The Artful Mind artzine

THE ARTFUL MIND Monthly Berkshire Artzine Since 1994

JULY 2012

!

GOLEM

Klezmer in the Berkshires Photography by Jane Feldman

Photography: Jane Feldman www.janefeldman.com janefeldmanphoto@gmail.com

StepHeN FILMUS

Still-Life paintings opening Reception Saturday, July 14, 1-5pm

the Lenox Gallery of Fine art 69 church Street, Lenox 413-637-2276

“Summer Roses”, 18” x 24”, oil

Stephen Filmus is now also represented by the Granary Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard

ROBERT FORTE

SeaScape #1, RobeRt FoRte

Paintings

www.stephenfilmus.com 413-528-1253 Studio - by appointment

FRONT STREET GALLERY

july 7 - september 3

Kate Knapp

Kate Knapp

July 7 to August 31, 2012

Watercolor studies of local summer circuses

271 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

FRONT STREET, downwtown HOUSATONIC, MA

Art On Main The Gallery at Barnbrook Realty

413-274-6607 413-429-7141 (cell) 413-528-9546 Gallery Hours: Sat. and Sun 12-5 or by appointment

The ArTful Mind July 2012 •1

Lauren Clark Fine Art presents

“POP ART”

drawings and paintings by Geoffrey Moss

July 14 - August 13, 2012 Reception for the Artist, Saturday, July 14, 4-7pm 402 Park Street Housatonic, MA 413.274.1432 LaurenClarkFineArt.com

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tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 •3

beRkSHIRe aRt GaLLeRy

Trees Near A Pond, o/b, 24 x 18. Maximillian Vanka, 1889 - 1963. american

8 rAilroAd STreeT, GreAT BArrinGTon, MA 413-528-2690 opeN SatURday aNd SUNday NooN to 5pM aNd/oR by appoINtMeNt www.BerkShireArTGAllery.coM

JULy featured artist kATe knAPP “tHe FaRM”

Reception for Artist: July 7, 3-6pm

510 Members include: WILL cLaRk dIaNa FeLbeR JoaN GIUMMo ISka keNNey kate kNapp JoHN LIpkoWItZ NINa LIpkoWItZ eLeaNoR LoRd HaNNaH MaNdeL SteVe poRceLLa peGGy ReeVeS JeaNNINe ScHoeFFeR doRIS SIMoN MUSeUM QUaLIty FURNItURe by JoeL MaRk aNtIQUe pRINtS & poSteRS FRoM MILL RIVeR StUdIo

510 WaRReN St., HUdSoN, Ny 518-822-0510 www.510warrenstreetgallery.com

4 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

friday and Saturday 12-6, Sunday & Mon 12-5, or by appointment

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tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 •5

July 2012 cAlendAr in and Around the Berkshires museums & galleries

Meeting House Gallery: "Moments of Focus," juried photography show, Meeting House Gallery, Route 57. “Sculpture on the Green,” Featuring pieces by toby Frank, Joe Wheaton, Robin tost, eric callahan, ellen Murtaugh and River kelly. Show runs June 23-July 8.

510 warren Street Gallery Hudson, Ny • 518-822-0510 kate knapp through July, opening July 7, 3-6; Nina Lipkowitz in august, august 3- august 26. Reception Sunday august 5. 2-5pm; exhibit June 14 - July 30 Gallery 1st anniversary Gala - July 6@6pm

The oxbow Gallery 275 pleasant St, Northampton, Ma • www.oxbowgallery.com Front Room Sculptor tim dechristopher July 5 – 29, 2012 opening reception Friday, July 13 5-8. Gallery Hours are thursday-Sunday, 12-5pm. For further information, oxbowgallery.org

A.P.e. ltd. Gallery 126 Main Street Northampton, Ma • 413-586-5553 (Gallery Hours are tuesday–Sunday: 12-5 and Friday: 12-8.)

Art on Main, the gallery at Barnbrook realty 271 Main Street, Great barrington, Ma Robert Forte, paintings, July 7 to august 31

housatonic Valley Art league Summer Shows 2012 dewey Memorial Hall, Sheffield, Mass.

JURIed aRt SHoW, opens July 5 Reception July 6, 4:30---6:30. closes July 29 MeMbeR aRt SHoW, opens august 2. Reception august 3, 4:30---6:30. closes august 26. Gallery. admission is free; public welcome! (Gallery Hours: Wed closed. Mon, tu, th, Fr, Sat 10:00---5:00 Sun 1:00---5:00)

Photo credit Lisa-Maria Mazzucco MArk your cAlendArS!...daedalus String Quartet, a new-generation string ensemble performs quartets by Mendelssohn, George Perle and Dvořák. Sept. 8. 4:30 p.m. Meeting House, Route 57, New Marlborough. Post-concert reception at the Meeting House Gallery. Tickets online or at the door, $20/$25.

A presentation of Music & More 2012. (413) 229-2785

Berkshire Art Gallery 80 Railroad St, Gt barrington, Ma • 528-2690 www.berkshireartgallery.com 19th and early 20th century american & european art and sculpture, contemporary artists don Muller Gallery 40 Main St, Northampton, Ma • 586-1119 beautiful american crafts, jewelry, glass and more

eclipse Mill Gallery 243 Union Street, first floor, North adams, Ma Speculative Strategies: Recent Work by derek parker and anne Roecklein. Reception: Saturday, July 7, 6-9 p.m. open Saturday & Sundays, 12-5 p.m. now through July 15. ferrin Gallery 37 North Street, pittsfield, Ma 413-442-1622 / www.ferringallery.com info@ferringallery.com american Vale: Recent photographs by Susan Mikula June 26 – august 1

;

front Street Gallery Front St., Housatonic, Ma • 413-274-6607 / 413-528-9546, or cell at 413-429-7141 Housatonic Gallery for students and artists. Featuring watercolors by kate knapp (Saturday and Sunday 12-5pm or by appointment)

Good Purpose Gallery 40 Main Street, Lee, Ma. • 413- 394-5045 / www.goodpurpose.org “charcoal and Stone,” an exhibit featuring the works of regional artists kayla corby and Myrna Lieb citron. (Gallery summer hours are daily from 10am-6pm.) hudson Valley Arts center 337 Warren St, Hudson, Ny • 800-456-0507

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Regional and nationally-known artisans. classes.

inner Vision Studio Furnace Road, corner of cone Hill Road • 413-232-4027 Inner Vision Studio is one the berkshire’s few true artistowned galleries. It is located just north of West Stockbridge center, and is open every Saturday and Sunday from June 26august 29 from 1 -5 pm or by appointment. open in the summer every Sat and Sun, 1-5 pm, or by appointment.

John davis Gallery 362 1/2 Warren StreetHudson, New york 518-828-5907 www.johndavisgallery.com / art@johndavisgallery.com . (sculpture, painting, collage and installation).

lauren clark fine Art 402 park St, Housatonic, Ma • 274-1432 www.LaurenclarkFineart.comLauren Lauren clark Fine art presents paSteLS by Helga S. orthofer, May 24 through July 8; “pop art”, new work by Geoffrey Moss, July 14 through august 13 with a reception for the artist on Saturday, July 14, 4-7 pm.(business hours are thursday-Mon, 11-5:30 and Sunday, 12-4) Marguerite Bride Studio www.margebride.com custom House and business portraits, “Local color”, watercolor scenes of the berkshires, New england and tuscany. original watercolors and Fine art Reproductions. Visit website for exhibit schedule Mattatuck Museum 144 West Main St, Waterbury, ct • 203-753-0381 Reflections and Undercurrents, prints of Venice, 1900-1940: May 11 - aug 26 Music & More 2012 festival New Marlborough, Ma www.newmarlborough.org / 413-229-2785

Pittsfield, MA::[ArTS niGhT ouT] RaNGe II, curated by peter dudek; July 3-18, 2012, opening Reception Friday, July 13, 58pm; artists’ Salon tuesday, July 10, 6pm.Moderator Leslie Ferrin and curator peter dudek engage artists from the pioneer Valley and the berkshires in a moderated conversation. a reception follows.

Schantz Galleries 3 elm St, Stockbridge, Ma • 413-298-3044 • www.schantzgalleries.com. a destination for those seeking premier artists working in glass. (11 - 5 daily) The lenox Gallery of fine Art 69 church St, Lenox, Ma • 413-637-1253 opening reception Saturday, July 14, 1-5pm

The harrison Gallery 39 Spring Street, Williamstown, Ma John Macdonald & paul caponigro, July 7 – July 31, 2012 opening Reception with artist. Saturday, July 7 – from 5-7pm

The Sterling and francine clark Art institute 225 South St, Williamstown, Ma • 413-458-2303 clark Remix, salon style installation, with two new interactive programs: ucurate, and uexplore, on view til 2013

510 warren Street Gallery 510 Warren St., Hudson, Ny • 518-822-0510 July featured artist: kate knapp.

(Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon until 6 p.M., and Sundays from 12 noon until 5 p.M., Mondays by chance) william Baczek fine Arts 36 Main St, Northampton, Ma • 413-587-9880 wmbaczek@wbfinearts.com www.wbfinearts.com

music & theatre

Aston Magna 413-528-3595 / 800-875-7156/ www.astonmagna.org July 9 and 10, the aston Magna Festival will present a program completely devoted to vocal music by Giovanni battista pergolesi. the first performance will take place on Friday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the olin Humanities

workshops and events

building at bard college, annandale-on-Hudson, Ny. the second performance will take place on Saturday, July 10 at 6 p.m. at the daniel arts center at Simon's Rock in Great barrington, Ma. a pre-concert lecture will be featured one hour before both concerts.July 16 and 17, aston Magna will present a multi-media event focusing on "17th-century Italian art and Music", highlighting the musical context of the painter artemisia Gentileschi (1593ca.1656). olin auditorium, bard college, annandale on Hudson, Ny, please phone 845-758-7425.

Barrington Stage company 30 Union St, pittsfield, Ma • 413-236-8888 info@barrington Stageco.org Fiddler off the Roof -a klezmer event with Golem. puts the music of Fiddler on the Roof and Golem into context. Host: Seth Rogovoy Berkshire Theatre Group • 413-997-4444 / 413-298-5576 The Puppetmaster of Lodz, June 21July7; A Chorus Line, July 2-21;

Berkshire Arts festival Ski butternut, Rte 23, Gt barrington, Ma • 845-355-2400 July 6, 7, 8. and aug 24, 25, 26. also, Sept 28, 29, 30 at Shakespeare & co., Lenox, Ma. 200 artists in a ll mediums, plus workshops, demos, music, wine, entertainment & food Berkshire Botanical Garden Rtes102 & 183, Stockbridge, Ma • 413-298-3926 “Garden on Fire”, Gimme Shelter: architects design for Shade; open now, Garden time: objects employing the Sun, opens June 23 BerkShire woodworkerS Guild Show And SilenT AucTion July 28-29

The Berkshire woodworkers Guild is a group of professionals who live and work in the Berkshire area.

The guild is a not-for-profit organization formed to share expertise and to promote awareness of the beauty and the benefits of fine custom woodworking in your home.A fine woodwork Show and Silent Auction will be held on July 28 and 29 at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge. $5 admission and free parking.

Berkshire woodworkers Guild - www.Berkshireswoodworkers.org

Jacob’s Pillow dance becket, Ma .• 413-243-0745 • jacobspillow.org Season runs June 20-aug 26. paul dance co, thurs July 26 28; Nothe Flamenco, July7-21; bill t. Jones/arnie Zane dance co, July 25-July 28; Luna Negra dance theater, July 18-22.

Music & More Meeting House, Route 57, New Marlborough •413-229-2785.

Music & More: Mystery Writers Read aloud:: aug. 4: “berkshire Writers Free for all: Murder Mystery Writers contest,” a free open reading culminating the annual murder mystery writer’s contest, 4:30 p.m. this year’s theme: murder by organic food and killer clichés, hosted by peter bergman. Wine reception follows in the Meeting House Gallery.

Shakespeare & co.

70 kimble St, Lenox, Ma • shakespeare.org Cassandra Speaks, May 26-Sept; The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, June 12 - Sept 1; Parasite Drag, June 20- Sept 2, see website for complete schedule

Tannery Pond concert Series New Lebanon, Ny, www.tannerypondconcerts.org paul Huang, violinist with pianist Jessica osborne, on July 14 at 8pm. august 4, the Harlem String Quartet. emanuel ax, on august 11. todd palmer, clarinet, elizabeth Futral, soprano, and Ran dank, piano will present a unique concert on Sept 1 at 8pm. Sept 22 at 6pm, the brentano String Quartet.

The Green river festival on the grounds of Greenfield community college (I-91, exit 26, Greenfield, Ma • 413 773-5463 / www.greenriverfestival.com Western New england's favorite summer festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 14 & 15, 2012 ). the festival is thrilled and honored to celebrate Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday on July 14th.

Tri-Arts Sharon Playhouse 48 amenia Rd, Sharon, ct • 860-364-show The Best Littel Whorehouse in Texas, June 28-July 15; Altar Boyz, July 20-29; The Sound of Music, aug 9-26 unfulfilled desires Jazz / fusion (great music!)

