dis CONTENTMENT

Last evening I wrote a piece called "Happiness Is..."  It was an attempt to fill a page in a quick minute to keep the momentum up and also some thoughts touching on some good feelings; some of the best.  It also served as a reminder to myself to be kinder to myself, something which I have been slacking in over the recent past.

I had been beating myself up for seemingly having lost my spontaneous creativity.  It began when I took a trip with my son to Washington D.C. to go to the March to support the Scientists and to get my housebound son out of his natural comfort zone to expose him to more of what he should be focusing on in my mind - living.

We had a great time despite the weather being a bit less nice than I thought it would be.  My son saved the day with an extra sweater which was most welcome at the time.  Washington D.C. is somewhere that I am semi familiar with from a couple of trips with my Grandparents and a trip with my eldest son and my Dad 20 years ago.

While much has stayed the same, much has changed.  Me getting lost leaving every time we left D.C. and headed back to our hotel in Virginia, in the same place mind you, got to be a laughing matter to me, not so much for my son :) 

Much of our time was spent walking and visiting the Smithsonian Museums.  My Grandmother was a teacher and one thing that was important was History.  I will never forget those days walking around and seeing great wonders of our land packed inside these huge rooms.  It was amazing.

The Museums have changed and much of the wonders I remember were unseen and unshown to my son.  We saw plenty.  More than the human brain can process properly in the days we were there, but which will stay with us forever.

I am living in my hometown where we have a lovely Museum.  This too is now going to change and not in a little enhancing way.  The proposed changes alter everything about our Museum including selling 40 of the best pieces of Art which were left to the Citizens of the City.  If you hit the link you will learn a great deal about our wonderful artifacts which shaped a great deal of people's lives.

While the changes, according to the Museum will enhance our community, it is unclear why the project has to be funded by selling our prized possessions.  This takes all the love and joy I feel for the Berkshire Museum, which I used to go to, and have enjoyed many good times over the past few years despite the changes which have already occurred.

It is a sad, sad day and it breaks into my sense of Contentment.  I walk by every Monday and enjoy the architecture of the building, the reliefs set into the top border, the top of the sun window that is above the Crane room which was in my childhood filled with these beautiful paintings which will never adorn the walls again.

We lived in an area where our ancestors knew the value of such jewels.  They could have kept these beautiful pieces of art in their own Mansions to enjoy, but that was not how they thought.  They wanted others to experience the beauty for themselves as well.

My last word on this sad subject is this.  It is easy in this day and age to take the lazy way out.  Just because you are able to do something, despite it being morally wrong doesn't mean that it is the right thing to do.  The rich people who would have cared about this art being sold are long gone, with a few remaining here and there who might not share the passion of their ancestors as strongly - now these prized and cherished pieces will be in the lavish homes of wealthy art appreciators (if they are so lucky) instead of at home in the Berkshire Museum where they belong.

PARTNERS IN ART - SEPTEMBER AT THE WHITNEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

I, as usual have had a pretty interesting week. I am not even sure where I last left off  and have to admit I just had to look back.  So much has happened.  The Art Opening at the Whit where I am pleased to say all of the Artists were happy with my latest layout and display of their works.

I once again surprised myself by working withing the "theme" aspect of the Shows at the Whitney Center for the Arts.  This latest one was a couples themed art show since there is to be some sort of wedding party booked and I decided that a couples art show would be just the ticket for some diversity of work.

I got diversity.  Everything from Abstract Oils, Colored Pencil, Mixed Media College, Oil Land capes, Watercolor Landscapes, and oil Seascapes. Each artist's work as diverse from each other as the couples were.

As usual I questioned what was going through my mind and wondered whether I would be able to pull it off.  I didn't group each couples work next to each other and someone suggested I have a contest to see who could guess who was with whom, but that was an idea not thought up in enough time to pull off.

I worry for nothing each and every time so far, knock on wood!  The show was well attended and Paul Hergenrother brought me flowers and a card thanking me, the card from one of the pieces in the show, which I will frame and treasure as a reminder of the fun I have doing these art shows.

GALLERY W -Right inside door and around the gallery.

COLT GALLERY Left of door and around room

Friday was a great evening!  It was so much fun sharing some great art with some great art appreciators!  I know all of the artists had a great time and I appreciate Morris Bennett, Anne Roland, Anne Pasko, Walt Pasko, Paul Hergenrother and Rob Martin for participating in my September "Partners In Art" Art Show at the Whitney Center for the Arts -

Can you tell who's with who?  Bet you can't - cheating allowed and one of the reasons I did not mark the pictures with the Artists names and titles (one of my pet peeves is unmarked art !)   I will update in a week and you can see if you guessed correctly - post your responses in the comments if you dare!  

