many months away but The Clark Art Institute is offering a virtual cultural exploration in this presentation on Contemporary Art Circuits in Sao Paolo by Ana Magalhes, Director of the Contemporary Art Museum at the University of Sao Paolo. Magahales will talk about art institutions dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art in Sao Paulo—the biggest city in Brazil and the country’s primary art system. She offers three itineraries for visiting museums and cultural centers in the city where one can see cutting-edge exhibitions and collections of Brazilian contemporary art. Free.
Click here to view to presentation