Tina Sotis Issues 2010 Calendar

Sandisfield artist, Tina Sotis, has released a 2010 calendar featuring 12 of her paintings. The calendar measures 11x 17 when fully opened, and sports a satin cord that keeps the pages together and provides a hanging mechanism.

Tina Sotis paintings emphasize light, shadow, space and the mystery of how alone and yet how related we all are. Her work is in collections nationwide. The images selected were chosen from over 200 works created throughout Sotis’ career and represent some of her favorite paintings. “I like the idea of sharing a collection of my work in a format that everyone can afford,” said Sotis.

Calendars are $18 each†(3 or more $15 each). The calendar in its entirety is available for viewing online at www.tinasotis.com. To order, call (413) 258-8166.

SANDISFIELD CULTURAL COUNCIL SEEKS PROPOSALS

SANDISFIELD, MA -- The Sandisfield Cultural Council has set an October 15 postmark deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Sandisfield and surrounding towns including exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures.

The Sandisfield Cultural Council will also entertain funding proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school-age children to attend cultural field trips.

The Sandisfield Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

This year, the Sandisfield Cultural Council will distribute about $4,000 in grants. Previously funded projects include: Berkshire Theatre Festival and Shakespeare & Co. residencies in the schools, class trips for Farmington River Regional School children, concerts for Seniors, and support for Sandisfield Arts Center programs. The Sandisfield Cultural Council is currently seeking new members.

For specific guidelines and additional information, contact Liana Toscanini at (413) 258-4904 or liana@communityaccesstothearts.org. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp. Application forms are also available at Town Hall, the library and the post office.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT SANDISFIELD ARTS CENTER

Sandisfield, MA – On Friday evening, September 4th, The Sandisfield Arts Center launches a 12-week film series featuring local hosts, commentary, and refreshments. Screenings take place on Friday evenings at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $5.

Author and film enthusiast, Simon Winchester, opens the series on September 4th with “I Know Where I’m Going,” a 1945 romance by the British-based filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Winchester will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterwards. On September 25th, he will host “The Red Shoes.”

On September 11, French filmmaker and Sandisfield resident, Diego Ongaro, will host the 1959 Truffaut film, “400 Blows.” Bonner McAllester of Monterey will host “Salt of the Earth” on September 18 based on a 1951 zinc miner's strike that took place in Silver City, New Mexico.

Singer/Songwriter, Kenn Morr (named “Best New Band” by the Hartford Advocate), performs on September 12th at 8PM. Tickets are $15. Earlier that evening, two Sandisfield photographers host an opening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Richard Migot features photographs of the Berkshires and Flora Parisky presents photographs of her travels in Europe and the United States.

On Saturday, September 19, Karl Saliter’s Circus Comedy takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with fun for the whole family. The show features unicycles, juggling, audience participation and continuous laughter. Tickets for adults are $10, $5 for children.

These programs are made possible by grants from the Sandisfield and Otis Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Sandisfield Arts Center is located on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield. For directions, reservations and more information about the historic building and upcoming programs, visit www.sandisfieldartscenter.org or call 258-4100.

Variety Show at Sandisfield Arts Center July 25

On Saturday, July 25th at 8 P.M., award-winning humorist, John Meeks will host an evening of different performing genres by talented Berkshire artists. The variety show takes place at the Sandisfield Arts Center on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield. Tickets are $12.

Song, poetry, story, prose, humor, movement, and the unexpected are to be expected. The evening is presented with the informality of an open-mike night and includes singer/songwriter, JoAnne Spies, slam poet, Dylan Lundgren, performance artist, Roz Peis, and storyteller, Darlene White. Vocalist, Francine Ciccarelli, and guitarist, Peter K, round out the performance along with the warmth and humor of John Meeks.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Sandisfield and Otis Cultural Councils, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Historical Society Fair

The Sandisfield Historical Society Fair was held on July 11, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the meeting house. State Representative, Smitty Pignatelli, and State Senator, Ben Downing, attended the ceremony and presented the Historical Society with a plaque commemorating the event. Good weather was welcomed by all!

July Events at Sandisfield Arts Center

July finds the Sandisfield Arts Center in full swing. The historic building, saved and renovated by a dedicated group of residents, is once again the site of many community events.

On Sunday, July 5th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monterey artist, Joe Baker, will exhibit landscape paintings and pastels. A student of the natural world, Baker is also a musician, violin-maker, and computer programmer. The exhibit runs through July 28.

On Saturdays, July 11 and 18, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon, an American History and Culture Forum Series will focus on free speech, expression and thought, and the challenges to those freedoms in the American historical experience. Bill Cohn and Val Coleman, both Sandisfield residents, will undertake an historical, legal and cultural assessment of our free speech provisions as outlined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Audience participation is encouraged. Admission is $5.

Two popular Berkshire Groups join forces on Saturday, July 11 at 8 p.m. for a joyous evening of folk and fiddle (and djembe, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bouzouki, penny whistle, and viola). Admission for Bottom of the Bucket and Common Thread is $15.

Lauren Paul offers a 6-week stretch class designed to tone and relax the whole body, mind and spirit. Paul is a licensed acupuncturist and certified shiatsu therapist with a background in dance. All experience levels are welcome. Classes meet Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. from July 7 to August 16. For information about prices and to register, call (413) 258-4296.

The Sandisfield Arts Center is located on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield. Once a Baptist Meeting House and orthodox synagogue, the 1839 building in now used as a community arts center offering affordable cultural and educational programs, funded in part by grants from the Sandisfield and Otis Cultural Councils. Reservations may be made by calling 258-4100. More information and directions at www.sandisfieldartscenter.org.

Honeydrop

Honeydrop, voted the best new organic health drink at the national health food show in Boston, was developed by David Luks, son of Karen and Allan Luks of Sandisfield. It is now in Guido's (and Whole Foods stores nationally). It's in four flavors, the only organic drink sweetened just by honey, and has only 40 calories a serving. It has a wonderfully light taste, just a touch of sweetness. Try some soon!