TUTTO ITALIANO AT THE WHITNEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

I attended Opera Notte at the Whitney Center for the Arts on Sunday afternoon.  The room was filled with fellow Opera fans for an afternoon of Italian Arias.  Kara Delmer put together a wonderful show

along with Ron Ramsey on piano,  Courtney Clark on Violin, and Jessica Passetto, John Delmer, Joe Sicotte and Kara Delmer singing.

As the guests were seated and ordering from the Bistro Menu in preparation for the show I noticed John with an apron on, pouring wine and serving guests. knowing he usually sings I asked him if he was  singing today?  He replied "Not today".  I was amazed when he began singing "Bella Notte" as a waiter.

Ghazi Kazmi came out and introduced John Delmer after his performance, welcomed the audience and thanked them for being there and announced upcoming shows.  He then introduced Kara Delmer who spoke about the book "24 Italian Songs" leading into a performance of "Nel Cor piu Non Mi Sento" where she involved an audience member as she sang as she often does.

Tenor Joseph Sicotte then performed "Sebben Crudele" accompanied by Ron Ramsey on Piano and Courtney Clark on Violin after which he introduced guest singer Jessica Passetto who sang "Se Tu M'ami". It was really an enjoyable day for Italian speakers and non speakers alike.

The newest addition to the Whitney Center family ~ Courtney Clark from New Hampshire, played Verdi's  "Va Pensiero" on Violin accompanied by Ron Ramsey on Piano.  This piece of course wasn't vocal but Courtney made her instrument sing!

Jess Passetto followed by introducing four Mozart Arias.  She began with "Voi che Sapete" followed by Joe singing "Un Aura Amorosa".  John Delmer then came out and spoke about Don Giovanni, giving us background before entertaining us.

Singing to Elvira as Leporello, he exposes his masters numerous conquests.  As he sings he coyly  shows images from his tablet  of various women to the audience from Marilyn Monroe, to Paula Dean and Betty White to name a few, which got roars of laughter.

Jess and Kara followed with "Duet of Sull Aria" from Figaro. Accompanied by Courtney and Ron on violin and piano after which Kara introduced the next phase of the show which was a series of popular Neopolitan Songs.

Ron Ramsey delighted the audience with various renditions of songs from "The GodFather" from his seat at the Piano singing "Promise Me You'll Remember" and sharing little tidbits of information about the songs.

Kara and Joe followed Ron with a Duet from the movie "The Quest for Camelot" which was just spectacular!  John Delmer was very theatrical with his rendition of "That's Amore" once again engaging the audience before all of the members gathered to sing "Finiculi, Finicula".

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon for Opera Fans old and new!

OPERA NIGHT AT THE WHITNEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

On Friday evening I was invited to attend my first Opera Notte at the Whit.  I was excited to
be attending and eager to see what a night of Opera would be like.  I am a fan of many
styles of music and enjoy Classical and Opera although I am not educated and
knowledgeable about composers, songs and such, I got a bit of an education that
evening, along with  wonderful memories!

I walked into the Whitney Center of the Arts which I am used to going to Art Shows and
Receptions in the recently converted Women's Club.  A project co-created by Lisa
Whitney and Ghazi Kazmi with a main Gallery and a smaller Colt Gallery with an office or
two thrown in upstairs, which was transformed that evening into a nice little Cafe with
round tables set up, the piano pulled out into the room  and people getting settled in with
their wine and munchies awaiting the performance.

The building in itself is charming and beautiful and with the hustle and bustle of activity
and people it felt very comfortable and welcoming.  The crowd was there and I was seated
with two people I didn't know and the wonderful Rudy Sacco ~ so I felt I was in excellent
company for a wonderful night!

They have a nice little menu which was on the table with food and beverages ranging from
an Italian Specialty Plate, Mediterranean Platter, Chips and Salsa and even a dessert of the
day and Coffee, Tea(s), Cava and White and Red Wines by the glass or bottle depending
upon your needs and a selection of Domestic and Imported Beers and a non Alcoholic
beer as well as Perrier and various Soft Drinks.

The servers flitted around getting the crowd set before the performance.  The wine flowed
and the conversations were plentiful as we all waited for the show to begin.  Lillian Strums
Collection was adorning the walls and the lady herself was also in the house!!!