Fri July 7, 8pm - Firefly, Lenox thurs July 19, 6pm -- 3rd thursday, pittsfield

Third Annual otis celebration day the otis celebration day committee announces the third annual otis celebration day to be held on Saturday, June 16 from 8 am to 10 pm at the otis town Hall in otis, Massachusetts, to celebrate the tradition of otis’ diverse and peaceful community.

lenox library 18 Main St, Lenox, Ma July 15:: Local author carter phipps will be introducing his new book evolutionaries: Unlocking the Spiritual and cultural potential of Science’s Greatest Idea at the Lenox Library on thursday, July 19 at 6:30pm.

knox Trail inn Rte. 23 in east otis, Ma • for dinner reservations 413-2694400 Robin o'Herin is the next performer in the knox trail Inn concert Series on Saturday, July 28, at 7 p.m. Robin o'Herin is the next performer in the knox trail Inn concert Series on Saturday, July 28, at 7 p.m. a JaZZ eVeNING WItH cHaRLeS NeVILLe is slated for Saturday, august 25, the final installment in the knox trail Inn concert Series. Robin is a berkshires-based, acoustic blues and gospel musician with a hint of appalachian mountain music. admission to the concert is free and is supported by a grant from the otis cultural council.

deadline for August issue is July 10, 2012 Enjoy your summer in the Berkshires!

Send your event, exhibit, music or theatre, workshop, etc. calendar listing to:

ArTfulMind@yAhoo.coM

tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 • 7

The ArTful Mind artzine JULy 2012

“Sing and be heard to your hearts content”

Cover: GoLeM Interview with Annette Ezekiel Kogan Photography by Jane Feldman ..... 12

Planet waves July Eric Francis...... 18 feng Shui Elisa Cashiola..... 19

Simply Sasha Sasha Seymour...... 19 Artist Mary davidson Nanci Race..... 20

Architecture & Arcadia Stephen Dietemann...... 23 Publisher Harryet Candee

Copy Editor

Marguerite Bride

Advertising and Graphic Design Harryet Candee

Contributing Writers and Monthly Columnists Elisa Cashiola, Stephen Gerard Dietemann, Eric Francis, Scott Harrington, Todd Mack, Nanci Race, Sasha Seymour, Sharon True Photographers Jane Feldman, Julie McCarthy Sabine Vollmer von Falken

Box 985, Great Barrington, MA 01230

artfulmind@yahoo.com 413-528-5628

deadline for the AuGuST :: July 10, 2012

FYI: ©Copyright laws in effect throughout The Artful Mind for logo & all graphics including text material. Copyright laws for photographers and writers throughout The Artful Mind.

Permission to reprint is required in all instances. In any case the issue does not appear on the stands as planned due to unforseeable circumstances beyond our control, advertisers will be compensated on a one to one basis.

Disclaimer rights available upon request. Serving the Art community with the the intention of enhancing communication and sharing positive creativity in all aspects of our lives

Our Art...Our Way

8 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

The MuSic STore

as the berkshires performs its Summer Symphony, we at the Music Store look forward to sharing a warm and harmonious season at the end of the Railroad Street extension in Great barrington.

We continue to offer some extraordinary and unusual NeW instruments this year: For travelers, the incomparable composite acoustic cargo guitar: made of 100% carbon graphite, in one piece, this pint sized guitar offers fullsized acoustic sound and professional grade electronics for the perfect gigging and traveling instrument in an almost indestructible body aptly called the Forever Guitar! and for the performer, try some of its bigger cousins . . . .

For Guitarists seeking unique handmade premium instruments, the Music Store offers guitars by american Luthier dana bourgeois and introducing Steel and classical guitars by Irish Luthier John beckett.

For instrumentalists in search of the unusual, the Music Store offers the unique dr. easy’s Sonic boxes - cigar box guitars made from recycled ingredients and vintage cigar boxes, the Serenity bamboo Flutes - cane and walking stick flutes which are handmade in Stockbridge, Fluke and Flea Ukuleles - handmade in Sheffield, catania thumb pianos, Gourd pianos, Fishtix and catspaws - handmade in pennsylvania, and a host of other varied and exciting instruments for musicians of all ages and abilities. acclaimed as one of the area’s best music stores, the Music Store specializes in fine, folk and unusual musical instruments, accessories, supplies and music motif gifts. Music lovers and professional and amateur musicians alike will find an exciting array of both new and used name-brand and hand-made instruments, extraordinary folk instruments and one of the Northeast’s finest selections of strings and reeds. professional musicians seeking the finest or unusual strings or accessories are welcome to call in advance. We will make every effort to satisfy the need!

Music Store customers enjoy fine luthier handmade classical and steel string guitars as well as guitars from other fine lines including alvarez, avalon, breedlove, composite acoustic, Fender, Loar, Luna, Rainsong, Recording king and takamine. acoustic and electric guitars from entry to professional level instruments are available. Famous named guitars and basses join less-well-known brands which appeal to those seeking high quality but are on tight budgets, providing any guitarist a tempting cornucopia of playing possibilities.

New and used student orchestral and band instruments are available, including violins from $159 to $3000. an extensive array of international strings and reeds provides choices for the newest student to the symphonic performer. children’s instruments, as well as a fine line of international percussion including middle eastern and handmade african instruments along with many choices of industry standard drum heads, stands, and sticks, as well as tuners, forks and metronomes can be found as well. all new instruments are backed by the Music Store’s lifetime warranty which provides free set-up and adjustments on any new instrument sold. For repair and restoration and maintenance of fine stringed instruments - guitars, banjos, mandolins and the like - the Music Store’s repair shop offers expert luthiery at reasonable prices on instruments of all levels, as well as authorized repairs on Lowden and takamine guitars. those in search of the perfect present for music lovers will find a treasure trove of gift favorites such as bumper stickers (“driver Singing,” “Go Home and practice,” tune it or die” and more), tee shirts, caps, scarves, miniature musical instruments and instrument magnets, music motif mugs, socks, totes and ties. Small bronze and metal musician statues and cuddly ‘Music Lover’ stuffed animals, lapel pins and earrings add additional possibilities to gift giving customers. a proud server of the community for over eleven years, the Music Store’s warm and friendly staff are available for help in tuning, stringing or instrument repair. Help in choosing tuners, capos, mutes shoulder rests and strings is as happily given as help in selecting instruments themselves. our mission is to support and encourage our musical community, so consultation and advice are always free.

For capos to kazoos, guiros to congas, rainsticks to rosin, bows to bodhrans, mandolins to microphones, reeds to rods, Strats to stands, local artist’s CDs and harmonicas to picture frames and music motif ornaments, instruments and more, The Music Store is the place to be.

For a magical, musical experience, visit The Music Store at 87 Railroad Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 to 6, and on Sundays from 12 to 5. Call 413-528-2460 or email us at musicstr@bcn.net. We at The Music Store wish you peace and harmony throughout 2012 and beyond.

SABine PhoTo ArT

the artful Mind showcases Sabine’s work since 1994, the very beginning of the monthly berkshire artzine. Still young at 20 something, Sabine’s studio has become a brand for contemporary, unobtrusive, relaxed photography in the european style. did you have a “Sabine” experience, yet? a master of the subtleties of lighting and the nuance of background, her eye for detail provides imagery to be treasured for a lifetime. assignments are tailored to meet her client’s needs- a remembrance for a special occasion or a logo image to create an authentic professional online presence. It is to no surprise that she is a sought-after wedding photographer, as well. photographic workshops are scheduled for this spring: Set out on weekends to explore the beautiful country site of the berkshires. Zoom in on your fellow students and capture their expressions. designed for serious amateurs who are interested in improving their artistic eye. all participants are asked to bring a digital SLR camera and a laptop with software to present their images for edit and critique sessions. event dates: June 9/10, 2012.

Photo Art and Book Signing by appointment “WOODLAND STYLE” and “ SHELL CHIC “, published

by Storey Publishing, author Marlene H. Marshall, all photography by Sabine can be purchased from your near by book stores. Signed fine art prints are directly available through her studio.

For more info please contact Sabine Vollmer von Falken Photography Studio www.sabinephotoart.com, info@sabinephotoart.com tel. 413 298 4933 Sabine is a member of The American Society of Media Photographers asmp. The International Center of Photography ICP and the Wedding Photojournalist Association, WPJA.

Housatonic Valley Art League pob 296, GReat baRRINGtoN, Ma. 01230 www.hVArT.orG

2012 Summer Shows

July 5 to July 29, Juried Show Reception Friday, July 6, 4:30 to 6:30pm

August 2 to August 26, Member Show Reception Friday, August 3, 4:30 to 6:30pm Exhibits held at Dewey Memorial Hall 91 Main Street (Route 7) Sheffield, MA 01257 Open Daily 10am to 5pm, closed on Wednesday Fridays open until 6pm Sundays 1 to 5pm EXHIBITS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

STePhen filMuS “Summer Roses”, 18” x 24”, oil

LILa tURJaNSkI-VILLaRd,"FLIGHt" 14 1/2" x 19" x 7" papeR-MIxed MedIa ScULptURe

BerkShire ArTS feSTiVAl

the berkshires art Festival returns with a summers end grand finale. according to Richard Rothbard who produces the annual July 4th event, the august Show provides every one who misses the July show an opportunity to discover some of the countries best artists. " although the July show has been a huge success, there are many artists who cannot attend the show that weekend and hundreds of locals who traditionally are not in town that weekend. this new addition to the berkshires arts scene will introduce an entirely new group of artists to the berkshires. over the years we have found that people from the albany, Springfield and Northampton areas shy away from the crowds July 4th and at the end of august they will be more inclined to come to the show when the crowds are less intense.

For those of you who have never been to the July show, it is a juried festival of fine art and fine crafts, with live demonstrations, fabulous food and music and with some of the best artists from all regions of the country. as a matter of fact so many artists have found that they have had such great success in the berkshires that that yet another version of the festival will take place at Shakespeare & company in Lenox the end of September to kick off the fall foliage season. the berkshires arts Festivals are a must for the kids. aside from the entertainment that is child specific, there is no better opportunity for young children to learn about art and how all of those wonderful things are made. Meeting artists and learning about their careers and how they started can be very important to moms and dads who are facing the question about what to do when you have a budding artist in the family. artists are generally pretty responsive to questions from kids.

We all know that making a living as an artist is challenging and to meet those artists who are already successful and earn a decent living doing what they love, is enlightening. Sunday is a great day to come.. We have a special showing of excerpts from beauty & the beast by 17 teens, ages 13-19 , who have auditioned from throughout berkshire county. also the show is generally less crowded on sunday..

To get complete information, directions & hours for all of the Berkshires Arts Festivals visit www.americanartmarketing.com Children under 10 are admitted free, Adults $12, Seniors $10, Students $5 Weekend Pass $13.

Call (413) 528-2000 on show days.

BerkShire woodworkerS Guild Show And SilenT AucTion JULy 28-29

the berkshire Woodworkers Guild is a group of professionals who live and work in the berkshire area. the guild is a not-for-profit organization formed to share expertise and to promote awareness of the beauty and the benefits of fine custom woodworking in your home. a Fine Woodwork Show and Silent auction will be held on July 28 and 29 at the berkshire botanical Garden, Stockbridge. $5 admission and free parking.

Berkshire Woodworkers Guild www.berkshireswoodworkers.org

Just cut roses caress the gardener’s sun hat. Its a cool summer morning and its time for tea. these objects gently drift above a sea of stripes - as in a dream or a fond memory. a series of new still-life paintings by artist Stephen Filmus will be on view this summer at the Lenox Gallery of Fine art with an opening reception on Saturday, July 14, 1-5 pm. In addition to the Lenox Gallery, Filmus is now represented by the Granary Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard.

Stephen Filmus has lived and worked in the berkshires of Massachusetts for many years where he has established his reputation and following. His work is in numerous collections and he has exhibited widely including david Findlay Jr. Fine art in New york and the berkshire Museum and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Filmus paints landscapes and still-lifes that reflect his artistic sensibilities, but also works on commissions for those who want paintings of a specific scene or a still-life composition.

He develops an artwork that satisfies the integrity of his style while creating an image that his clients envision.

Stephen Filmus’ work can be seen at the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, 69 Church Street, Lenox, MA 413-637-2276 and at the Granary Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard.www.granarygallery.com His work can also be seen at his studio in Great Barrington by appointment 413-528-1253.

View the new website www.stephenfilmus.com and sign up for the email newsletter. Receive studio news and events including invitations to openings and be the first to see Stephen Filmus’ newest artwork.

“I have the feeling that I’ve seen everything, but failed to notice the elephants.”

