Volume 3, Issue 1
Complimentary
May, 2008
Williams College Museum of Art Presents:
Julie Mehretu: City Sitings April 19–July 27, 2008
Williamstown, Mass.—Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) presents Julie Mehretu: City Sitings, which opened April 19. This exhibition brings together 12 of the artist’s monumental paintings inspired by community, history, and the built environment. Mehretu’s compelling canvases re-envision urban experience and rewrite narratives of exclusion, reconciling divergent histories through her expansive, dynamic compositions. Mehretu’s work evokes highly person-
Julie Mehretu Grey Space (distractor), 2006 ink and acrylic on canvas. Collection of Nicolas Rohatyn and Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, NY. Courtesy The Project. Photo by Erma Estwick Copyright 2007 Julie Mehretu
The Clark Art Institute
alized, yet distinctly universal themes that draw on her experiences as a citizen of the world and of the city. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, raised in Michigan and now a resident of New York City, she employs a dynamic visual vocabulary that combines maps, urban grids, and architectural renderings to articulate complex social and geopolitical structures. The immense proportions, organic layering, and careful detail convey the complexities of the urban environment. Mehretu queries what impact an individual can have, and what one person contributes to the construction of a larger narrative. The interplay between the individual and larger community finds form in the compositional structure of continued on page 2
By Telly Halkias
During this “slow” time of spring, look no further than the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute for interesting activities in a family-oriented environment. The beauty of the place is that you don’t even need a schedule or calendar – just walk in on any given day. Its Williamstown location makes it an easy reach from Vermont, the Berkshires, and the New York hills towns. There is much going on at the Clark. Such as the May 4 free harpsichord recital of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, just to name one of many. There are always events on tap. There is some continued on page 2
The Impressionist Gallery at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown. Photo Courtesy of the Clark Art Institute
Julie Mehretu: City Sitings continued from page 1
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Mehretu’s canvases: one must experience them both up close and from a distance to activate the dynamics of local empowerment within a more sweeping story. Organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts in collaboration with Julie Mehretu, City Sitings also features an enhanced gallery guide, with discussions of each work. The exhibition has been curated by Rebecca Hart a Williams graduate from the Class of 1976. Ms. Hart is associate curator of contemporary art at the Detroit Institute of Fine Arts. Support for this exhibition has been provided through generous grants from the Joyce Foundation and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. About the Artist Julie Mehretu was born to an Ethiopian father and American mother in Addis Ababa, the capitol city of Ethiopia. Her family emigrated when her father accepted a professorship in Michigan. Mehretu studied at Michigan’s Kalamazoo College (B.A., 1992) and Cheik Anta Diop University, in Dakar, Senegal. She received an M.F.A. with honors from Rhode Island School of Design (1997). She participates in numerous international biennials and exhibitions; individuals and museums collect her work. She receives international recognition for her work and, in 2005, became a MacArthur Fellow. The Williams College Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and the museum is wheelchair accessible. Contact: Suzanne A. Silitch, Director of Public Relations and External Affairs, 413.597.3178.
Telly Halkias, contributing writer
The Clark Art Institute
Jen Hathaway, page design Yankee News Guide 20 Cleveland Avenue Dalton, MA 01226 413-684-1373 TriState Pennysaver News 109 South Street Bennington, VT 05201 802-447-3381 Renee Tassone, General Manager
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continued from page 1 kind of free performance or public lecture almost every weekend. A recent example that packed the house was curator Cody Hartley’s talk on the Frederic Remington exhibition, which is still running through May 4. Another Clark offering is the Looking at Lunchtime talk series, which occurs on the second Thursday of every month, and where a house expert mingles with the lunchtime crowd to examine one work of art, normally from the museum’s permanent collection. That collection itself is world class, and to have it here in our backyards is priceless. There are also family events, such as the special program for Mother’s Day, and a film series, which is always well worth dropping in on. Also, additional offerings include further educational programs for non-members and field trips for members. Don’t be bored this spring. Give the Clark a try. It’s not just there for tourists; it’s there for all of us. The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute is located at 225 South St. in Williamstown. For more info on spring programs at the Clark, call 413-458-2303, or visit www.clarkart. edu Telly Halkias is a freelance writer and editor. E-mail: tchalkias@aol.com.