 
We were treated to a wonderful and eye opening performance by Amber Naramore, Kara
Demler, John Demler, Joseph Sicotte, and Ron Ramsay.  Joe and Ron were on Piano as
well as singing during the evening.

Ron began the evening by instructing us on the correct responses for Opera Etiquette for
showing our appreciation for the performers and encouraged responses followed by a sip
of wine to show our love!

• bravo! - Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a male performer.
• 
  
• brava! -  Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a female performer
• 
  
• bravi! -  Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to two or more performers.

I was mesmerized by a wide range of music from Carmen by John Delmer, followed by
Daughter of the Regiment by Amber who is amazing and, sadly leaving for Hawaii after a
wonderful season at the Whit which began in February.

Kara and John Delmer sang a beautiful Romantic Duet followed by an Aria by Joseph
Sicotte.  Kara and Amber followed with a beautiful Duet   I sat back and enjoyed every
note!

Amber Star Naramore

Kara and John Delmer

Amber performing

 I think my ultimate favourite performance during the evening was an Aria from La Boheme
by Kara Demler who really included the audience including one of my table mates!  As she
scolded him in Italian I was really taken in by the powerful song and her rendition!

There was a special guest performer as well.  Lily Lothrop a 15 year old Sophomore from
Taconic High School made her debut at the Whit.  She has a beautiful voice and a wide
range and she delighted the audience.

They switched from Opera and broke into a series of different songs including one of my
favourites by George Gershwin "Summertime" sung by Amber which was amazing!  Joe
sang Adolpho   which required audience participation and I do believe everyone got into it!

Time flew and before I knew it Amber, Kara, John, Ron, Joe and Lily were singing the finale
from La Traviata and people took their leave.  I took the opportunity to introduce myself to
Lillian Sturm whose amazing Art Collection adorned the walls all month long, in order to
thank her for sharing!

She surprised me by telling me that she had noticed me during the show and could tell I
loved every minute of it.  I had to agree!  My first Opera Night was an amazing experience
which I hope to repeat!  Lillian was warm and friendly and has amazing taste in art so I was
amazed that she had noticed me at all!

I spoke with Lily Lathrop's Dad as I was heading for the door who told me that Lily will be
singing at The Colonial Theatre in the near future!  I cannot wait to see how this your
performer will develop over time!

One of the goals of the Whitney Center for the Arts is to bring Opera to the masses and
for everyone to have a great time!  I can agree that the masses got together indeed, on
Friday evening and everyone left after having a great time!

FUN FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK

My day was filled with the normal feelings I have been experiencing since Wednesday and then some ~ one of my readers wrote in comment that it sounded horrible.  That is true ~ but I failed to tell you that those were the good side effects ~ if they can be call so.

Despite how I felt, I was determined to fit everything in ~ opting to begin with my first ever Christmas Tree Lighting in Park Square, the various ArtWalk Exhibits, and the opening/after party at the Whitney Gallery.

My son was hungry so I had switch up my plans regarding the usual late dinner as is customary on ArtWalk Night.  I still had to take a shower, I got caught up in an old movie and needed to see the end before doing either.

He was going to his brothers so I could not bargain with him in regards to a late dinner anyway so I jumped in the shower and then we began dinner prep broiling a simple steak and nuking a couple of potatoes ~ quick and easy.

I began the broiler and he seasoned the meat ~ I thought he put the meat in the broiler after seasoning it, but when I was upstairs getting dressed he asked me if I wanted him to put it in ~ (he had already begun the potatoes for me) so he basically cooked dinner.  I was such a scatter brain!

When I headed out it was raining slightly which meant that I may have made the wrong choice in coats.  Although I had layers and a hat and gloves some coats I prefer not to get wet ~ and this was one of them!  I continued on hoping for and eventually receiving no rain or what did fall being insignificant.

I was excited about getting out of the house after the past couple of days.  I was not disappointed at the tree lighting ~ enjoying a free hot cocoa from Patricks Pub as is traditional from previous years.  After the countdown the tree was lit and Santa arrived on the Fire Truck.

That was my cue to leave and begin phase two ~ ArtWalk.

I headed off to the MarketPlace Cafe where Nancy Meissner had on exhibit a display of oils and acrylics which had an excellent use and blending of color adding a wonderful touch to her paintings.

I have seen Nancy's sketches in a previous ArtWalk a couple of months ago and was really impress with her work back then.  She is someone to keep an eye on ~ wonderful talent!

