Finding Raven: Berkshire Museum Parties With Leather And Feathers
Amy Krzanik reports from Pittsfield. Once upon a midnight dreary, a Gothic vibe pervaded the normally vivid and cheery Berkshire Museum on Friday, June 10. (The weather was actually mild and it started at 5:30 p.m., not midnight, but I digress…) Guests embraced this year’s “Raven’s Ball" gala theme by donning ebony evening dresses, brocade vests, black leather pants, ascots ala Edgar Allan Poe and, of course, an abundance of dramatic feathers. Peacock plumage sticking out of hats and pockets, feather-fringed belts and shoes, black feather boas and even some, ahem, downy décolletage made appearances. The inspiration for this year’s affair came from the Museum’s current exhibit, Finding Raven: Art and Stories from the Northwest Coast, which gala-goers were able to explore throughout the night. Cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in the Spark!Lab preceded a live auction led by gala co-chair Robin McGraw, which raised over $75,000 for the Museum and its programs. The reward for all that good will was a generous spread from Main Street Catering and Events, an open bar that included a signature Dark and Stormy cocktail, formal portrait sittings with photographer Bill Wright, a dance party with DJ BFG (a.k.a. Gabriel Squailia, who also read to and wrote poems for the crowd) and more. Will we soon see a bash like this one that just passed? “Doubtless," say I, “Nevermore." [Above: David Schecker, Rosemary Harnett, Vicki Bonnington and Larry Harnett.]
Maureen and Michael Hinkley pose with the Museum's Executive Director Van Shields; Michelle and Perri Petricca with Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer and former Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto.
Andi McGraw, Museum benefactor Claudia Perles and gala committee co-chair Buzz McGraw; Veronica Martin and James Moore.
Gala committee members Louis and Mary Ann Yarmosky; John Krol, Micaelah Morrill, Allison Krol and Mass. State Senator Ben Downing.
Lauren and Paul Raphael LeBlanc
Vicky May and Peter Alvarez; Ellen Kelly, Brenda Noble and Sharon Huban show off their henna tattoos.
Lynessa Moses, Chelsea Tyer and Denise Talabach; Darcie Sosa and gala committee member Caitlin Pemble.
Marcia Mitchell, poet Sarah Trudgeon and Tessa Kelly; photographer Ogden Gigli with Keith Emerling.
Kimberly Donoughe and Johanna Batman of the Berkshire Museum; Michael Vincent Bushy, artist Benigna Chilla and Kristen van Ginhoven.
Shela Hidalgo, Museum board member Ethan Klepetar and Mackenzie Greer; gala committee member Micaelah Morrill sits for a henna tattoo.
Your party isn't complete until the dancing T-Rex shows up.
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