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Greylock Federal Credit Union – 100% wholly owned by its members By Mary Ann White In speaking with Bob Maxwell, vice president of marketing for Greylock Federal Credit Union I learned a lot of what a credit union actually is and what it does for its members. The biggest difference between a credit union and a bank, he explained, is that a credit union is 100% wholly owned by its members, where banks are public companies owned by its stockholders. Credit unions are also not-for-profit, meaning they can offer better services at better prices and the Board of Directors are all volunteers, unlike a bank. The Board of Directors governs all the big decisions that are made. “We have a great Board, who work well together,” Bob said. He went on to explain that Greylock Federal Credit Union started back in 1935 servicing GE employees, but
soon expanded to include employees of Crane and General Dynamics. At present the credit union services are offered to anyone who lives or works in Berkshire County. There are now 12 branches and the virtual branch online 24/7. “We are continuing to grow rapidly, but not at the cost of good service,” Bob said. He added that Greylock continues to set records even with the housing crunch, and they work diligently to keep the trust that has been built with its members. The Williamstown Branch located at 455 Main St. opened on February 13, 2005 and has been well received by the public. “We have more than doubled in membership since opening, said Branch Manager Mark Solak. He said that they are also doing very well in new mortgages. He added that the building was renovated when they
took it over, and he is still receiving comments on what a nice job was done in keeping the initial architectural structure intact. The branch has worked with the Chamber of Commerce on several projects including sponsoring events like “The Holiday Walk”. They have also sponsored a Bicycle Safety Day in the parking lot on a Saturday that was put on by the police department and some also some seminars. Bob said that Deborah Kushnet has recently joined the staff in Williamstown, as a mortgage underwriter who is “helping get people into their dream homes.” The Williamstown branch has its lobby open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, from 8:30 -12:30. The drive-up is open from 8:30-5, Monday-Friday and 8:30-12:30 on Saturdays.
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Williamstown Theatre Festival
Announces Remainder of 2008 Season
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New York, NY – Artistic Director Nicholas Martin today announced the remainder of the programming for Williamstown Theatre Festival’s (WTF) 54th Season. The season will begin with a production of Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy on the Nikos Stage running June 11-22, 2008. Directing this Durang classic in which the lines between doctor and patient are hilariously blurred will be former WTF Boris Sagal Directing Fellow Alex Timbers, artistic director of the acclaimed Les Freres Corbusier theatre company. The cast will include Kate Burton and the production will also be seen at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, NY from July 8-27. Also new to the WTF schedule is the world-premiere of Broke-ology by recent Julliard graduate Nathan Jackson which will run July 9-20 on the Nikos Stage. In this moving drama, two brothers caring for their ailing father face the dilemma of following their dreams or honoring the unspoken promise of familial loyalty. Directing will be Thomas Kail, currently represented on Broadway with In the Heights. Completing the 2008 Nikos Stage season will be the worldpremiere production of Not Waving by playwright and television writer Ellen Melaver, running August 6-17. In this heartwarming play about the universal human need to be loved, three couples are drawn to a public beach with a troubled history. Directing is former WTF Boris Sagal and Bill Foeller Directing Fellow Carolyn Cantor, currently represented OffBroadway with Something You Did. The previously announced Harriet Jacobs will not be presented this summer. Full casting and creative teams for the 2008 WTF Season will be announced at a later date.