-Anton Chekhov

tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 •9

concerTS AT TAnnery Pond

paUL HUaNG, VIoLINISt aNd JeSSIca oSboRNe, pIaNISt

PreSTon SinGleTAry SchAnTZ GAllerieS WISe oLd MaN, pReStoN SINGLetaRy

Schantz Galleries is pleased to present new works by preston Singletary in conjunction with the upcoming exhibit at the berkshire Museum. Singletary is highly regarded and his works are extremely sought after. as a translator of the rich and storied culture of his past, Singletary’s works interpret and refine the traditional carvings of the tlinkit nation.

Shaman rattles, crest Shields, ladels, and other objects that in the past had been created and carved in wood are blown and sculpted molten glass. after cooling, the sculpture is cold worked by sand etching through Singletary’s hand drawn patterns and designs. this exhibit features over 15 works, including Wise old Man, a shamans rattle. on one end we see an elegant oyster catcher bird head, a goat head on the other end and a human form riding on the back. the tongue of the goat reaches up to the riders head, indicating communication of a cerebral or intuitive nature. each one of Singletary’s unique sculptures tells a story, allowing the viewer to engage, educate and enjoy. a catalog is available for this exhibit.

Schantz Galleries is located in Stockbridge on Elm Street, and is a destination for those seeking premier artists working in glass. Open 7 days, 10:30-6. Call 413-298-3044 or visit www.schantzgalleries.com.

10 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

on July 14th, paul Huang, violinist and pianist, Jessica osborne, will play a historic concert at tannery pond concerts in New Lebanon, Ny. Mr. Huang is the first recipient of the “tannery pond concerts performance award”, an honor going to select winners of the young concert artists International auditions, as deemed worthy by tannery pond’s artistic director, christian Steiner. When Mr. Steiner first heard Mr. Huang, breaking with tradition, he immediately signed him for a concert saying that he was “incredibly gifted, mature, elegant and charming…with fantastic technique and musicality!” It doesn’t get much better than that.

He finds him to be an exceptionally talented and mature individual and thinks that he will have an extremely successful career. “I expect that we will be all saying, after the concert, “We heard him here first!”

Mr. Huang, as first-prize winner at 2012 yca auditions, will make his New york debut at Merkin Hall as well as his Washington, d. c. debut next season. He began playing at the age of seven in his native country of taiwan. at 14, he came to the Juilliard School’s pre-college in Nyc and received the 2008 Juilliard achievement award.

Joining Mr. Huang this evening with be Jessica osborne. the Washington post hailed her, after her debut with the National Symphony orchestra as a pianist, “with refreshing mellowness and poetic touch.” She has established herself as a soloist and chamber musician of emotional depth and passionate energy.they will be playing music by beethoven, Saint-Saens, Say, Messiaen, Ravel, debussy and Waxman (carmen Fantasy.)

The evening is going to be very special and we look forward to seeing you there. Tickets: $35/first floor, $30/balcony. Venue: The Tannery Pond at Darrow School, New Lebanon, NY. Time: 8pm. For more information: www.tannerypondconcerts.org or 888-820-1696

ArT eT induSTrie GAllery to opeN JULy 21St IN HoUSatoNIc

art & Industrie, the berkshire region’s newest and largest exhibition space in the meticulously restored 2nd floor of an antique industrial mill building, announces the gallery’s inaugural show, an invitational for Northeast region artists and artisans, entitled Reclaimed, Reused, Repurposed: Furniture and Furnishings from Found Material. the exhibition will feature exquisitely crafted items from important regional artists. among the many fascination works will be furniture made from reclaimed old-growth wood and salvaged material from local windfall and other Green Materials. there will be magnificent dining tables made of single slabs of live-edge claro Walnut, superb benches & stools using reclaimed old-Growth timbers from dismantled buildings, and industrial antiques worked into hip new designs. “our region is rich in artisans who work in a wide range of styles, from high-level studio furniture to sculptural forms from re-purposed found objects and reclaimed wood,” notes the gallery’s founder, designer Jordan Schlanger. “art & Industrie is committed to presenting these wonderful art-forms and the magnificence of reclaimed wood, the quality & character of which is largely extinct, and to bringing the best craftspeople of our region together to exhibit in this spectacular 6000 SF space”.

The show opening date is July 21, 2012, and will run for 8 weeks, through Labor Day.Art et Industrie, 420 Park Street, Housatonic, MA 01236 www.artetindustrie.com info@artetindustrie.com

SUMMeR LaNdScape, o/b, 17 x 36, boHUMIR dVoRSky, 1902 - 1976, cZecH RepUbLIc

BerkShire ArT GAllery

the berkshire art Gallery, located at 80 Railroad Street, Great barrington, Ma, has on exhibit two paintings by artists trained in 20th century central european expressionist traditions, influenced by French Impressionism. bohumir dvorsky (1902-1976) studied at the academy of Fine arts in prague from 1924 to 1930, when he traveled to France and studied the works of paul cezanne, a lifelong influence.

Maximilian Vanko (1889-1963) studied at Zagreb’s academy of Fine arts before moving to america in 1934. dvorsky traveled frequently in czechoslovakia, France, Italy, corsica and Russia. His painting technique combined the style and warm color tones of cezanne, such as the Gallery’s Summer Landscape, a striking example painted in 1963. dvorsky exhibited internationally throughout his career with examples accepted in the Venice, Rio de Janeiro, Helsinki and Stockholm biennales, among other important exhibitions. the National Gallery in prague included his paintings in 1968 in the exposition of czechoslovakia’s finest art since 1468. three years later he received the nation’s highest artistic honor, National artist. His works can be seen in museums throughout europe.

Maxo Vanka’s talent was recognized early in his career when he won the gold medal at the brussels International exhibition in 1914. He also received the prestigious Palme Academique of the French Legion of Honor at age thirty-five. after moving to the US, Vanka had many shows in New york city galleries, as well as exhibits in the bucks county, pa, area, where he taught at delaware Valley college for eight years. His pennsylvania paintings, like Trees Near A Pond, are of a unique style with small, tightly woven brushstrokes, most reminiscent of Vincent Van Gogh. He is best remembered for brightly colored landscapes and flowers of the locales near his home. His works are in museums in the United States, croatia, German Hungary, and Serbia.

The Berkshire Art Gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 5PM, or by appointment or chance. Parking for Gallery patrons is available in front of the Gallery.

For information, contact Jack Wood, (413) 528 – 2690, or visit berkshireartgallery.com

“If you can’t describe a book in one or two pithy sentences that would make my mother want to read it, then of course you can’t sell it.”-Michael Korda

Myron Schiffer

established as a pianist and teacher in the berkshires since the late 60s, Myron “Mike” Schiffer has a history of exploring the avant garde. prior to living in the area, Schiffer lived and worked in New york city, studying with John Mehegan and Hall overton as well as playing, teaching and hanging around the fringes of jazz.

Fascinated with music and the visual arts since childhood, Schiffer enrolled in photography at the Fashion Institute of technology in New york. Working in black and white at the time, he was most notably inspired by Richard avedon’s fashion photography. once introduced to color, he was deeply moved by the mystical color fields of Georgia o’keefe and Mark Rothko and considers this work his strongest influence. after focusing purely on his musical career for most of his life, he’s now fulfilling his dream of indulging his interest in photography which he started to explore in the 1970s. For the past several years he’s been busy exhibiting his work at galleries, frame shops, kimball Farms retirement community, the North adams open Studio show and castle Street café.

His current Motion capture Series is a minimalist expression of color, light and space, revealing the influence of musical improvisation. the method he employs for this series is improvisational movement of the camera, capturing light sources. Schiffer’s graffiti and urban scenes follow along similar lines, capturing unexpected images.

His website showcases ever-expanding galleries of many subjects, including Urban Scenes, Found textures, Graffiti, and the World of Nature. a small selection of Schiffer’s miniatures can be seen at Local at the Lenox common plaza on Rte. 7, and at the Red Lion Inn Gift Shop in Stockbridge, Ma. His most recent video slideshows, ”Interior Views” and “Motion capture Slideshow”, are accessible on youtube and can be found

by Googling “Myron Schiffer Videos”.

Myron Schiffer - for more information contact the studio at 413-637-2659 or visit www.myronschiffer.com

Good PurPoSe GAllery

kayLa coRby, cHaRcoaL, aNd MyRNa LIeb cItRoN, StoNe

the Good purpose Gallery launches its summer season with “charcoal and Stone,” an exhibit featuring the works of regional artists kayla corby and Myrna Lieb citron. kayla corby, a berkshire native, with a bFa from Massachusetts college of art in boston, has been painting and exhibiting her work in the berkshires for the past fifteen years. She has also exhibited her work in boston, Nantucket, New york city, Mystic, New Haven, and New bern, Nc. “My art represents the beauty of nature, with its mystery of light, shapes and depth.” this exhibit of her charcoal work continues the theme of the beauty of nature. kayla’s previous exhibits have included large color-filled landscapes, infused with a unique quality of light.

Myrna Lieb citron’s carved stone sculptures will also be featured in this opening. “From the moment I started carving stone, I knew I was home. I had found my means of expression.” Ms. citron works from a few pencil sketches rather than detailed clay or wax models typically used, allowing her to connect more closely with the elemental nature of the stone.

Good Purpose Gallery, 40 Main Street, Lee, MA. Gallery summer hours are daily from 10am-6pm. For information, visit www.goodpurpose.org or call (413) 394-5045.

Elisa Cashiola Placement Designer

Specializing in the Art of Feng Shui and Color Elisacashiola@gmail.com

413.717.5559 (text only - deaf) www.elisacashiola.com

tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 • 11

GOLEM! This Klezmer band is New York city based and sings Yiddish, English, Slavic...

Interview with visionary leader

Annette Ezekiel Kogan, singer and accordianist of GOLEM

photography by Jane Feldman Harryet Candee: how was your recent Golem tour in france?

Annette Kogan: We were in paris for one concert (at a famous club, Le New Morning). and we recorded two of our newest songs in the studio for two days. the French-Jewish music organization “Jumu” brought us over – this is the fourth time they have brought us to France, so we are very grateful for their ongoing support of our music.

how did the Parisian audience like Golem’s music?

Annette: the audience in paris is always terrific. I did three radio interviews while we were there (in French) and each time, they asked me how the audience in France differs from the audiences in america.

It was a full house, great turnout, and it was actually our usual mixed crowd, with the young people dancing wildly in front of the stage and the older people seated to the side, smiling and listening very attentively.

I always wanted to play klezmer music for “my” generation, but I really love playing for older people as well, so I’m so glad that I get to have it both ways. I think the main difference with a european audience is that there’s the feeling that everyone has really lived through the history that is present in our music. World War II, emigration, anti-Semitism… even if they’re too young to have seen it themselves, it all feels very real in europe. and after the recent events in toulouse (several Jews were gunned down, including a child), there is definitely still anxiety in the air in the French-Jewish community.

The tension of this horrible incident will continue to vibrate throughout the world. how were your days and nights spent for the group? did you have any time for yourself?

Annette: We’re definitely a group of six people who like to live well: we’re really not the kind of musicians who only talk about music. So when we’re on tour, we’re always exploring, 12 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

no matter where we are. We didn’t have a lot of free time since we were in the studio for two whole days, but we walked around a lot, and had a lot of delicious meals and wine.

now that you are back on uS turf, i know Golem has a gig or two happening in the Berkshires. Tell me about it.

Annette: We are performing on July 9th at the barrington Stage company in pittsfield. they are doing a run of Fiddler on the Roof and our performance is called “Fiddler off the Roof”. It’s with music critic and author on klezmer music, Seth Rogovoy (the former editor of berkshire Living), who will give a lecture on klezmer that contextualizes both our music and Fiddler historically, and then we’ll play a set afterwards.

Seth has been a supporter of the band since the very beginning and we are very grateful for all his help. We have done this type of show (Golem musically “illustrating” Seth’s talk on klezmer) many times at club Helsinki when it was still located in Great barrington – it’s definitely one of my favorite shows to do because it’s not only great music, but explains the history behind it. how do you see yourself fitting into the Berkshire scene?

Annette: We love playing in the berkshires. again, when club Helsinki was in Great barrington, it was our home away from home – we did a summer concert there every year. Now that they moved to their amazing space in Hudson, Ny, we played there once on New year’s eve, it was incredible. We also play at a ton of weddings in the berkshires. our bass player, taylor bergren-chrisman’s father lives in Lee, so it feels like home.

Tell me about growing up and your family.

Annette: I grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. My mother was from New york (Queens) and my whole childhood I always felt like I was really a New yorker at heart, just living temporarily in the boston area. New york was the place I felt

interview by Harryet Candee

most comfortable and the most “me.”

My mother is ashkenazi. Her father was born in Ukraine, and her mother was born in New york of austro-Hungarian parents. My father is Jewish from baghdad. He left baghdad for england at 10-years-old and came to boston to go to M.I.t.,where he became a professor. Neither of my parents are religious, although they both have a very strong Jewish identity, and that describes me as well. My grandmother annette, whom I’m named after, was a classical pianist with a touring career. My grandfather Harry (who lived with us), from Ukraine, was an engineer but also an amateur painter, and his paintings were all over the house.