Both of her styles of work are well worth the viewing for sure!  Be sure to head to the MarketPlace and check them out.  The food is pretty good as well ~ the paintings will be up for the entire month of December ~ a nice addition to holiday shopping Downtown.

I saw my friend Cindy working so I stopped into the Amazing Pavilion to see when she was getting out of work ~ she is always fun and likes Art as well.  Just my luck ~ she was out in 15 minutes so we made plans to meet up when she was finished.

I checked out a couple of places ~ one was closed and the other had a flag but no Art ~ some days you get a hit and some you miss!  Never discouraged ~ I just headed up to the Crawford Square where there was a group showing at the Kinderhook Real Estate which had many interesting pieces.

I saw Brenda from Brenda & Co. Caterers and she said she had Art and Clam Chowder.  Two of my favorite things to be sure!  I have fond memories of tracking down the best Chowder between Western Mass to Rhode Island to Boston over the course of a summer.  I am happy to find a nice bowl of Chowder downtown.

Michelle Sylvesters layered pastel drawings of rusted and abandoned trucks and her comparison to the trucks with elderly people made me have to look her work over a second time.  ( I am backwards and have a habit of looking at displays in reverse and then read the artist statement ~ hence the second look.) Not something I plan to be sure but it occurs over and over again!

I remember when I first saw the works of Michael Rousseau I think I had to look at least 5 different times. The work was so beautiful and compelling to me.  Each time noticing something new or different.  Sometimes you can't get enough of a good thing.

The Onota Building has a wonderful Christmas Display which I noticed on Wednesday, but cannot get enough of!  Sure to put you in the Christmas Spirit it is a wonderful inclusion donated by the Allegrone family at 74 North Street.

The snowflake lights decorating North Street ~ with the double arch and the music made it almost perfect ~ if only the rain had been snow!  I am sure I will see that before they change the windows!

I stopped into Steven Valenti's Clothing for Men and saw a group showing entitled "Let it Snow" showcasing paintings and photography by Denise B. Chandler, Gerard Natale and Marion Grant.  Some wonderful works as can be expected to be found anywhere and always a delight to chat with Denise!

I ran into Cindy while I was enjoying a wonderful slice of Lemon Cake at Mary's Carrot Cake with Marguerite Bride at the Gallery 25.  I love Marguerite's work and company as well and it was nice chatting with her before the crowd trickled in.

We headed off to two stores so she could get her after work supplies before heading off to the Whitney Center for the Arts where "Whimsy" was on display.  17 illustrators, sculptors, painters and cartoonists from around the world working in a whimsical vein.

As we headed across Park Square to admire the still lit Christmas Tree the rain began to take on a icy and biting feel to it.  We carefully made our way to the gallery.  There were lights flashing outside for effect coming from the second floor.  We were trying to figure out what it was as we were making our way towards the gallery.  A nice touch.

It is always nice to go to the Whitney Gallery.  The are new but they have such a skill with picking appealing artists and works to show.  Today was no different.  I fell in love with the drawings and sculptures!  I loved the dolls ~ their expressions and costumes were amazing!

We chatted with some people and had a good time.  I was getting tired and my friend was getting hot so we headed out into the night after saying goodbye to a couple of people.  As always it was a wonderful time and I continue to look forward to many more good times there in the future!

It was finally snowing!!!!!  We walked out the door into these gigantic blocks falling from the sky!  It wasn't too cold which made it even nicer!!!  I love snow ~ hate cold but love snow.  My experience in the past was that snow was good ~ it was like insulation and made it warmer.

Nowadays I do not find that we get enough snow and with the addition of these mad strong and powerful winds it is a lose lose for me!!!  I would be a bear and hibernate all winter except First Friday ArtWalk if I could!!

I would miss seeing all of the wonderful works of art ~ last and not least Scott Taylor and his wonderful and colorful new works I got to see ~ along with the fresh paint he was laying on his easel.  I am a huge fan as you know of his work and it just keeps developing into a ever more appealing visual delight!

One of the benefits of my life ~ watching great artists get better!  I have a number of artists I have been enjoying and say Cudos!  I am enjoying this part of my journey to be sure!

It is late and I am totally wiped.  I hope it makes sense ~ every word has been a typo practically ~ hope I didn't miss too much.  Bear with me this trip will soon be over ~ tomorrow will be the taper to three pills.  Not expecting much different from today or yesterday for that matter but keep your fingers crossed for me.