Williamstown Theatre Festival 2008 Season Summary
Main Stage:
SHE LOVES ME Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by Jerry Bock June 28-July 12 THREE SISTERS by Anton Chekhov July 16-27 A FLEA IN HER EAR by David Ives July 30-August 10 HOME by David Storey August 13-24
Nikos Stage: BEYOND THERAPY by Christopher Durang June 11-22 THE ATHEIST by Ronan Noone June 25-July 6 BROKE-OLOGY by Nathan Jackson July 9-20 THE UNDERSTUDY by Theresa Rebeck July 23-August 3 NOT WAVING by Ellen Melaver August 6-17
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MAY EVENTS AT THE CLARK Through July 6: Framing Colonial Albany highlights the findings of a yearlong conservation project exploring itinerant painter Thomas McIlworth, his painting Jeremias Van Rensselaer, and its elaborate frame. In addition to showcasing the conservation efforts, the Lenett project uncovers curious similarities with the frame belonging to a Thomas Gainsborough work, and the international connection of a Scottish artist painting members of a prominent Dutch family on British canvas in colonial America. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www. clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303. Through August 17: During the first decades of the 20th century, photographers in Europe and America were engaged in a heated debate over the status of photography. A group united to assert their belief that photography should be considered an art form rather than merely a means of visual documentation. Representing this notion, Pictorial Vision: American and European Photography, features 15 photographs dating from the 1880s to the 1920s drawn from the collections of the Clark and the Troob Family Foundation. Among the artists represented are Peter Henry Emerson, Eduard Steichen, Alvin Langdon Coburn, George Seeley, and Pierre Dubreuil. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www. clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303. May 1: Contemporary photographer and scholar Larry McNeil, recently honored with a 2007 Eiteljorg Fellowship for Native American Fine Art, produces work about favored American myths, what happens at the intersection of cultures, and how different people perceive a shared history. Through a discussion of his art, McNeil offers further context for considering the legacy of Frederic Remington. Free, held at 7 pm. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303 May 3, 10, 17, 31, June 7, 14: Drawing the human figure is the most fundamental of all art techniques and often the most rewarding. Whether you need to refresh your skills or have never drawn the human figure from observation of a live model, this class will A Hersam Acorn Newspapers publication
Albany,” by Katherine Alcauskas, M.A. open your eyes to the possibilities of ‘08, will take place at the Clark at 5:30 figure drawing. Intended for all levels pm. Alcauskas’s research focused on an of skill, students will also explore work eighteenth century portrait of a member in the Clark. Basic supplies provided. of the Van Rensselaers, one of Albany’s For beginner and intermediate levels. founding families. An exhibit featurRegister by calling Northern Berkshire Creative Arts at 413-663-8338 or online ing the portrait by itinerant painter at www.nbcreativearts.org. Held 10 am Thomas McIlworth is on view through to 12 pm. $95 for NBCA and Clark July 6. The Clark, 225 South Street, members; $120 for non-members. The Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, 413-458-2303 MA. www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303 May 8: Spend a half-hour with a Clark curator and feed your hunger for May 4: Victor Hill, harpsichordist, art. Join the Center for Education in will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his the Visual Arts director Michael Cassin series “Griffin Hall Concerts at Williams for a look at J. M. W. Turner’s Rockets College” with a complete performance and Blue Lights. Talks, held at 12:30 pm, of the “Goldberg Variations” by J. S. are free. The Clark, 225 South Street, Bach. This work, the culmination of Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, Bach’s harpsichord compositions, was also the program with which he inau413-458-2303 gurated the series in 1968. Free, held May 10: Bring a painting, print, at 3 pm. The Clark, 225 South Street, sculpture, piece of silver, or other art Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, object to the Clark library. Spend a morning working with librarians, cura413-458-2303 tors, and conservators to learn how to May 5: Linda Nochlin, a preeminent scholar of nineteenth and twentieth continued on page 6 century art and one of the most important and influential voices for feminist scholarship in the history of art, will talk about her life, career, and research in conversation with Michael Holly, Director of the Research and ������������������������� Academic Program, ���������������������������� and Aruna d’Souza, ����������������������������� Clark Fellow �������������������������������������������� in Spring 2008, and a student of Nochlin. A Clark Conversation with Linda Nochlin will be held at 5:30 pm. ���������������� ������������ ������������ ��������������� Free. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303 May 7: The ���������������� Judith M. Lenett ���������������������� ���������������������� Memorial Lecture, �������������������������� ������������ ������������������ “Framing Colonial The Village Beautiful
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MAY EVENTS AT THE CLARK find answers to your questions about the work: what is it? who is the artist? how was it made? how do I care for it? Registration is required; space is limited. For information or to register, call 413-458-0532 or email library@clarkart.edu. Please identify your work of art when you register. Held 9:30 am to 12 pm. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart. edu, 413-458-2303 May 11: The Walden Chamber Players will present a program of new music from the Berkshires at 3 pm. A pre-concert talk will begin at 2 pm. For ticket information, contact Walden Chamber Players at 866-393-2927. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303 May 11: On Mother’s Day all mothers who are accompanied by a child (of any age) will be treated to a free beverage from the Clark café. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303 May 16: World-famous, large-canvas artist and master of fast-paced painting Rob Surette will present his “Be Somebody!” performance designed to inspire children to use their talents to make the world a better place. Watch as Surette completes 9 huge works of art from start to finish. Sponsored by the Williamstown Elementary School PTO. Held at 7 pm. Space is limited.Tickets are $10/child, $15/adult. Purchase tickets at the main office of the Williamstown Elementary School during school hours. For more information call 413-458-5707. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart. edu, 413-458-2303
continued from page 5 May 18: Peter Lawson-Johnston, a member of the Guggenheim family’s fifth generation, will discuss his memoir Growing Up Guggenheim. As the board president who oversaw the transformation of the renowned museum from a local New York institution to a global art venture, LawsonJohnston’s personal memoir includes intimate portraits of the five people principally responsible for the entire Guggenheim art legacy. Following the lecture, Lawson-Johnston will be available to sign copies of his book. Free, held at 3 pm. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303 May 24: The Clark/Mellon Workshop in Contemporary African Art examines the art historical scholarship, publications, exhibitions, and cultural institutions shaping the representation of contemporary African art. The public program will focus on lively conversation and debate between participants about artists, exhibitions, biennials, curatorial practices, and research in Contemporary African art. Free, begins at 9 am. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www. clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303 General Info: The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA 01267 413-458-2303, www.clarkart.edu Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm Open daily, 10 am to 5 pm, in July and August Open Memorial Day, Monday, May 26 Admission: Free - November 1 through May 31 $12.50 - June 1 through October 31 Always free for children 18 and under, members, students with valid ID
Did You Know?