My mom was a ballet dancer and one of the first children used by balanchine in the New york city ballet. She was in balanchine’s first production of the Nutcracker in 1954. So, I was surrounded by classical music, dance and art. I started playing the piano at five and ballet at six, and went back and forth between wanting to be a pianist and a dancer, basically until I “gave up” on both and went to college (columbia) and decided to be a writer. For ballet, I just had the wrong body – short and curvy – but it was my great passion and I would have done anything for it. I really feel like all my passions (music, dance, writing, history, languages) have come together in Golem. every day I feel lucky that I get to do what I do.

Tell me about your educational background?

Annette: I went to Lexington High School, (boston), and so did aaron diskin, my singing partner in Golem. We were both in the “alternative” crowd but also in the school musicals together! then I came to New york to go to columbia - and never left. I majored in French literature. It was in college that I realized I was “good at” languages. I spent a year in paris and perfected my French, then learned Italian. after college, I decided I would go to graduate school in French literature, become a professor and be a writer on the side…. but I realized I wasn’t a real academic. I got my master’s at NyU, and

while I was supposed to be starting my dissertation on Marcel proust whose writing is a huge influence on me, I procrastinated by studying Russian on my own and buying an accordion and learning how to play. I taught French at NyU and then later at the dalton School in Manhattan. I loved teaching, but I was already doing Golem and the dissertation was growing fainter and fainter in the distance. then, September 11th World trade center tragedies in Nyc happened, and I decided that life was too short. I quit teaching and the phd and started doing Golem and music fulltime. I’ve never looked back!

month in Norwich, Vermont, which was like the Middlebury summer program, but only Russian (it is no longer around). at the last minute, I decided to bring my accordion with me on the bus. When I got to Norwich, I took out my instrument and sat down on the grass, playing my Ukrainian and Russian tunes that I had figured out by ear. Within minutes, to my utter surprise, a crowd of about fifty people had gathered around me on the grass, including students, professors, and the head of the program. they were all singing along to the songs I was playing—some of which I didn’t even know had words! I was hooked. after that, I started thinking… I wished I could find music like that, but that was really “mine,” since I wasn’t Russian. then I thought, “What is mine, anyway?” and it hit me… klezmer. the melodies and feel are very similar to Russian/Ukrainian/Slavic music, and yet klezmer also has that

Amazing how some things in life really stick! i am wondering, are you a religious woman?

Annette: I am not really observant. I had a bat mitzvah, and that was my biggest experience with singing as a kid. a lot of relatives said that I should be an opera singer or a cantor after that, but I went back to ballet and piano and never thought about singing again until much later. I love ritual though, like lighting candles and the holidays. My yiddish teacher at the Workmen’s circle who was a huge influence had passed away a few years ago, pesakh Fiszman, used to say: you HaVe to understand about the Jewish religion and learn about it – you can’t know anything about the yiddish language or the culture without that knowledge of Judaism. However, I still get very angry about “kol isha” (the idea that the female voice singing is too tempting for men and shouldn’t be heard). We play a few weddings where people ask me not to sing for that reason. or, my favorite hypocrisy, where HaLF the wedding will have separate dancing and no females singing, and the second half will have mixed dancing and I can sing. I usually do it: people are entitled to have their wedding the way they like it, even though the rest of the band really doesn’t approve –they get more offended for me than I do sometimes, and I love them for that. but I will not do a public performance where I can’t sing: that’s where I draw the line!

how did klezmer music become an important part of your life and blend into your brilliant career with Golem?

Annette: My grandfather, who was from ekaterinaslav, now dnieprpetrovsk in Ukraine and came to america at the age of 10, spoke yiddish and Russian.

He loved yiddish, which he always called “Jewish.” that’s what the word “yiddish” means – it wasn’t a separate “fancy” word for the language – which many didn’t even consider a language but just a Jewish “jargon” until much later. When the klezmer revival started happening in the 1980s, we would go (my sister and I were little kids) to hear the klezmer conservatory band. I remember that don byron was playing clarinet and he was incredible. Most important, we bought their records (vinyl!). I knew every song by heart and, alhow does religion fit into the rest of your though I didn’t know yiddish then, I made up group members’ lives? some kind of phonetically similar words and I Annette: Half the group is Jewish and half isn’t. sang along. I actually still remember those It’s been like that from the start, and that mix “words”, even though I now understand and was always important to me – half the group sing the real ones. every time we played, my came to this music with some kind of associagrandfather would say “annette, do you know tions and baggage from their childhoods, and what this is? this is Jewish.” and he would half the group had no associations whatsoever translate for me. and just looked at klezmer music as music, peMy family has a summer house in the riod. and that mix is what I think gives us the catskills, since my mom was 10-years-old. It’s special sound that we have. right on a crystal clear, small lake with no motor boats—totally idyllic. I spent at least part how does israel fit into the picture? have of every summer of my life there, and I think you gigged over in that part of the world? it’s the most beautiful place in the world.

Annette: We haven’t played in Israel, but we (Sorry, Berkshire people, I’m a Catskills girl!) would love to. It’s expensive to fly six musiWhen I was eleven, I told my mom that my siscians from Ny to Israel, so we’re still waiting ter and I were serious ballet dancers and we had for someone to do that. plus, of course, yiddish to take class during the summer. So my mother is not that popular in Israel. things have drove us ten minutes away to the Ukrainian rechanged a lot since so many of the yiddish sort. Not Jewish Ukrainians, but Ukrainianspeakers have died out, but yiddish as a lanamericans. of course they, and the Jews, live guage was really persecuted (government-hired next to each other in the catskills, just like in thugs used to beat up people in the streets for the old country. every year they had a music speaking yiddish) when Israel was very young. and dance festival in July, and my mother heard yiddish was seen as the language of defeat, of that they ran a “dance camp” with a good ballet the concentration camps, of weakness, while teacher. My sister Rosalie and I came in, and modern Hebrew was a fresh start and full of the other kids, who were all Ukrainian. the strength and power. I understand what they teacher was “pani Roma” bohachevsky and were going for, but for the beautiful, rich yidshe taught Ukrainian folk dance and ballet. the dish language it was a sad fate. However, in music was live piano accompaniment for bal2006 I attended the first-ever yiddish summer let, and for Ukrainian dance there was an acprogram in tel aviv, at tel aviv University. It cordion player. I was in love! My sister and I was a huge milestone that young Israelis were Top left to bottom right: Aaron Diskin, Annette Kogan, Curtis Hasslebring, Tim Monaghan, felt right at home, and we ended up becoming interested in studying yiddish.

Jeremy Brown, Taylor Bergren-Chrisman pose in nearby alleyway in Brooklyn for Jane Feldman, lead dancers in the “Syzokryli Ukrainian dance our enthusiast photographer at large ensemble”. We performed all over, including a it is a beautiful language. what musicians do 1992 tour of Ukraine, just after Ukraine beyou love to listen to, and whom have you came independent from Russia. So this is why learned from the most?

I bought an accordion. I saw an article in the New york times plaintive and joyous Jewish “je ne sais quoi” that I felt inside Annette: Mozart, chopin, tchaikovsky… that’s the music I about a German guy named Walter kuhr who opened an acme. and I started picking out the yiddish songs that I knew know the best. plus of course the klezmer greats. I love the cordion store on the Lower east Side called “Main Squeeze” and learned to play klezmer.

Second Avenue Yiddish theater stars like aaron Lebedeff and and taught lessons too… I went right down and bought my eventually, I decided to form my own group. I actually Molly picon. For “youngsters,” I love the barry Sisters and first accordion! It was easy for me with my piano training, called david krakauer, who was curating a klezmer brunch theodore bikel. I’m pretty much stuck in the past… the rest and I started picking out all the Ukrainian songs that I danced series, and got a gig for my band, Golem… before I even had of the band brings the rock influence! the members of Golem to. With my unfinished dissertation hanging over my head, I a band! I put one together pretty fast and now we’ve been toare into everything, from free jazz to post-punk. was busy learning the accordion and teaching myself Russian gether (with a few changes in personnel) for over ten years.

– talk about avoidance!

In 2000, I went to a Russian immersion program for a Continued on next page...

tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 • 13

GOLEM....

Aaron buzzing around Annette as she sings and plays her accordian Photo: by Jane Feldman

come the main instrument until Jews were playing this music in america. I have nothing against the clarinet, but I find that it overpowers everything else in a band and I really wanted each member of Golem to be equal, plus I wanted the vocals and the yiddish language itself to be the star of the show. klezmer fiddle is just so beautiful and soulful.

Enter Golem! rehearsal time in NYC flat

Photo: Jane Feldman

what instruments do the other members of the band play? what makes each one interesting to work with?

Annette: It’s a bunch of very strong personalities—we are always laughing and there is a lot of irreverent talk. Nothing pretentious survives more than thirty seconds with us. Whenever we need a substitute musician, for whatever reason, I bring the new person into a rehearsal and see how they “survive,”not only musically but how they flow with our punches!

Aaron Diskin (vocals) is a huge part of the personality of Golem – I’ve known him almost all my life and he hasn’t changed that much: he’s wild, larger than life, very funny, sensitive and loves music more than almost anyone I know.

Jeremy Brown (violin) is the most recent member of the group – he stepped in for the wonderful alicia Jo Rabins who left to play with her own band, “Girls in trouble.” I knew Jeremy for years and I always thought he was a fantastic violinist, but had no idea until he became a full-time member that he is a real powerhouse, a shredder, in the rock guitar virtuoso sense of the word.

Curtis Hasselbring (trombone) is one of the great trombonists around today and it’s incredible to play with him. He’s so sensitive and puts the sound of the band before anything

14 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

else. curtis is a real philosopher and I look to him whenever we have to make a tough musical decision.

Taylor Bergren-Chrisman (bass) has been in Golem since day one, and he is my rock. It’s a cliché to say the bass player is the backbone of the group, but he is. He is an incredible player, always looking for and finding something new in the music. and he cares about yiddish and about this music very deeply.

Tim Monaghan (drums) is my other rock. His boundless enthusiasm and love of this music are very inspiring, and he is definitely one of the greatest drummers in New york city (and yes, that means the world!). He had an accident last year and miraculously recovered, so I feel even more grateful now to share the stage with him. how do you get the instruments in Golem to blend together in terms of the sound you want to attain?

Annette: I wanted to have a klezmer band without a clarinet. that may sound strange, since the clarinet is so associated with the klezmer sound, but the first main instrument of klezmer music was actually the fiddle. Jews in the shtetl weren’t allowed to be “too loud” and the clarinet didn’t be-

what are the origins of klezmer music?

Annette: the word “klezmer” in yiddish, just meant “musician” and more specifically, “low-class musician.” the fancier word for musician (in an orchestra, for instance) was “muziker.” It was popular music, played at weddings in the small towns and cities of eastern europe. the music continued to evolve and grow with the huge Jewish immigration to america, and it mixed with jazz and swing and big band, the music that was going on here. then it started to fade away, as the “kids” got into rock and roll and the 60s and all that. In the late 70s and early 80s, the “klezmer revival” happened, where young people were discovering these tunes and playing them again. this is when they started calling it “klezmer music” rather than just “Jewish music.” We come after that, and our take is that we’re the “punk klezmer” band, which is mainly in our attitude and performance style. We’re not precious and not treating the music as if it’s something from the past, something from a museum. We’re LIVING this music, here and now, and while we revere tradition, we’re not afraid to be irreverent and have fun with it. after all, it was irreverent and fun even in its heyday in the 19th century, so we’re not really doing anything new! We jump around, rock out, yell and shout, and “play with abandon.” We started out only doing our own versions of traditional songs, but now we mainly write our own music, based on yiddish and RussianJewish themes.

GOLEM: top left to bottom right: Photo: Jane Fledman Taylor Bergren-Chrisman ( contrabass), Curtis Hasselbring (Trombone), Aaron Diskin (vocals), Annette Kogan (accordianist and vocals), Tim Monaghan (drums), Jeremy Brown (drums)

Aaron Diskin and Annette during rehearsal, NYC Photo: Jane Feldman

in the music business, what is it for you that is crucial to keep your mind on so that the group continues to succeed?

Annette: We were on the Jewish music label, Jdub Records, the small not-for-profit label that made Matisyahu famous, and we put out two albums with them, Fresh Off Boat(2006) and Citizen Boris (2009). Unfortunately, Jdub closed down almost a year ago and now, in this crazy, do-it-yourself time in the music business, we’re on our own again. Strangely enough, it’s not that bad. It’s hard to do everything yourself, but you have full control, too.

i bet, music for you is thriving—and always for most people during hard economic times. we search to find our soul through some form of art and music… do you agree? yes, music for me and for Golem is always thriving, otherwise we wouldn’t be breathing.

We play for a lot of weddings, and people are always getting married, no matter what the economic situation!

where does Golem rehearse?

Annette: We rehearse in Williamsburg, brooklyn. We have a fantastic space, where some members of the band also live.

It’s called “the Rad pad” and upstairs is living space and in the basement is the music studio, where we play and rehearse (along with other bands that the apartment-mates are involved in). the guys often throw wild parties there too, and we’ve performed at some of these hot and sweaty events!

what kind of audience does Golem play for the most?

