Cultural correspondent Bess J.M. Hochstein reports from Williamstown: To open its winter exhibition, Giovanni Boldini in Impressionist Paris, on February 13, The Clark threw a somewhat French-accented party -- largely by dint of the food: fondue (both cheese and chocolate) served in the café; classic Gallic dishes, such as croque monsieur, coquilles St. Jacques, and saucisson-en-croute, passed as hors d’oeuvres; plus large framed-mirror platters of morbier, brie, and other fromages and patés. The party’s theme, “Picture Yourself at The Clark,” referenced Boldini’s renown for society portraiture. The theme was well integrated into party activities; guests queued up to have artists Julia Dixon and Michael Rousseau sketch their portraits and to slip into a photo booth, and photographs taken throughout the evening were projected on a lobby wall. Of course the Boldini show was the main event, and these romantic paintings surely helped guests get in the mood on the eve of Valentine’s Day.
Carol Palmer of Boston and Ghetta Hirsch of Williamstown.
Williamstown Theatre Festival trustee Jid Sprague with Dr. Keith Edwards and his wife, Judy Edwards.; artist Rebecca Weinmann & stilt walker Abigail Elwood.
The Clark's executive director, Michael Conforti, with Kelly Pask, director of exhibitions and curator of decorative arts, Kathy Morris and Julie Chase, director of special projects for The Clark.
Peter Hansen and his wife, Petra Krauledat, chairman of the board of Hancock Shaker Village; Williams College student Sara Ahmed & Ayla Butt.
Artists Jeff & Jane Hudson, who run the Hudsons boutiques at MASS MoCA and on Spring Street in Williamstown.
Hancock Shaker Village CEO Ellen Spear and her husband, Brad Spear, the classical music radio commentator; Rus Peotter, general manager of WGBY, and his wife, Jennifer.
Tony Patterson of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, and Carolann Patterson of Williamstown Theatre Festival; lovebirds N. Richard Gershon & Monique Gershon of Canaan, NY.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
