Hubby and I got to spend a whirlwind weekend in the Berkshires and despite the crummy weather that's been the hallmark of this spring, we had a wonderful time! We've learned over the years not to let no stinkin' rain get in the way of our fun!
We were headed out to the Berkshires but since we weren't going to be able to check in to our B and B until 3pm, I suggested we stop along the way in Amherst, MA to see the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. We had been there once before, a long time ago, but it was time for another exhibit and I'm very glad we went.
Their main gallery was dedicated to Eric Carle and his association with Japan. I never knew he actually had his first and most famous book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", published first in Japan because there wasn't a publisher in America who wanted to figure out the odd layout and page sizes of the book.
He loved the country and continued his association with his publisher there. He also made friends with Kazuo Iwamura with whom he collaborated on a book called, "Where Are You Going? To See My Friend". The book was written in English from left to right, and then in Japanese from right to left, meeting in the middle. They each illustrated their own half of the book. All the artwork was displayed on the walls in the gallery.
It was a very interesting and informative visit. I've always loved Eric Carle and often use his books in my teaching, so learning these facts about him was very cool.
And now we were on our way out to Great Barrington, MA. We stayed at the Thornewood Inn. It was a very nice place and very cozy. That first day we were there was nice and hot and sunny, so we swam in the beautiful pool and met some of our fellow travelers.
On our itinerary for Saturday night, and the main reason for our visit to Western MA, was a concert at the famous Guthrie Center. This iconic venue was originated in the song, "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie, and the site of the famous garbage incident in the song. Arlo's family took the venue, which was an old church, and turned it into an entertainment center. It's been on Hubby's bucket list for a long time.
I thought it was pretty cool that we were greeted by Arlo's grandson, Mo. He was so personable and gracious and very happy to be working at the venue his Grandfather's family created.
The opening set was by a young man named Owen. The Guthrie Center likes to spotlight new and emerging talent.
The Main Event was Vance Gilbert, a singer/songwriter who has been producing music for over 30 years. He had some beautiful songs, both sad and funny, as well as some very interesting arrangements of a couple of cover songs. He was very personable with the audience. He spent his entire intermission break greeting and talking to people in the crowd.
On Sunday we visited my favorite museum, The Norman Rockwell. We go there every time we visit the Berkshires.
His beautiful 26" x 95" painting of "downtown" Stockbridge. We visited one December so we could visit the real Stockbridge, where they recreate this scene every year.
Norman Rockwell was very interested in Human Rights and painted some of his most iconic paintings during the 60's and 70's. He has a stunning painting of Ruby Bridges entering school escorted by Federal Marshalls. They ran a video of an interview with the present-day Ruby Bridges, talking about her memories of those school days and how she wondered why no one would play with her.
One of my favorite paintings, part of his 4-painting series on American Freedoms. This one is called, "Freedom from Want".
Just one of my favorites.
The room downstairs depicting all 321 of Norman Rockwell's Post covers. They take up three walls!
In the afternoon we visited downtown Stockbridge and guess what Hubby found!!
And guess what Karen found!
Sunday night we drove a half hour to Chatham, NY to the Mac-Haydn Theater to see a stage production of "Footloose". It's a theater-in-the-round, holding only about 350 people. We were practically right on stage with the actors!! We weren't allowed to take pictures during the performance, but the singing and dancing were sensational! Too bad the theater is so far from home, because next week they're doing "The Sound of Music"!
We packed a lot into a short weekend, but what a trip!!
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