Annette: one of my favorite things about Golem is that we play such a wide variety of gigs – it is never boring! We mainly play in rock clubs, in New york and all over the country, and the world. then, we also play at festivals; shows in Jewish venues like Jccs, in concert halls with seating, and in theaters like our upcoming show in the berkshires. and we play at a lot of weddings, especially in the summer. Unlike a

lot of bands, we really enjoy the weddings. Not only do we have a whole different repertoire (all kinds of rock and standards and “american” music as well as Jewish and eastern european), but it is great to play in a setting where we are an organic part of what is happening, not just a “show” onstage that people are watching. and we don’t just play Jewish weddings , but some non-Jewish weddings too.

i describe klezmer, Annette, as an ethnic, soulful and harmonious kind of music that celebrates joy, and at the same time, gives way to feelings of sadness. There are strong emotional feelings people get that is attached to klezmer and it’s past. Many centuries filled with those who have struggled and gave way to re-birth. i am thrilled that klezmer is still around and thriving!

Annette: yes, the most common description of klezmer is that it’s both laughing and crying at the same time, or laughing through tears. who writes the music for Golem?

Annette: Usually, I come up with the idea and structure for a song as well as the lyrics, and then everyone writes their own parts together. It’s a very collaborative process. and now it’s branching out so that other members of the band are bringing in song ideas as well. We feel like we’ve played the traditional material for so long that it’s become ingrained in all of us.

it’s great that you have studied the yiddish language. for music writing purposes, it seems to fit in perfectly.

Annette: yes, yiddish is crucial for what I do. So much sarcasm—almost everything you say means just the opposite. If you call someone a genius, you know what that means…. can you come up with something in yiddish, and translate the meaning?

Annette: there is a yiddish saying, “di kinder geyen avek un di eyneklekh kumen tsurik” (the children go away and the grandchildren come back.) My parents’ generation was trying so hard to be american, but my generation IS american, and we don’t have to try anymore. So we are drawn back to our roots, to find out where we have come from.

do you ever wish you lived in another time period in history?

Annette: as a woman and as a Jew, I don’t think there was ever as good a time to live as right now. I often feel like I’m from another time, but I’m grateful that I wasn’t born then!

So, you have the Golem family. do you have another family growing up somewhere as well? have they also helped contribute to your musical inspirations?

Annette: I can tell you, my husband immigrated from Ukraine in 1992 and his experiences inspire me and a lot of my songs.

We have two children, ages three and one. they are the whole world to me. We speak Russian to them, with a few yiddish words thrown in.

I couldn’t be happier.... (keyn aynhore – that’s yiddish; to keep the evil eye away!). what has Golem lined up for the future? annette: Keyn aynhore once again—we’ll be releasing a new album by the end of the year.

yes! And, those interested in your new album, and Golem in general, can check out the website. By the way, what iS a Golem, anyway? the “golem” is a legendary Jewish character This is a real mentioned in the talmud: he was a type of FrankenGolem! stein figure brought to life from a lump of clay in order to protect the Jewish community.

He didn’t know his own strength, but he had a good heart, which describes our band Golem as well. ...We’re a bit monestrous, but very good at heart!

www.golemrocks.com

tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 • 15

The don Muller GAllery

the don Muller Gallery, located in the heart of Northampton, Massachusetts, features an outstanding collection of museum quality crafts and fine jewelry from over 400 american artists. Niche Magazine has recognized the gallery as one of the top Retailers of american crafts every year since 2003. the gallery was also awarded the prestigious top 10 design Retailer by Jeweler’s circular keystone (Jck) in 2009, and is a member of preferred Gallery program run by american Style magazine. In 2010 the don Muller Gallery won coolest Small Store in america by Instore magazine. the gallery is committed to providing a venue for awardwinning artists, local talent, and emerging artisans. the don Muller Gallery focuses on distinctive handmade jewelry, glass, wood and ceramics. It is also a destination for those seeking unusual and designer wedding rings. the gallery’s one-of-a-kind interior also reflects and complements the exceptional artwork it presents. at the gallery, customers are assured of the finest and most thorough service. Whether you are seeking a diamond engagement ring, birthday present, or a corporate gift, you will surely enjoy your unique experience.

Don Muller Gallery, 40 Main St., Northampton, MA 413-586-1119 donmullergallery.com Open Mon-Wed. 10-5:30, Thurs-Sat. 10-9, Sunday 12-5

Check out the advertising rates for the Artist in all of us! send a request for info to:

Artfulmind@yahoo.com

16 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

ZinGAle workShoP fronT STreeT GAllery

Larry Zingale has been teaching this class for more than twenty years. designed to immerse the artist in the creative process, it focuses on painting with complete freedom. It’s painting from the heart as well as the brain. It’s about getting in the trenches and working hard — to paint without fear or self-criticism. the class is limited to six students, supportive of each other, discussing and analyzing the works in progress. because of the small class size, much attention is given to each student. beginners to advanced, we like to mix it up. classes are $30 per three-hour session. classes are weekly.

Larry Zingale, a self-taught artist, has had six one-man shows in New york, including exhibitions at the Fabian, america Hurrah, Jay Johnson and Frank Miele galleries. paintings by Zingale are in many private collections and museums, including the Museum of International Folk art in Santa Fe, the Nelson Rockefeller collection, the Fenimore Museum in cooperstown, Ny, and the collections of Joan baez, paul Simon, peggy Noonan and Joel and kate kopp. He has exhibited at the Museum of american Folk art in New york, the Nassau county Museum of Fine art, the Wilson art center in Rochester, Ny, canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts and the Silvermine Guild and Stamford Museum in connecticut.

Zingale has been recognized as “one of the outstanding self-taught artists of the twentieth century” in american Folk art in the 20th century (Rizzoli, New york). His work has appeared in various books and magazine articles, including New york Magazine and architectural digest. His paintings have sold at Sotheby’s auction in New york, and he is listed in Who’s Who in american art.

Front St Gallery, Housatonic, MA 413-274-6607.

conSciouS eXerciSe wiTh ShAron True SHaRoN tRUe oN pILateS appaRatUS

Regular exercise is an essential component of optimal health and functioning. conscious exercise with Sharon true, owner of Wholeperson Movement, takes exercise to a whole new level. In the personalized one-on-one workouts she creates in her pilates studio she guides her clients to become masters of their own body movement. they learn to become conscious of the inner experience and process of doing an exercise, as well as of its precise outer form. conscious exercise workouts stretch and strengthen muscles, promote concentration, reduce stress, and deepen understanding of the body.

Who needs conscious exercise? artists whose art-making process involves doing painful repetitive movements are one group of people who can benefit from true’s conscious exercise approach to pilates workouts. For them, true teaches specific therapeutic exercises that promote comfort and healing, and coaches them in finding internal support and other strategies for reducing pain when creating in their art form.

More broadly, conscious exercise empowers people to make the most of the body they have. this includes individuals who currently enjoy active lifestyles, such as performers, athletes, gardeners, and those who love all the outdoor activities that the berkshires has to offer, and who want to maintain or expand on their physical fitness through a challenging pilates workout. It also includes individuals who are confronted with impediments to their enjoyment of movement, such as injury or chronic pain, stiffness, difficulties with balance and coordination, or lack of body confidence. Sharon true welcomes the opportunity to find a way to help your body function at its best, no matter what age or condition it is in now. true is a registered somatic movement therapist, certified Laban movement analyst, and a certified pilates instructor. She has been teaching pilates-based workouts for over 15 years, first at canyon Ranch in the berkshires and then in her own fully-equipped pilates studio in Great barrington. these years of teaching, together with her commitment to continuing her own education, give clients the benefit of a vast array of experience to effectively address their goals and concerns. She is an expert partner and guide in the discovery of an exercise program that works and is a pleasure to do.

Call now to start making the most of the body you have with a Conscious Exercise workout with Sharon True. Contact her at sharontrue@roadrunner.com, or phone 413-528-2465, 9 am-9 pm.

Geoffrey MoSS lAuren clArk fine ArT "bLUe MeLt", 18" x 24", pIGMeNt, Wax, LItHoGRapH peNcIL

Lauren clark Fine art presents “pop art�, new work by Geoffrey Moss, July 14 through august 13 with a reception for the artist on Saturday, July 14, 4-7 pm.

It is now official; the twin popsicle like the twinkie, and Wonderbread has heard and tasted the bitter death knell.

However, lest history forget, artist Geoffrey Moss has grabbed the gauntlet and given homage to america’s beloved historical icy treat, firmly frozen in time at Lauren clark Fine art!

Geoffrey Moss is a conceptual artist known for his colorful and quirky choice of subjects ranging from chinese acrobat sofas, eroticism, Flying dogs, phantoms & Saints, tides and optical Machines. on Saturday July 14, Lauren clark Fine art will launch Moss’s tribute to that all-american icon, the popsicle, in all flavors and conditions. Followers of Moss’s work will remember being charmed by his three Sheeptacular creations, a Hewespaper, and a Rocketsheep, created as fundraisers under the auspices of the national cowparade project. Most significantly to the artist at that time, a Sheepsicle, dominating in mascot proportions the lawn of pittsfield’s berkshire Museum was a vote of confidence, as is common to most artists, to explore further. according to Moss, there’s a back-story to that first “double stick� pittsfield installation. “My friend peg Wieldlein, gifted me two ‘frozen’ treat facsimiles; an orange wax popsicle and a melting vanilla and chocolate pop...unfortunately the rubber chocolate actually disintegrated melting beyond its intentional illusion in Ny city’s toxic air; should have kept in my berkshire studio. the Sheepsicle only deepened my curiosity of how things look and work and react. then again, I emerged as a working artist in late sixties, certainly american “pop� and its forerunner dada were of the moment purposely unadorned icons, trendy, strong enough to stand the test of time centered in your face, icons led by Warhol, and oldenburg, thiebaud, and even Hopper’s early salutes to Mobil’s pegasus, and chop Suey.�

Included in the exhibition will be Moss’s preliminary working drawings for this show, giving the public an intimate first look at the process of making the pops pop.

Lauren Clark Fine Art, 402 Park Street (Route 183), Housatonic, Massachusetts. Business hours are Thursday through Monday from 11:00 until 5:30 and Sunday from Noon until 4:00. For more information call 413-274-1432, or visit www.LaurenclarkFineart.com

PeTer AlVAreZ SAlon LeNox, Ma

peter alvarez started his own salon in Lenox 14 years ago and has been fortunate to serve, support, and be a part of this wonderful community ever since. We enjoy having our wonderful year-round clientele, but we are always welcoming to first time visitors and seasonal guests. our staff is professionally trained, friendly, and welcoming to all. We strive to create a warm yet professional atmosphere, and we literally mean it when we say, “make yourself at home� when you enter our beautiful salon. our salon offers various services for hair, skin, and nails including everything from specialized Ultrasonic facials, corrective coloring, and Shellac manicures.

We have a great selection of high quality skincare, haircare, and makeup products. We carry Goldwell, phytologie, Jane Iredale, bioelements, Sojourn, and Moroccan oil to name a few. We also have an art boutique full of jewelry, artwork, and other unique items. We are currently featuring the artwork of priscilla of www.madebypriscilla.com, and Lisa of Lisa anderson Studio. Stop by and see Jane Iredale’s brand new beauty Gallery by Jane. It displays her makeup line in its entirety and is truly beautiful. products are paraben-free, and we never use artificial colorants or synthetic fragrances in our formulas. bioelements skin care treatments can be further tailored to suit your needs with our custom blending ingredients – this creates an infinite number of solutions for any skin conditions. Highly individualized formulas treat your skin, target complexion concerns, and discourage skin aging.

Peter Alvarez - 48 Main Street, Lenox, MA, 413-6374488; Salon Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9am – 5pm and Thursday from 11am – 7pm; closed on Sunday and Monday. www.peteralvarez.com, www.facebook.com/peteralvarezSalon.

528 yoga studio offers a breath-centered, individualized approach to yoga. Long-time area yoga instructor Uma McNeill has put down roots in downtown Great barrington, opening 528-yoGa in the space behind david Gavin Salon.

Uma began studying yoga over 20 years with Sharon Gannon and david Life at Jivamukti yoga Studio in New york city. during her first trip to India in 1991, she studied with k. patabbhi Jois and went on to receive a teaching certificate from Sivanada yoga Vedanta ashram. Upon her return to New york city, she began teaching at the Jivamukti yoga center while continuing her yoga studies. She returned to India in 2001 to study at the krishnamacharya yoga Mandiram, and has been practicing and teaching the principles of breath-centered, individualized yoga ever since.

Uma moved to the berkshires in 1996 and over the years has taught at the kilpatrick athletic center and berkshire South Regional community center, as well as having studios in both South egremont and Great barrington. this new, downtown location puts her studio in the heart of Great barrington, making it easy and convenient for community residents to take a class before work or during their lunch hour. breath-centered individualized yoga is aimed at increasing the spaciousness in the human system. this is achieved by identifying and resolving obstructions to the natural flow of movement in the body, affecting patterns in breath, posture, connective tissue, and thoughts or emotions. the fundamental rhythm of breathing is the key tool to success.