(MS) - You can think green when shopping. One of the easiest ways to help the environment while shopping is to buy items in the largest size your household will use. For example, instead of buying individual servings of cereal or yogurt, think about buying larger boxes or containers. Small sizes of items typically use more packaging for each ounce of product than larger sizes. Smaller sizes may also be more expensive when compared side-by-side to the total net weight or quantity of larger packages. So shopping in bulk can actually save money and the environment, to boot. 6
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Williams College Museum of Art place, and its staff welcomes the public to view these considerable efforts of
By Telly Halkias If ever there was a small arts gem in our midst, it has to be the one hidden away on the Williams College campus. First established in 1926 as an avenue for students to appreciate art in order to properly study it, the Williams College Museum of Art has slowly evolved into a top-notch displayer of public art, all while still meeting its considerable educational mission. This mission brings student curators like Rebecca Shaykin and Layla Bermeo, both graduate students in Williams’ art history program, in contact with leading authorities such as Nancy Mowll Mathews, a curator at the museum and lecturer at the College, to produce first class exhibitions such as the recently opened Model American Men, a comprehensive look at several art forms portraying images of men influenced by the Progressive era in American history. The museum is a friendly
Williams College Museum of Art’s 1954 Gallery Photo by Arthur Evans
both modern and classic art. Its galleries are well laid out, and the thematic variance while moving from one to the other showcases not only the educational work occuring under its roof, but also an impressive permanent collection. Part of these assets are what allow WCMA to run an ongoing exhibition entitled The Matter of Theology, a show that brings together selections from the museum’s collection with theological questions that cause art to be seen from another vantage point. Stop into the WCMA this spring and take in this Berkshires nugget. It’s well worth it. The Williams College Museum of Art is located on campus at 15 Lawrence Hall Drive in Williamstown. For more info on its spring programs call 413-597-2429 or visit www.wcma.org. Telly Halkias is a freelance writer and editor. E-mail: tchalkias@aol.com.
Agway – Brands you trust. People you know. By Mary Ann White Mike Uryniak, owner of the 600 Main St. Agway said the Williamstown store was located at the end of Cole Avenue until 1992 when the stores were franchised out. Mike, a former employee of 20 years purchased it at that time and moved it to the Main Street location where business has flourished. The busiest time of the year is happening now, with the months of April, May, and June when lawn and garden supplies are going out the door as fast as they come in. Now is the time when everyone is getting out enjoying the good weather and putting their flowerbeds in and starting early vegetables. Also sold are bird feeders, birdseed, and animal feed, which are sold all year round. Surprisingly, I found out that the largest selling item is wood pellets, which Mike A Hersam Acorn Newspapers publication
says falls into a category by itself. Pellets dominate the sales after the Fourth of July holiday with folks getting in their winter supply. The Main Street store carries about 4,000 SKU’s while the Agway.com website carries many more that people can check out online. Prices are available by calling the store. Each location owner chooses from the Agway product line the ones that they feel are suitable for their market. There are now approximately 460 private dealers in 11 states throughout the Northeast. Mike said that he employs 5-6 people who are very knowledgeable about the products offered and willing to help customers find the right ones for their needs. The store is open Monday-Friday from 8 to 6, Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 10-4.
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