Amy Krzanik reports from Lenox.Despite the rain, spirits were high on Saturday, May 11, as Community Access to the Arts (CATA) celebrated its 20th anniversary in style at Shakespeare and Company. The night’s festivities included cocktails, silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, and a dance party with DJ BFG to close out the gala. But the highlight of the evening came as 50 CATA participants took the stage at the Tina Packer Theater. Founder and Executive Director Sandra Newman (second from left, with Roselle Chartock, CATA Board President John Whalan, and Alan Chartock) spoke about the nonprofit’s mission and wonderful successes, and then let the evening’s performances speak for themselves. Both teachers and students acted, sang, rapped, tapped, danced, juggled, and serenaded their way into the hearts of the delighted audience. Congratulations, CATA, and here’s to 20 more years of helping Berkshire County’s adults with disabilities be “a part of art."
Caitlin Nash, Annie Selke, Chris Masiero, and Kelly Vickery; CATA board member Catherine Mandel and supporter Nancy Kalodner.
Cory and Tony Schifano; Paula and Andy Miller with Andrew Beckwith.
Terry Wise, Nancy Nirenberg, and Jay Wise; CATA faculty artists Lara Gonzalez and Yael Shacham.
Tyler Weld and daughter; Ana Suffish and CATA co-chair Linda Cooper.
Gala committee member Trisha Killeen and husband Brian Killeen; Pete and Jen Salinetti with children Noelia and Diego.
Board member Elaine Radiss with Hope Davis; board member Melissa McGarrity and gala committee member Margaret Keller.
Hester Velmans and Edith Velmans; donors Vicki Bonnington and David Schecker.
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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