528-YOGA - for more information, drop by the studio (front door opens onto the Triplex parking lot) for a class session or go online to 528-yoGa.com Classes: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Uma; Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Uma; Tuesdays 6:00 a.m - 7:15 p.m, Uma; Thurs 6:00 - 7:15pm, Jenna O’Brien; Sat from 10:00-11:15 a.m, Jenna O’Brien.

CLASS SCHEDULE Mon-Fri 8:30 - 9;45am - Uma M-W-F 10:00 - 11:15am - Uma Tues. 6:00 - 7:15pm - Uma

Thurs. 6:00 - 7:15pm ... Jenna O’Brien Sat. 10:00 - 11:15am ... Jenna O’Brien CLASS FEES ...

413.528.YOGA (9642) www.528yoga.com 274 Main Street, Great Barrington Located in back of Main St., adjacent to the triplex theater

$15.00 per Class $120.00 for a 10 class card (good for 8 weeks)

$75.00 month unlimited (Uma only)

Owner - Uma McNeill

tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 • 17

Planet Waves July 2012

There are numerous indicators in the charts this month that family life is under stress. We know this — it’s not news; relatively few kids have parents who are able to be fully present for them. Yet astrology in the immediate vicinity is saying specifically to be cautious of decisions and incidents that impact children, which can span from how you respond to seemingly ordinary problems to domestic politics to acts of war. The Sun in Cancer (which began June 20) is a reminder to keep your energy focused at home as a high priority. There is a potent Full Moon in Cancer on Tuesday, July 3, and the New Moon in Cancer on July 19. Venus stationed direct in Gemini on June 27. Mercury will turn retrograde in Leo on July 14 and stations direct in Leo on Aug. 8.

Aries (March 20-april 19) Material that’s been below the surface is likely to come bubbling into your relationships over the next few weeks. you know that none of what you’re addressing is actually new, and if you have not figured that out, that’s what I’m here to remind you. the questions to ask yourself are things like: What are my limits? What is acceptable conduct toward me? What constitutes a violation of trust? What agendas do people have?

Up to a point, it’s fair to say that people are acting on you, though if you don’t honor your own boundaries, you will be the one who must take full responsibility for what happens to you. If you start coming from that position and refuse to be a victim, you will be able to keep hold of your own power and make healthy decisions a lot sooner.

Taurus (april 19-May 20)

Focus your financial priorities. even if you’re in a state of relative abundance, now is the time to plan carefully for the future. I suggest you take two lines of approach. one is to get clear about what’s important. there are a lot of ways your money could be directed, and some are clearly more important than others. Some of the most expensive things are entirely meaningless, particularly if you have them only for show. Second is I suggest you look for (and work with) non-cash forms of resources. this includes everything from ideas to people willing to help you to repurposing what you already have. be bold about asking for what people don’t seem to need; bartering and other forms of exchange will be mutually profitable.

Gemini (May 20-June 21)

Jupiter is now in your sign for the next year — and that suggests some bold adventures are coming your way. the key idea to work with is different. If you have a choice between options for what to do, try the unfamiliar one. If you want to read, try an author you’ve never experienced. Stretch the bounds of your mind, approaching problems from new points of view. you have a lot to learn from older people who are not your parents; they have different information, a different agenda and no power over you except for what feels authentic and persuasive. yet the thing to remember is that all roads lead to a spiritual question. that question involves the nature of your existence and the extent to which it’s possible for others to dictate who you are. you no longer need that kind of influence, correct?

cancer (June 21-July 22) you now get an extended opportunity to see what you’ve been missing. you’re used to keeping yourself entertained with certain stories about who you are and about the nature of your personality and certain deeper psychic levels. you’re about to discover that no matter how well you thought you knew yourself, you were missing approximately half of the story. What’s

18 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

more interesting is that you’re likely to remember that you’ve actually thought of this all before; you just forgot that you noticed it or figured it out. therefore, take a circumspect approach to everything. check in with as many viewpoints as you can think of. Some of your best guidance is going to be coming from your dreams, which will be an effective way to look into your blind spots and dark corners.

leo (July 22-aug. 23) Get it in writing and put it in writing. you would be amazed how much trouble this can save. Jot down the promises you make and those that are made to you. Where money or other property is changing hands, make sure there is a written agreement. Get contracts in employment or freelance situations, and make sure that everyone sticks to them. We will assume that the truth is on your side, and that therefore, documentation in any form will favor you, or favor everyone involved in the circumstances of your life. Remember that what is fair is fair. you won’t have to fight for it though you might have to assert your position with some emphasis — and if it ever comes time to do that, you want something to keep in your folder just in case you ever need it.

Virgo (aug. 23-Sep. 22) early this month Mars leaves your sign after more than eight months, including a long retrograde. Mars moves forward carrying the fussy precision of Virgo. though the more significant development is that you have learned to be more assertive about what matters to you the most. Not only that, you’re likely to have figured out what that actually is, and to have taken some chances on making sure that it’s a priority for you. the challenge you face going forward is about continuing to take the leading role in your own life. you’re vulnerable to the influences and persuasions of others, and you may not be in the mood to stand up for yourself like you’ve been with Mars visiting you. Just remember what you’ve learned about how easy it is, and how well it works. libra (Sep. 22-oct. 23)

Now you’ll get to see if everything you’ve been worrying about for so long was actually real. at least when you look at the very short list of things that actually turn out to be problems, you’ll have the determination to resolve the issues.

However, avoid ‘solving’ things in such a way that causes you to go out of balance, thus creating more issues and the need for more effort. assert yourself gently. keep your mind on the whole-system known as your life. Rather than putting energy fast and furious into the small elements of what seems wrong, consider ways you can make many improvements with a few focused decisions. the key word is focus — a solid understanding of what you want to do and how you plan to do it, rather than committing to pouring out your energy.

Scorpio (oct. 23-Nov. 22) you’re having an influence on a number of situations much larger than you, though at this point you might not see how that is working. the astrology suggests that you have the ability to tip the scales on situations that are hanging in the balance. yet there’s a larger matter at stake, which is your ability to maintain a sense of the interests of everyone involved. In a sense, you’re the guardian of justice, and I suggest you only devote energy and attention to outcomes that are authentically fair. you have the ability to sway things any way you want, though the karmic stakes are a little higher than you’re accustomed to. If you’re not fair with everyone in your life, you will discover how unfair people can be to you — which is silly, considering how much you both have to offer.

by Eric Francis

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-dec. 22)

you may feel like you live in a glass house, but it’s more like the hall of mirrors. you will be here for a while, so I suggest you get acquainted with what you’re looking at. or rather, notice that what you project outward will account for most of what you see in front of you. this is usually true, though it’s particularly vivid now. If there’s a message underneath the surface, it’s focus on yourself if you want to change your life. though there’s no point trying to change others, few people actually remember this. However, the results you get will speak for themselves. If you change your mind or your point of view, the reflection you’re looking at will change — though like when you’re looking in a mirror, it may be in the opposite direction.

capricorn (dec. 22-Jan. 20)

avoid the temptation to base your relationships on your attachment to the past, or to the way you think things were. It would only be a distraction, and you don’t have time for that now. you have many significant responsibilities to attend to, and setting things right won’t necessarily be a simple or fast process. I suggest you embrace that complexity, and make sure you focus on one agenda item at a time, starting with what you decide is the most important. If you do this with some persistence, you will build your confidence and gradually bring a sense of order to what may seem entirely out of control right now. one potential distraction is unhealthy emotional attachment. do your best to keep your focus right now, and stand back from those who obsess over the way things were.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) you seem to be pouring more and more energy into an effort to get yourself unstuck in a creative or relationship situation — perhaps both — though it would help if you did one little thing: think differently. that’s another way of saying ‘not the same’ or ‘new approach’ or ‘reconsider everything’ or ‘take a chance you would not normally take’. this is something that has to come from the inside rather than from trying to change your circumstances. a thousand colors of paint doesn’t make someone a painter, nor does being naked make someone a lover. What matters is making contact with the spark of passion inside yourself, then having faith in it long enough to do something creative. It’ll also help if you name your fear of loss for what it is; that’s blocking a lot of energy.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) you may not feel especially popular, though you’re having an impact on the people around you even if they’re not letting on. yet the planets are suggesting that you shift your emphasis to your personal space and your inner world, and put some boundaries between you and groups of any kind. being so available to so many people is not helping you, and it’s not the thing that’s making a difference in the lives of those around you right now. there are relatively few people with whom you want to exchange energy, and I suggest you keep your emphasis focused at home and on keeping your life interesting rather than large. emphasize quality rather than growth, and for now I suggest you put your emotional and financial resources into your home rather than business or work. a plant grows from the roots, and so do you.

Read Eric Francis daily at

PlanetWaves.net

fenG Shui

Elisa Cashiola

The effects of Storage unites in Placement design

Storage units weren't around 3,000 years ago. So do we really need it??? I know in some aspects, it is beneficial as I mentioned above, for businesses, but not for a homeowner. think of it this way: a storage unit is like an anchor weight, unconsciously. We may not see it, it may be far away, states away, or 5 miles down the road from our houses, but it is there, keeping us down, holding a part of us stuck in place. our “stuff” is there, draining us emotionally and financially.

do you have a storage unit?

If so, what are you dumping there?

My point here is storage units are basically a dumping ground for feng shui's biggest enemy: clutter (aka stuff we don't need!).

Not only are storage units detrimental to our psyche, they are also a drain on our finances if we hold onto a unit long-term. Which is not what we want anyway! they are best suited for businesses, who have inventory and seasonal items, as well as for us to store our home goods on a teMpoRaRy basis, especially if we are in a moving phase or selling a deceased relative's house and need time to sort through their stuff.

I stress teMpoRaRy.

If a storage unit has been in your hands for over a year or longer, it's probably time to go through it and clear out what you really do not need or sell the stuff and put some cash in your hands! the way I see it, if you have stuff in there and not in your home, you really didn't need the “stuff” in the first place. or at least, most of it. If you keep going back to the storage unit now and then to retrieve stuff, then it should be back in your home.

We really cannot escape clutter that belongs to us unless we take responsibility for it and deal with it. We will feel much lighter and happier once we do.

So, let’s say no to long-term storage units!

I've had storage units many times, especially in my 20s, when I moved around a lot. and I always end up getting rid of more than half the stuff I have in there.

Have you seen Storage Wars on tV? I am amazed at the junk and collectibles people leave in their storage units and their stuff ends up being sold or thrown out simply because the monthly bill wasn't paid for.

huMMuS To The

reScue

Simply Sasha

Note from Elisa: This is a previous posting from my website, www.elisacashiola.com; I am away for the month of July. My regular articles will resume in August.

I am starting a Q & A page on my website. Please email me any questions you may have about placement design issues to elisacashiola@gmail.com, and your question will be answered and posted up on the website under the Q & A page!

by Sasha Seymour

It’s quick! It’s easy! It’s inexpensive!

Hummus is absolutely ridiculous. It’s so fast to make and tastes so yummy! Some days I am so busy that I forget to eat lunch. By three o’clock I am starving, and I’ll eat just about anything!

It’s too late for lunch, I tell myself, and way too early for dinner. But I can relax at these times when I’m fading fast, because I thought ahead and made hummus the night before, which took me only a few minutes to whip up.

Brilliant! Save your store bought hummus containers and fill them up with the hummus you love...your own!

Don’t forget the pita bread!

INGRedIeNtS: 1 ounce can garbanzo beans (chick peas) 2 1/2 tablespoon tahini (sesame seed paste) 3 cloves of garlic salt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh cilantro water, as needed

1. In a blender or a food processor, puree all ingredients except for the water 2. Gradually add the water until your desired consistency is reached 3. Refrigerate! Eat! Enjoy!

Varieties: 1/4 cup roasted peppers oR 1/4 cup packed sun dried tomatoes oR add more garlic oR 2 tsp of curry powder oR the possibilities are endless!

P.S. i would love your feedback and simple recipe suggestions! you can contact me at mojosilver11@gmail.com Thank you! tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 • 19

aRtISt MAry dAVidSon

MARY DAVIDSON

INTERVIEW BY NANCI RACE ILLUStRatIoN FRoM FIddLe Me a RIddLe aNd bRING Me tHe MooN, by WINdyaNN pLUNkett

Mary Davidson invited me into her home to talk about and look at some of her art work. I’ve known Mary, a fellow nurse, for a number of years and I knew I was in for a treat. In her artist’s statement Mary says, “I find tremendous satisfaction in using my imagination to create my paintings…” The evidence of this statement is in her highly stylized paintings of cats, ladies and shoes.

A feast for the eye, her paintings capture the imagination with satisfying intensity.

Several of Mary’s works are displayed on the walls in her house.

Rather than clash with the décor, the intensity and vibrancy of the colors in the paintings work to enhance the interior of the home.

