A talk by Mariah Robertson one of the artists, of our current show, “Illuminated: Women in Photography,” will be our last event for the season. The Arts Center will close for winter after a rich season of art, music, discussions, and programs that included the film “The Whole Gritty City” by Andre Lambertson and the magician Tomáš Kubinek.

With seventeen events it would be difficult to pick the most impactful. As a geologist, I was delighted that Williams College Professor Paul Karabinos’ talk about the 1.2 billion-year rich and complicated history of the Berkshires, so clearly described where we live, providing a new perspective on the town we call home. As an educator, “The Whole Gritty City” showed the transformative power of education. In this film, it was music education, but I believe all education has the power to be transformative.

The many music programs were spiritually uplifting and just fun. They included the jazz trio Triple Play with Chris Brubeck, Joel Brown, and Peter “Madcat” Ruth, the solo selections of romantic piano music performed by Josh Luxon Robinson, Sandisfield’s The stage for the play, “Dick and Jim,” starring Marlon Carey (left) as James Baldwin and Geof Newton as Richard Avedon. Photo: Peter Baiamonte own Bill Taylor and Friends ensemble, and storyteller and songwriter Bobby Sweet.

With all of these programs it is impossible to pick a favorite, but two linger prominently in my mind. Poet and playwright Neil Silberblatt’s play-in-progress, “Dick and Jim,” about the imaginary dialogue between the fashion photographer Richard Avedon and essayist/activist James Baldwin, high school friends, as they collaborated on their powerful 1964 book, Nothing Personal.

And what became a serious discussion led by Dr. Diane Meier, a McArthur “genius” award winner, about caring for people with serious illness at all stages of life.

The Arts Center has begun some substantial renovations, so the 2025 program may be more limited as we accommodate the changes. Nevertheless, we look forward to a robust season and hope you will join us.