6 • Summer Previews 2021
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Getting back into the swing of things Hopes are high as summer begins a return to ‘normal’ After a year without picnics on the lawn at Tanglewood and delayed openings, cultural venues across the Berkshires are ready to welcome back visitors with new exhibitions, new music, new performances and a slate of robust offerings. As we ease into an unprecedented summer season, we
reached out to a handful of the leaders of our many cultural institutions, asking them to share their hopes for and thoughts about the upcoming season, as well as what to expect from their organization.
“Compared to last year’s subdued summer, we are all very excited about what 2021 holds in store for us. Berkshire Botanical Garden is once again welcoming visitors from near and far, and we are so happy to share the beauty of our gardens and our wonderful ART/GARDEN exhibitions with a broader public. In addition, the many classes and special events we have planned will allow our community to once again gather in the Garden. We are so ready for this!” Michael Beck, executive director of Berkshire Botanical Garden
Michael Beck
“The past 15 months have been a whirlwind for The Mount. With every new regulation and safety measure, we have kept the safety and comfort of our patrons and staff at the top of our priorities. I am extremely pleased with the season we are presenting. We moved all programs outdoors and will be utilizing every inch of the property. There will be lectures and readings under an open-air tent, dance throughout the gardens, and music in a gently sloping field just below the stable. We are hoping for great weather and look forward to a full and busy summer in the Berkshires.”
Susan Wissler
Brian Cruey
Beryl Jolly
Susan Wissler, executive director of The Mount “The year ahead, for us, is all about inclusion. While we were so grateful to open safely last year during the pandemic, our capacity was obviously limited. Now, with vaccinations on the rise, I’m very much looking forward to welcoming people back in larger numbers and making sure everyone has a chance to enjoy our properties and programming. We learned a lot of valuable lessons during the past year and plan to apply them and constantly improve as we return to a new normal.” Brian Cruey, director of the Southern Berkshires Portfolio for The Trustees of Reservation
Jennifer Trainer Thompson
“We are looking forward to this summer in the Berkshires with great anticipation and excitement as we welcome visitors to our hiking trails and beautiful properties across the region. We were grateful that so many of these sites served as a refuge for people throughout the past year but know that there will be a different, more relaxed and upbeat energy as folks return to explore Monument Mountain, go birding at Bartholomew’s Cobble, enjoy date nights, concerts and tours with incredible views at Naumkeag or enjoy a special getaway at the Inn at Field Farm in 2021.” Beryl Jolly, vice president of cultural properties for The Trustees of Reservation “Summer has never felt so good. I don’t think I will ever take for granted again the joy of sitting on a lawn listening to live music on a starry Berkshire night, or hiking along a trail, or picnicking with friends. As Shaker brother Daniel Orcutt said, ‘Wise is he who can take the little moment as it comes and make it brighter ere ‘tis gone.’ “ Jennifer Trainer Thompson, director and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village “We are looking forward to a season that will begin to feel like the kinds of Berkshire summers we all love: full of great art and culture, open and welcoming for visitors, and sparked by the energy and joy of sharing these pleasures with family and friends. We have wonderful special exhibitions that we think our visitors will love — ‘Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne: Nature Transformed,’ ‘Nikolai Astrup: Visions of Norway,’ and ‘Dürer and After;’ our popular outdoor exhibition ‘Ground/work’ continues through October 17; our permanent collection galleries are always full of great works including some exciting new acquisitions; and we’re hosting a busy schedule of special events and programs, with both live and virtual offerings.” Olivier Meslay, director of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
Olivier Meslay
Laurie Norton Moffatt