Mary is a firm believer that practice is essential to developing one’s own style. Her technique of using bold colors and abstract figures is uniquely her own. Her work is fun, fanciful, and lighthearted provoking a “feel good” reaction in the viewer.

After we talked about her art for awhile Mary took me on a tour of her studio located above her garage. The white walled space is light, airy and spacious with two zones for work; Mary’s and her artist husband Keith’s. The couple spends as much time as possible creating, however Mary also spends time working as a nurse and in her spare time she is a sewist.

As a kindred spirit and devoted sewist myself, I was excited to see her fully equipped sewing room in the finished basement of her home. We spoke at length about our common passion, comparing sewing machines and laughing about our respective “stash” of fabric. The time passed all too quickly, however, I left with a sense of satisfaction that I now knew so much more about Mary Davidson; artist, nurse, sewist, and creator.

Nanci Race: Mary let's start with some background information about you and your art.

Mary Davidson: I started with what I call a shoe series, this came about because I was in a class and the teacher made everyone put something on the table. I couldn't think of anything so I took a shoe off and put it on the table. She wanted me to draw it, paint it and design it, generally do something with it. the class ended up liking it so much that when I left she told me I should stay with the same theme for one year. It was also a great exercise in learning about color; how to use color. So, the shoes took on a life of their own. they were exhibited in Lee in Chez Nous. Later, I spoke to Jerry connoy, the director of the Lenox Gallery and he was kind enough to go and look at them. He loved them so we brought them to the Lenox Gallery. I had a really great summer with him.

20 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

MARY DAVIDSON

after the shoe series I went to cats--musical and dancing cats.

My next series was the ladies--women with hats; fashion design pieces. Next I did a series of dancers and after that a series of flower paintings. I'm coming full circle with the shoes and the cats. they seem to be the most popular right now.

NR: Is it easier for you to come up with new ideas because you have done the series of shoes, cats and so forth?

Md: I have a background in fashion design. I think some of some of the stuff that I've done came from that. If you're doing a theme it's easier because you can just keep practicing. you can keep doing another and another. For me it's about staying motivated. It's about learning, about painting and it's about practice, practice, practice. If you don't have to think about what to paint next, staying with a theme or staying with the same idea for a year, is a great exercise.

NR: Because you had a background in fashion design was it a natural transition into painting?

Md: Not really. the fashion design came really early in my life and I did a lot of things with it. that was my very beginning; doing some drawing and some designing. However, I went to school for nursing first then I went back to school for fashion design. I always try to balance my nursing career by doing something creative. eventually I started taking drawing classes and painting classes at berkshire community college. I kept playing with it. I loved doing it. but, I didn't do anything seriously until about 10 years ago. then I stayed more focused about learning to draw and paint.

NR: Are you still a practicing nurse?

Md: yes. I do that part time. I've been nursing on and off for 37 years. but I've always been interested in creative things.

NR: What fashion school did you attend?

Md: Newberry Junior college in boston, Massachusetts. I graduated awhile ago. I wish I'd been more focused when I was younger but I have to be honest--I wasn't. I traveled a lot. I was more interested in that.

NR: We talked about the shoe series but I see that you also have some of your cat paintings hanging in your home. Why cats and not dogs?

Md: the cats were an influence from Jerry connoy. according to him everyone loves cats and he wanted me to do something with

cats. I started with something simple in the same vein of design as the shoes. I began making the cats singing, playing instruments or dancing and those were the ones that were popular. I think I went in that direction because I come from a very musical family. My brother plays the piano; my sister is a tap dancer and a singer. My other sister is in the theater, my mother loved to sing and my parents loved to dance.

NR: It sounds like you came into your creativity naturally.

Md: you're right; the creativity part does come naturally. the technical part is a little harder for me. I really have to work at it. When I'm painting I don't think I pay much attention to what I'm doing. It just comes and there is a flow. I think that technically some of my work might not be as strong as some painters.

NR: But, don't you think that when the viewer is looking at your work, that person might not be judging if it’s technically accurate, but rather that the work is enjoyable to their eye? For example the highly stylized cats that you've done. They are not exact replicas or renditions of real cats but rather an abstract designed with bright, bold eye catching colors.

Md: everything I do is a little more stylized. My work is not typical.

It's more whimsical and that can be good. art can be very trendy. people get used to seeing a certain thing and if your art is very different, depending on what you're doing, it can make it harder to market it. all of my art is lighthearted and fun with a sense of playfulness, which emanates happiness or joy. I have mostly soft curves, not the sharp angles incorporated into some artwork. Mine is light without all the dark shadows.

NR: Over the past 10 years have you transitioned into working on your art more than in the past?

Md: yes. I decided about 10 years ago to go back to school. I was getting a little older and I decided it was now or never. I had a full time nursing job at the time. I had to go back to doing something creative and I needed to work part -time. I didn't know how I was going to do it. but it was something I was determined to do.

Now, I have a nice balance. during the week I paint and market my work and do all the things I think I need to do to keep going. I work as a nurse on weekends. Sometimes on Saturdays, sometimes Sundays, sometimes both. It depends on financial needs. the good thing about nursing is that I could always work more in that field if I wanted or needed to. It's something that I enjoy and it's always

going to be there. It took me awhile to get here, but I have something good now.

NR: Do you think the nursing comes into your artwork and vice versa?

Md: I think when you're creative; you can naturally learn to do anything creatively. you can apply that to anything in your life. It's an uplifting philosophy. and creativity is anything that will make life more fun, livelier, or more enjoyable. as for the nursing I love it. I love being with the people so that's the social part of my life. painting can be very solitary and lonely. Helping people gives you a good feeling. to me that's the spirit of creativity; connecting with common people on the journey. It's nice to have both the art and the nursing, which is also considered an art form.

NR: Have you ever used any of your artwork as therapy for your patients?

Md: I make some really nice cards that many times I give away. Sometimes I bring in pictures because people want to see my artwork. I also published a children's book with my niece, Windyann plunkett. the book is called Fiddle me a Riddle and bring me the Moon. occasionally I will bring that into work and show it around. the book is filled with illustrations of cats dancing, playing musical instruments, or singing. but I don't really do this for the residents, although sometimes I'll show them things or sometimes I'll meet someone who is a fellow artist and that gives me something besides their illnesses to talk to them about. but that's the only thing I've really done about it.

shows. I've also decorated the walls of the cake Walk bakery & café at 56 Main St, Lee, Massachusetts. It's nice for people to come in and see my artwork. I would also like to say that I'm very grateful to Harryet candee, the publisher of the artful Mind and everyone who works with her. I think it's a wonderful co-op of ideas and a lot of people who are artistic and talented who are all come together. If people want to look at our art they are welcome to go to our website or they can go to the Lenox Gallery. My husband’s paintings are at Sati Wellness center and boutique, at 4 Housatonic Street, Lenox, Massachusetts. It's a woman's clothing store and that's where they sell our cards.

NR: Do you have a standard size painting that you like to do?

Md: I like 18x24and I like to go up to about 32x40; that's my favorite. When I first began painting I used to go smaller but now I really don't like going much smaller than 18x24. It just doesn't seem like there is enough room to do anything. My figures or my cats get very tiny and you lose a lot of detail.

NR: Do you frame your own work or do you send it out?

Md: I frame it. I have a nice company in the West charlton Frame company in West charlton, New york. I email my needs to them and they ship it directly to me. I give them the exact dimensions and I get a frame. We have all the equipment that we need, like a clip gun. My husband, keith and I frame our work together working as a team.

It's easier if two people are doing it. then we put paper on it and keith puts the wires and the hooks on. the frame company also has wonderful watercolor frame kits. If you give them the measurements everything comes intact so all you have to do is open it up and insert your watercolor and adhere it, close it up and clip it with the gun. then I make labels on the computer. We have a couple of boxes of samples of their frames. there are probably 50 paintings in my house that are framed so that when I finish another painting I can always go around to all the different paintings that are already framed to see which one I want. We also have this metallic material that if a frame gets scratched we can put it on and buff it out. So if a frame comes and it’s a little off we can buff it out and get it to a little better hue if we need to.

NR: What about artist's organizations? Do you have a circle of artist friends other than your husband who I understand is an artist too?

MARY DAVIDSON Md: at one point in our lives my husband and I went to a lot of artist workshops and we met a lot of other artists.

We belonged to IS183 in Housatonic, Massachusetts where we had several classes with pat Hogan. We belong to the Housatonic Valley art League so we're immersed with that community of artists, and I know most of the artists in the Lenox Gallery. We have a party once a year or we have one or two weekends throughout the year when we try to promote the Lenox Gallery with Jerry. We also NR: Have you ever framed something and absolutely hated it belong to clubs that we've taken the time to get juried into. when it was done?

I'm a juried member of the cambridge art association in Md: yes. but, that doesn't happen too often. We definitely recambridge, Massachusetts and I'm also a member of the cycle. If a painting is four or five years old and no one is interpaint and play club in New Haven, connecticut, a club ested in it we take it out and put a brand new painting in that that you have to get juried into. frame.

I enter a lot of shows, but I've never done any booth exhibits. you also have to build up your inventory. I NR: What in your opinion would constitute overworking when haven't really gone in that direction. you need to have the you're doing a painting? right vehicle, outdoor equipment, tents and so forth. What Md: I have a lot of paintings where I went too far. If they're I've been trying to do is build up a portfolio by getting into watercolors I just put them aside because it's too hard to fix all the different juried shows in New england. I try to get them. I actually switched to acrylic because I like to be able to into six or seven a year. you also get rejected and that's resurrect a painting. It's really important to me. I am able to something you have to get used to. In each show you get cover areas and redo it. I don't really think anything is overinto you can see a theme within the show. the jury might worked because you're always practicing and learning. a paintlike a painting but it might not fit into that show's theme. ing can look overworked to certain people, but I don't know It’s a lot of work entering shows as well as shipping your what the definition of that would be. everyone is different. work out.

Some artists that like loose and juicy paintings will get into a you have to develop a thick skin. the first year that I situation where there's too much and it's too tight and you'll entered shows I got rejected from every single show. I had hear the expression that it's been overworked. the whole to learn how to manage all the emotional feelings. evenessence of those artists is simplicity with a translucent feel. tually I knew that I couldn't take it personally or seriously.

Some of my paintings are so highly detailed that I wouldn't be When I got my first acceptance it was a very happy day surprised if another artist would say that mine were overfor me. However, there's no guarantee that you'll get into worked or too busy with too much going on. there's a philosevery show. you might be accepted into a show that you ophy in painting that there should be a place of rest; an open love for two or three years in a row, then boom you get respace. you really have to paint a lot and you advance and you MARY DAVIDSON, SHOE SERIES jected. there may be different judges and judging is sublearn. all my art taught me a lot about color. once you master jective. that one thing then you can move up the ladder to another weakI once had a wonderful teacher in a workshop and everyness. My work is just who I am and what I like. Some people are light.” It's all an experience. one was working hard and talking about the shows and getting regoing to like the style and others aren't going to like the style. to jected. He looked at us and said, "Well, when you get rejected you each his own.

NR: Do you have any thoughts on where you think you'll be in the just say, “oh, bad judges.” No matter what, you do all those things Mary Davidson’s work can be seen at the Lenox Gallery of Fine near future? because you really need feedback from other people. but, I really Arts, 69 Church St, Lenox, MA. For more information visit her webMd: I don't. but, if I could have things my way I'd love to have my love painting and being creative. It's an expression; an outlet. So it site at www.davidsondesigncompany.net own gallery. I would love to get to that place. Maybe if people get almost doesn't really matter what happens. to know my work and my husband's work they'll start to call and I've actually gone to shows where I had a painting accepted and g make appointments to come to our studio here if they want to buy it was one that really didn’t fit the theme of the show. that can be some of the artwork. So for now in addition to showing at the Lenox weird too. I've thought, “Why did they even take my painting? It Gallery, I donate paintings to project Smile, which is near boston. sticks out like a sore thumb because they've got this super soft I've gotten into a lot of shows in the cambridge art association so palette going in every single painting and mine looks like a neon I get exposure. at least six or seven of my paintings are out at tHe aRtFUL MINd July 2012 • 21

510 wArren STreeT GAllery kate kNapp

JULy FeatURed aRtISt kate kNapp “FaRM”

opening reception for the artist Saturday July 7 3-6 pm all welcome. July 6 - 29 work on display. “the Farm” represents a strong group of paintings done by knapp over the past few years at a variety of farms in the Hudson valley and berkshire Hills. Her love of animals and how the farm works is very apparent in her work. the immediacy of studying these animals creates an expressionistic loose style of painting which describes knapp’s way of seeing. the old farm house with the ancient apple trees, the corn stalks growing in the middle of the corn field as large as life, the pigs rolling in the mud as the sun sets are all subjects of great beauty to knapp. the appaloosa horse with all the subtlety of varied colors, is heart felt as he looks into our eyes from the canvas. knapp has a deep knowledge of the farm that she has been working on for the past 40 years and this body of work is a must see.

August featured artist: Nina Lipkowitz. “A Year In The Life”, Multi Media, Opening August 3.August 3- August 26.

