It has been a busy winter at the Sandisfield Arts Center as we prepare for our thirtieth anniversary of our organization (1995-2025) and our upcoming performance season.

Thanks to the generosity of foundations, the Garfield family, and numerous generous donors (see our webpage), the building has undergone extensive renovation.

Probably the most significant change is the removal of the old oil burner and installation of heat pumps for both air conditioning and heating. No longer will we have to distribute hand fans to help patrons stay cooler during sweltering summer performances. And substantial insulation now fills the attic and other areas, which will help to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Shows on stage will look even better thanks to a new stage lighting bar, designed by Thomas Rindge and installed by Berkshire Production Resources run by Maia Robbins-Zust, who along with Peter Baiamonte donated their time and expertise. To top it off, sound will be improved thanks to new audio cables and newer speakers which were also installed.

In the downstairs gallery, new sheetrock, lighting, and paint will improve our ability to display art shows and allow them to be hung and removed more easily.

The amazing transformation was also made possible by the donation of talent, time, and energy by Sandisfield architects Nick Elton and Jerry Herman, the project management of Jean Atwater-Williams, and the careful carpentry of Steve Crump.

To Kick Off Our Next 30 Seasons

Come see for yourself at our grand opening for the renovated building, Friday, May 30, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The theme for this season is "Celebrate Sandisfield." The opening exhibit, arranged by Josie Miner, is the "Landscape We Live" which pays tribute to Sandisfield - the topography, trees, totems, rocks, rivers, animals, and artists who call it home. There will be joy to share and we hope everyone in Sandisfield can indulge in the joy with us. If you miss the opening reception the gallery will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00-3:00 p.m. and during other performances until July 6.

Upcoming events:

Saturday, May 31 will be busy. At 10:00 a.m., local historian and author Ron Bernard will introduce his latest book - almost two years in the making, From Church to Synagogue to Arts Center: Celebrating 185 years of Community and Culture.

His talk with slides will be all about the history of the building and the three very different communities that cherished this place. If you've read his earlier Sandisfield history books, you know you are in store for a treat. Proceeds from book sales and the talk to benefit the Arts Center.

Sandisfield talent doesn't stop there, also on Saturday, May 31 at 2:00 p.m., local poets Hannah Fries and Hilde Weisert will read poems inspired by our landscape. At 4:00 p.m., a reception will honor Sandisfield's Unsung Heroes, the people who contribute so much to our community but often go unnoticed.

It will be hard to top such a fabulous weekend, but we plan to do it again the first weekend in June which will be dedicated to horses.

On Saturday, June 7 at 10:00 a.m., Kari Weil of Monterey will talk about Horse Sense. She specializes in human-animal interactions and rides at Sandisfield's Sunny Rose Farm. And who better to celebrate than Rose Nelson who runs Sunny Rose Farm. That will happen between 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Three popular writers who have written books about horses will hold a panel discussion about writing and horses: Courtney Maum (memoir), Donnalson Brown (novel) and Barbara Newman, (YA book).

The event will culminate with Rose Nelson talking about her journey and her stable. The next day, Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m., will feature the "Poetry of Horses." Local poets and citizens (you) will have the opportunity to read favorite horse poems including Maxine Kumin, whose poems reflect her connection to the horses she loved and bred on her farm.