There's nothing we at RI love more than covering the region's galas; it's the perfect opportunity to visit with wonderful old friends, meet interesting new ones, and nosh on delicious food and drink produced right here in our area. That's why picking only a handful of parties for our year-end wrap-up was as difficult as trying to choose a new American Idol, or deciding who will receive a rose on The Bachelor. As the judges (or bachelors) always say in those situations, “It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make; I loved things about each one of them; I'm here to find love, I'm not here to make friends." Okay, that last one doesn't apply here... but you get the idea. Below is a sampling of the galas, gallery openings, fetes, and festivals that make our jobs so fun. (Click here to relive all of 2013's parties.) Goin’ to Town: Townscape Valentine’s Party at Gilmor GlassA glass factory became the site of a colorful and cool soiree for Millerton's lovers. Hitting Home: Benefit Rock Concert for Columbia County Habitat for HumanityHelsinki Hudson hosted a night of local rock gods and goddesses performing for a great cause. IS183’s Annual Gala: Ground Control to Major FunBig Bang at the Energy Vortex turned Berkshire residents into one-night-only art installations, sparkly and ready to party. Trade Secrets: Shopping and Socializing for a Worthy CauseOver one thousand shoppers (including Martha Stewart) descended on Lion Rock Farm to benefit Women’s Support Services. Curtains Up on Summer at the TriArts Sharon PlayhouseTheater stars and drama supporters packed the house for a preview of summer shows. Columbia Land Conservancy’s Country Barbecue: Come Rain or Come ShineLocal folks enjoyed a true farm experience, including snuggling baby farm animals, negotiating hay mazes, and enjoying down-home music and food. Like the Temperature Outside: Ellsworth Kelly Hits NinetyA living legend and patron of the arts was feted on his birthday at Thompson Giroux Gallery. Fast Cars Under the Stars: Annual Gala for Community Mental Health AffiliatesClassic cars and classy duds made for a beautiful sight at Lakeville's Lime Rock Park. Fade Out On the Berkshire International Film FestivalAnother successful BIFF drew to a close with the screening of a highly praised film and an after-party full of stars. The Wright Stuff: Berkshire Playwrights Lab Gala Celebration Of New WorksTreat Williams and Tony Shalhoub helped BPL kick off its sixth year of new works. Jacob’s Pillow Season Opening Gala InspiresA summertime preview and celebration of dance deep in the woods brought a crowd to Becket. OMI Party in GhentGlobal creativity met rural charm at OMI's annual to-do for its supporters, fans and artists in residence from all over the globe. How Time Flies: Fisher Center for the Performing Arts’ Tenth Anniversary GalaArchitect Frank Gehry, designer of the 10-year-old Center, helped Bard celebrate its past and raise funds for its future. A Touch of Lewis Carroll At Berkshire Botanical’s Fete des FleursThe BBG's “Down the Rabbit Hole" themed fete inspired guests to don their fanciest fedoras and most beautiful bonnets. Bidwell House Museum Throws a Party That’s The Cat’s PajamasFiddletop Estate's majestic acres helped make this "Roaring Twenties" party the bee's knees. Litchfield Jazz Opening Night GalaA swinging soiree and performances by talented, energy-filled Jazz Camp students kicked off a successful 16th year for the Festival. Potential Fields Artist ReceptionClermont Historic Site's first-ever contemporary art exhibit on its grounds was a smashing success. Word Above the Street: WordxWord Rooftop PartyThe spoken word Festival's sold-out opening party saw a super-hip crowd climb way up to get down. MOMIX and Susan B. Anthony Project’s Golden HourA good cause invited supporters to a private, sunset performance in a gorgeous Connecticut garden. Mod and Cool on a Hot Day: AIDS Council Garden PartyThe Columbia County Garden Party brought a fun and fancy crowd to a cool home on a hot day. Good Neighbors: The Hammertown Barn Party and AuctionTwo community funds joined forces to raise money with an amazing auction under the Hammertown tent. Healthy Competition: Literary Death MatchA raucous, and occasionally ribald, laugh-out-loud story slam invaded Edith Wharton's former stables. HOH Gala Veinte! is Hot Hot HotA night of hot Latin Jazz marked the Hudson Opera House’s 20th annual fete. MASS MoCA NYC GalaThe Museum partied in the big city in order to bring the best and boldest music to the Berkshires.
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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