Reception Sunday August 5, 2-5pm.

510 MeMbeRS INcLUde: WILL cLaRk

dIaNa FeLbeR JoaN GIUMMo

ISka keNNey kate kNapp JoHN LIpkoWItZ NINa LIpkoWItZ

eLeaNoR LoRd

HaNNaH MaNdeL SteVe poRceLLa peGGy ReeVeS

JeaNNINe ScHoeFFeR

doRIS SIMoN

MUSeUM QUaLIty FURNItURe by JoeL MaRk aNtIQUe pRINtS & poSteRS FRoM MILL RIVeR StUdIo

510 Warren St., Hudson, NY. Fri, Sat 12-6, Sun & Mon., 125pm, and by appt. 518-822-0510 / 510warrenstgallery.com

hVAl SuMMer

aRt SHoWS at deWey MeMoRIaL HaLL

the Housatonic Valley art League will have a very busy summer. the Juried exhibition will open on July 5 and run until July 29 at the dewey Memorial Hall in Sheffield, Massachusetts. the art work will be judged by tom key and Jean Stover, both artists and painters. the opening reception and awards will happen on Friday, July 6 from 4:30 to 6 pm. the second summer show, the Member exhibition will run from august 2 to august 26 at the dewey Memorial Hall. Frank Federico will judge the work and has recently been elected to the pastel Society of america’s Hall of Fame, an honor given to only 35 other artists including William Merritt chase and Mary cassatt. the Member exhibition opening reception and awards will occur on Friday, august 3 from 4:30 to 6pm.

For both exhibitions, the artist awarded “best in Show” will receive a prize of $200. two awards of excellence of $100 and three Honorable Mentions will be given. the gallery will be open during the summer shows on Saturday to thursday from 10am to 5pm and will be closed on Wednesday. Gallery hours on Friday are 10am to 6pm and on Sunday, 1pm to 5pm. all original artwork in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, gouache, ink, scratchboard, monoprint, serigraph, relief print, collage, mixed media, ceramics and sculpture will be for sale. HVaL has members from columbia, berkshire and Litchfield counties. the League was founded in the early seventies, as the Sheffield art League and has held summer shows every year for over the past 20 years. the summer shows always promise a wide array of reasonably priced artwork. Make plans to see both the Juried and Member exhibitions this summer at the dewey Memorial Hall in Sheffield.

Housatonic Vallery Art League - www.hvart.org

MArGueriTe Bride MoVie clASSicS MaRGUeRIte bRIde, MoVIe poSteR, W/c

If you love a parade, you won’t want to miss this year’s pittsfield parade on July 4, 10 am, rain or shine. the theme, “Movie classics”, promises to be fabulously entertaining.

Marguerite bride created the painting used for the official poster. When asked about her inspiration, she said, “once I was told the theme, I visualized all the movie icons marching in the parade. I spent some time in the library researching old photos of pittsfield, but honestly, I just couldn’t figure out how to do the drawing in order to make the icons recognizable...it was becoming very complicated.” then she thought, why not have them all watching the parade, instead of being in it. Instead of pittsfield honoring them, they would be honoring pittsfield by coming to our parade. the old palace theater, now long gone, on North Street was used as the backdrop and she then painted a variety of movie icons standing on the sidewalk. according to bride, “Maybe not all of them are classics, at least not yet, but I wanted to make sure they were all recognizable and the painting would appeal to all age groups. there were so many to choose from, it was certainly great fun doing the background research, and then of course the drawing and painting.” there are 43 different named characters in the poster can you identify them all? posters are available for a $25 donation to the pittsfield parade committee…visit the website for details: www.pittsfieldparade.com. bride lives in pittsfield and has been painting the berkshires for many years. besides her “Local color” series, she has painted over 100 custom house portraits.

Gallery 25, 25 Union Street in pittsfield, will be hosting a solo exhibit of her recent works during the month of august. artist reception will be held on Friday, august 3 during pittsfield’s First Fridays artswalk festivities from 5 – 8 pm.

Visit bride’s website to see her full online gallery, for details about commissioning or purchasing a painting or fine art reproduction, for updated exhibit information and for information about lessons; or you may contact the artist directly.

Marguerite Bride, 311 North Street, Pittsfield, Studio #5.

Open for First Fridays Artswalks, and by appointment only.

Call 413-442-7718, or 413-841-1659 (cell); website: www.margebride.com, email: margebride@aol.com

The Artful Mind don’t be shy!

Join us for the August issue!

Show’em what you got!

22 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

artfulmind@yahoo.com

Architecture & Arcadia Stephen Gerard dietemann

house Part 3

after exactly one year of dating she and colin were married. the morning after returning from their honeymoon in europe she offered her resignation and that afternoon they moved into the house. after the exterior had been painted white, colin began work immediately on the interior. “We’ve got to bring some life to this old place.

Some” — he searched for the right word — “truth,” he said at last.

In his sketches the dark paneling and ornate arches, the intricately mulled windows all were replaced by crisp white walls and unbroken sheets of glass. In those drawings she saw a house too bright, too obvious, devoid of any mystery.

She protested the plans. “Let’s leave it just as it is, at least for a little while,” she said. by way of explanation she told him how as a young child she cried the first time her father pulled back the thick curtains in the living room of their house. “Now everyone can see me,” she had said to her father, crying inconsolably. colin seemed puzzled. “Why would you want to hide?” he asked, but she could not explain herself. She waited anxiously for the work on the interior to begin, but after the sketches were complete he stopped. “I’ll get back to this when work at the office lets up a bit,” he said. the third miscarriage ended their hopes of having children. She grieved for the future, retreating deeper into the house. colin was working almost all the time now and she, alone, imagined what she would do to the house someday, how she would save it from his ideas of salvation. colin — and his new partners – now employed nearly twenty architects; they were the largest architectural office in the city. For years the routine of work, and more work, changed little. His office designed larger and larger buildings, replacing the disorganized collection of Victorians and colonials on the blocks around their neighborhood like steel turrets surrounding the enemy’s castle. Margaret turned her attention to the garden, coaxing a cacophony of plants from the ground until they seemed to challenge the house’s primacy. She

marked the seasons by the changing colors; even the gray of winter assumed a loveliness she could never have imagined as a young woman. He increasingly called from the office to let her know that he had to spend the night in the office. “don’t worry, Margaret, I’ll catch a few winks on the fold-out couch in the back of the office.” but when he did come home he seemed to be a visitor, vaguely uncomfortable and evasive, always moving. as he approached sixty he seemed to be moving even more frantically. then one morning shortly after his sixty-fifth birthday he did not go to work. “I’ve got some good news,” he told her at breakfast.

“I’ve decided to take some time off, perhaps even a month. I’ll finally have time to get to work on our plans!” Soon the month stretched to a year and his occasional calls to the office, always muffled and sometimes angry, stopped entirely. He told Margaret nothing and she did not ask, watching him quietly as he moved like a ghost through the house. perhaps, she wondered, he had been forced to retire for some incident or perhaps he had had some irreconcilable dispute with the other partners. She never asked and he never offered an explanation. one morning in early december she found him bent over his drafting board working on the floor plans of the house. as the day passed she sensed that he was puzzled by something. He seemed to be focusing his attention on the large central staircase. at dinner that night he ate silently and when she asked if something was wrong he said, no, just a little inconsistency in the first floor plan. He said he’d have it figured out soon enough. Hell, he said, I’ve been an architect – and a damn good one – for over forty years. this shouldn’t be a problem. the next day he had walked down to the basement, still obviously puzzled about something, with the plans for the last time.

Mary davidson

*

Muriel calls again, picking up her monologue right where she had left off.

“So he can’t be more than thirty-five from the sound of his voice on the phone and he says to me. ‘Look, why don’t we go to dinner sometime?”

Muriel pauses, letting the possibilities of a dalliance with a much younger man hang between them.

“Well, the nurses tell me he’s quite handsome and they’re not letting on about me or my age. I made them swear not to say a word to him.” another pause. “Men have always liked my voice, you know,” she says. “I know your husband did,” she says quickly. then, “Sorry, gotta hang up! can’t explain right now, Margaret, but please think about getting out of that old place, okay?”

Margaret places the phone down softly. perhaps Muriel’s young suitor had shown up unexpectedly. She turns to look out the window.

Streams of sunlight slice through the deepening dusk, momentarily converting the flat lawn outside the parlor into a brightly lit theater. as if playing its part a rabbit emerges from the trees as if making an entry. In the openness it hesitates for a moment, looking quickly left and right. then, as if aware of some imminent danger, it runs wildly across the lawn, as if trying to elude something. It finally disappears into the shadow, but there is no trace of what has frightened it.

Night envelops the house. Margaret imagines the rabbit in a deep burrow, safe if only for the moment.

Looking around the parlor, she imagines the many empty rooms above and below her. closing her eyes she sees herself alone in the vastness of the old house. For the first time since the night colin died she is frightened. tomorrow, she thinks, I will visit Muriel.

8

...to be continued in August issue of The Artful Mind

Represented by

The lenoX GAllery of fine ArT 69 cHURcH StReet, LeNox, Ma 413-637-2276 Open year Round www.davidsondesigncompany.net

FROM THE SHOES SERIES BY MARY DAVIDSON

Studio appointment: 413. 528. 6945 South Egremont, MA

510 WaRReN StReet, HUdSoN, Ny 518-822-0510 WWW.510WaRReNStReetGaLLeRy.coM

NINa LIpkoWItZ August featured Artist

“A year in The life” Multi Media

510 MeMbeRS INcLUde: WILL cLaRk eLeaNoR LoRd

opening August 3 • August 3- August 26 reception Sunday August 5 • 2-5pm

dIaNa FeLbeR JoaN GIUMMo ISka keNNey kate kNapp JoHN LIpkoWItZ NINa LIpkoWItZ

HaNNaH MaNdeL SteVe poRceLLa peGGy ReeVeS JeaNNINe ScHoeFFeR

doRIS SIMoN

MUSeUM QUaLIty FURNItURe by JoeL MaRk aNtIQUe pRINtS & poSteRS FRoM MILL RIVeR StUdIo

fri, SAT 12-6PM, SundAy - MondAy 12-5 And By APPT.

tHe aRtFUL MINd July2012 • 23

MIcHaeL FILMUS

ArT on MAin peoNIeS by RobeRt FoRte

The GAllery AT

BArnBrook reAlTy

View from Mt. Greylock, Brilliant Sky

Oil 20 x 30

Michael Filmus has been painting in the quiet forests and expansive meadows of Western Massachusetts ... he has been able to capture the distinctive character of the Berkshires.

413-528-5471 www.michaelfilmus.com

24 • July 2012 tHe aRtFUL MINd

this will be Robert Forte’s second exhibition in the berkshires, having recently concluded one at the Front Street Gallery. the new show will run July 7 – august 31, with an artist reception on Saturday, July 21 from 5-7pm. painting is Forte’s passion; the road to exhibiting, has been neither direct nor readily foreseeable.

Indeed, it was not that long ago that I was hard at work briefing a major case before the United States Supreme court. In other words, I practiced law, a life far removed from that of a painter. the artistic “seed”, however, was planted at a very early age, when I literally drew everything in sight, grew up on (for those who remember) Jon Gnagy’s tV art lessons, and subsequently attended the High School of Music and art in New york city. toward the end of my legal career, I decided to cultivate that dormant seed. In the intervening years, I met and studied with two New york artists, Minerva durham and cornelia Foss, each supreme in her craft – durham ’s wizardry drawing the figure and Foss’s incomparably beautiful paintings. these artists formed the foundation of my art.

Now living and painting in his studio in New Marlborough, Forte has a new life devoted to painting.

Art on Main is located on Main St., in Great Barrington, MA.

fronT STreeT GAllery kate kNapp, tRapeZe aRtISt, HoUSatoNIc, Ma, 30 x 30”

July 7-Sept 3: the circus is in town! Watercolors studies of the local summer circuses….Lions elephants horses… come one come all come see the circus!!! opening to be announced. pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors…..abstract and representational…..landscapes, still lifes and portraits….a unique variety of painting technique and styles….you will be transported to another world and see things in a way you never have before….please come join us and experience something different.

For those seeking collectable, great art, Front St. Gallery is where you should head next. a huge selection of art work, all reasonably priced. Who said art was not affordable? easy to make an appointment to see for yourself. classes at Front Street for those wishing to learn and those who just want to be involved in the pure enjoyment of art and who have some experience under their belt. perfect for those seeking fresh insight into watercolors, and other mediums. kate knapp has been teaching for many years, and has a keen sense of each student’s artistic needs to take a step beyond! perfect setting for setting up still lifes. Lighting and space is excellent. peak in to see! kate knapp’s paintings are also on display at 510 Warren St. Gallery in Hudson, Ny. please stop by to see all the many works of art by exceptional artists.

Front Street Gallery – Front Street, Housatonic, MA. Gallery Hours: Saturday & Sunday, open at 12 pm or by appointment or chance. 413-274-6607.