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The Rural We: Jesse Freidin

Photo by Sarah Deragon Published this month, the book Finding Shelter presents 100 black and white portraits of shelter dogs and volunteers from across the country, along with their personal stories. The eye behind the camera, Jesse Freidin, is one of America's leading fine art dog photographers, having

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Let’s Party, But Where? Venues Guide, Part 4: Dutchess County

The backdrop of natural beauty in the Rural Intelligence region has been luring brides and grooms to say their “I Do’s” here for years. But really, why shouldn’t any event — birthdays, anniversaries, corporate gatherings — get to enjoy the fabulous venues (and yes, frequently the views) that make a

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Community

The Rural We: Maj Kalfus

Photo: Art School of Columbia County Maj Kalfus has taken a circuitous route to get back to what she loves most: fine arts. She started her career as a fashion illustrator, but the retail industry was turning to photography, and there was no more work for fashion illustrators. Intrigued by

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The Rural We: Karen Christensen

If we — as individuals or as a country — reach a better understanding of China in the future, we may have Karen Christensen to thank for it. The Great Barrington, Mass. resident is the founder and CEO of Berkshire Publishing Group, which has recently announced that it will produce an English

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Community

Let's Party, But Where? Venues Guide, Part 3: The Berkshires

The backdrop of natural beauty in the Rural Intelligence region has been luring brides and grooms to say their “I Do’s” here for years. But really, why shouldn’t any event — birthdays, anniversaries, corporate gatherings — get to enjoy the fabulous venues (and yes, frequently the views) that make a

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Community

Hudson Hall: New Name, New Life for the Opera House

By Jamie Larson(Editor's note: Shortly after publication of this story, the Hudson Opera House announced it is revising its name to "Hudson Hall." Explanation is available on the website.) The Hudson Opera House is now the Henry Hudson Hall Center for the Arts and the

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Community

The Rural We: Gerri Griswold

Gerri Griswold is director of Administration and Development at the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield, Conn. (The Center, founded in 1913 by brother and sister Alain and May White and comprised of 4,000 acres of protected land, is open all year round for hiking, swimming, kayaking and canoeing,

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Community

Act Now! Participation Workshops: Civics 101 In One Day Or Less

Back when civics classes were a regular part of the public school package, we learned not to take our democracy for granted, but there seemed little reason to take that notion to heart. Things are different now, and while we have been slapped awake and propelled into action, we find

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Community

The Rural We: Joan Ackermann

Originally from Cambridge, Mass., playwright Joan Ackermann now makes her home in the Berkshires where she and co-founder Gillian Seidl have run Mixed Company, a theater in Great Barrington, for the past 36 years. A special contributor to Sports Illustrated for many years, Ackerman has also written for Time,

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Community

Let's Party, But Where? Venues Guide, Part 2: Columbia Cty

The backdrop of natural beauty in the Rural Intelligence region has been luring brides and grooms to say their “I Do’s” here for years. But really, why shouldn’t any event — birthdays, anniversaries, corporate gatherings — get to enjoy the fabulous venues (and yes, frequently the views) that make a

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Community

Members with Benefits: The Rest Of The Region

By Jamie Larson Last week we explored the benefits of becoming a member of some of the Berkshires' cultural institutions. The rest of our region, Columbia County, Litchfield County and Northern Dutchess County, is likewise resplendent with arts organizations worth joining. So here, again, we enumerate a few more

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Community

Fulfill Your Role In The Arts: Become A Member

By Jamie Larson Now, as you're receiving seasonal brochures to the region's arts organizations, is perhaps the best time of year to consider becoming more than just a visitor to these institutions. Consider membership. Your support is vital to the enduring legacy of the museums, theaters

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