Marty Lasker Lecture Series - 2008

Exploring the Arts: Rhythms, Textures, and Colors
Monday evenings at 7:30 pm

All programs are free and will be held in the air-conditioned Philip Barber Gallery (upstairs gallery) at The Becket Arts Center. Seating for all presentations is on a first-come, first-served basis. Refreshments available at intermission.



Coolhead Luke: A Tribute to our Lecture Series Founder, Marty Lasker
Monday July 7^th • 7:30pm

Author Jennifer White, and 12 year old illustrator Colin White, daughter and grandson of Barbara and the late Marty Lasker, will discuss Coolhead Luke and Other Stories, from their recently published book of humorous poems for children. Come meet a cheerleader with no neck, a cuddly Cyclops, Siamese septuplets, the King of Mud and dozens of other spirited characters. Silly and inspiring, this collection delights adults as well as children of all ages.

Jen and Colin will be reading from their collection, discussing the path to publishing, answering questions, and offering personalized editions of Coolhead Luke for sale.


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A Closer Look at Norman Rockwell's America
Monday July 14^th • 7:30pm

"Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed, to others who might not have noticed." Norman Rockwell, a remarkable painter and a complex man, captured the American imagination with compassionate images of family, community, and the world at large. This illustrated talk will explore Rockwell's technical and artistic process, his experiences as a working illustrator, and the extensive body of work that became a defining national influence.

Stephanie Haboush Plunkett is the Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. She is the author of two American Library Association Notable children's books and the curator of many exhibitions for the Rockwell Museum.


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Achieving Color and Rhythm in Music
Monday July 21^st • 7:30 pm

Listening to your requests, John Paxton, with his fabulous trio will return to perform their unique and remarkable arrangements of gospel music. His extreme freedom of style and structure clearly illustrate the intrinsic nature of gospel music.

John Paxton has directed choirs and performed as soloist at several churches in New York City. He currently directs the Wilcox-Jackson Choir, the Chorale Ensemble, and the Male Choir at Great Centennial A. M. E. Zion Church in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. His broad musical background includes performances with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Frank Parker Singers, and extends to the worlds of Musical Theatre and Opera.


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Energetic Rhythms: BTC's Rapidly Moving Educational Theatre
Monday July 28^th • 7:30pm

Cynthia Saunders, Director of Education for the Barrington Stage Company, will share firsthand knowledge and experiences about the Playwright Mentoring Project (PMP) as well as other BSC educational programs. The PMP won national recognition in January when First Lady Laura Bush presented the Coming Up Taller award to the project director, Frank LaFrazia and Pittsfield High School senior, Greg Vyska.

Cynthia Saunders oversees the development and implementation of all educational programming at the theatre including Kids Act!, Professional Internships, and the Playwright Mentoring Project. She has developed and facilitated creative workshops for a wide range of students (4th through high school). Her own writing appears in the Berkshire Review and in "Out There," a column, appearing regularly in a publication created by the Berkshire Visitor's Bureau.


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How the Market Works: Fashion Peaks and Lows!
Monday August 4^th • 7:30pm

Jeannene Booher, Fashion Designer, will speak about fashion - its universal appeal, the changing attitudes toward clothing and apparel, and just what factors contribute to style, vogue, fad, and rage in the fashion market.

Jeannene Boohar has 45 years of accomplished experience in the fashion industry in New York City. Her focus continues to be in the design and manufacturing of women's apparel. Commuting frequently to New York City, she continues to enjoy her home / studio in the Berkshires.


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Creating Colorful Gardens
Monday August 11^th • 7:30pm.

Viewing and admiring the gardens at Jacob's Pillow and all seven branches of Berkshire Bank is a delightful pleasure for Berkshire County residents. These gardens and many more (both public and private) are the result of Valerie Locher's creative planning and innovative style. In addition to her slide show featuring many extraordinary gardens, she will discuss the influence of texture, color, and location when planning a garden.

Valerie Locher is both a professional greenhouse grower and owner of Valerie Locher Horticulturists, Inc, a horticultural service business serving Berkshire County for over 31 years.


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Special thanks to Barbara Lasker, Chair of the Marty Lasker Lecture Series
and administrator of the Marty Lasker Fund. Without the support of the
Fund this free lecture series would not be possible.