Casey Kelbaugh at a recent Slideluck in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Photo by John Mazlish.
By Lisa GreenSlideluck, a non-profit organization dedicated to building and strengthening community through food and art, has had a presence in cities throughout the world, but it’s making its first stop in the Berkshires next week, and you’re invited. The event is being hosted by The Barn Gallery at Stonover Farm Bed and Breakfast in Lenox on Thursday, July 16, with the potluck starting at 6:30 p.m. and the slideshow at 8:30 p.m. Part slideshow, part potluck, Slideluck was the brainchild of photographer Casey Kelbaugh, who hosted the first event in his Seattle backyard in 2000. The idea was to bring artists out of their studios and show their work via slideshow to the community, with potluck meals provided by the guests. Since then, more than 100 cities worldwide have hosted Slideluck events and presented the work of about 10,000 artists. Each community sets up its own event, backed by the sizable staff of Slideluck, now based in New York City. And while most of the Slidelucks occur in metropolitan areas, Kelbaugh is excited to bring the concept to a rural setting. He’s known the Werman family, owners of Stonover Farm, for years, and they’ve talked about a collaboration for a long time. Suky Werman, who curates The Barn Gallery, was aware of Slideluck — her kids had attended a few of them in Brooklyn — so she was familiar with the concept and always had it in the back of her mind for The Barn Gallery to host. “Last year we came relatively close, but Suky wasn’t ready, so we decided to plan it out," Kelbaugh says. “The property is the perfect location — the idea of doing it with a big open barn is so exciting." Since the first event 15 years ago, Slidelucks have expanded beyond a backyard-type venue, Kelbaugh says, but there’s still an authenticity each time. “We’ve worked hard to keep the community barbecue feeling."
Werman, who has long been affiliated with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires (she’s currently on the board), sees the event as a way to draw a wider crowd to the art experience. Yes, it’s a way to broaden the community who comes to see work at The Barn Gallery, but the combination of food and slideshow will also, she thinks, attract a more multigenerational crowd. She's curated the show of more than 20 artists (local and otherwise) from a range of media – photography, painting, ceramics, textiles. Their work will be available in the Gallery, and a portion of each sale will be donated to IS183. The Slideluck organization sends out a team to help produce the event, with sponsors Brooklyn Brewery and Souverain wine supplying the beverages. Think Tanglewood picnic: come prepared to spread out on the lawn to both eat and watch the slideshow, which will be projected on the barn exterior (in case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside). What to bring? Keep the Cheetos at home, please, and consider supplying an appetizer, salad, main course or dessert to share with some portion of the crowd. Werman is hoping for a gathering of 150-170 people. Although it’s always tough to anticipate the participation, Kelbaugh says it always works out. Come for the feast, stay for the show. It just may be the event of Summer '15. Slideluck BerkshiresThursday, July 16, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Barn Gallery, Lenox
