Amy Krzanik reports from Stockbridge.Chesterwood held its season opening party and fundraiser on May 23, giving guests the chance to tour sculptor Daniel Chester French’s former studio as well as this year’s Boston Sculptors Gallery site-specific exhibit installed throughout the grounds. Before enjoying dinner catered by Peter Platt of The Old Inn on the Green, supporters were treated to a performance by Berkshire Pulse dancers who, under the tutelage of Tom Masters, performed in the guises of former Chesterwood guests Isadora Duncan, Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis. While last year’s gala celebrated the reopening of French’s diligently rehabbed studio, this year’s festivities will contribute to repairs crucial to the preservation of the main residence. Above, Chesterwood's director, Donna Hassler, with Tony Knerr and Carole Hyatt.
Susan and Michael Michaud with Suzanne Crerar and David Haust; sculptor-in-residence Roberley Bell with Kimberly Rawson.
Marco Greenberg and Stacey Nelkin; artist Helga S. Orthofer, Nancy Fitzpatrick and Patty Ellis.
Jim Culliton of Allegrone, a gala sponsor, and singer Mary Verdi with Diana and Sorin Fiscu.
Morgan Russell, Margot Stamas and Jeremy Siegel; Dave Cornellier and Katie Soules Cornellier of gala sponsor Stone House Properties.
Berkshire Pulse dancers Katelyn Shannon, Jake Smerechniak and Celeste Harshbarger; Dinner was served in the tent behind the main residence on Chesterwood's lush grounds.
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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
