In this 1st ever Pride Art Exhibit, celebrate 13 Local LGBTQ+ Artists, see their works, meet the artists, & enjoy beverages, cheese, & the diverse creativity of this amazing community.  

Discover the vibrant creativity of the Berkshires at the Becket Arts Center's 2025 Summer Marketplace! Held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this lively arts and crafts market kicks off the summer season on the historic grounds of the Becket Arts Center, Becket Athenaeum, and Mullen House in charming North Becket.

Browse a diverse array of handcrafted treasures from talented local and regional artisans. From unique artwork and jewelry to pottery, textiles, and more, you're sure to find something special for yourself or as a gift.

In addition to our artisans, we will offer gallery talks with our exhibitions curator, plein air painting, and a caricature artist. This rain-or-shine event offers a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and immerse yourself in the rich artistic spirit of our community. Join us for a delightful day of shopping, creativity, and summer fun!

Be sure to visit our local eateries for special marketplace meals!

Join our Berkshire Plein Air group to paint, draw and photograph at an outside location in Becket. (Actual Location TBD)

Open to artists of all levels. Work till noon, then join us for lunch (bring a lunch) and critique providing positive suggestions. Bring your oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography or digital painting equipment.

Wednesdays, once a month from 10am - 1pm with a break for lunch

$10 / Person - Free for Members of the Becket Arts Center & Members of the Guild of Berkshire Artists

Sign up by 6:30 pm the night before. Weather and regulations permitting

Featuring artists of Becket Arts Center & Guild of Berkshire Artists

Jeff Nestel-Patt

Keith White

Barbara Patton

Lou Wallach

ML Kammel

Mary O Davidson

Bruce Shickmanter

Lee Rogers

The Lucky 4 is a hard-swinging jazz band that blends 30’s and 40’s style swing with gypsy and Parisian flavors to create a unique blend of music that stands by itself. Combining originals and creative reworks of old standards, The Lucky 4 continues to be a favorite among music lovers young and old alike.

The band is comprised of highly seasoned touring musicians, having been part of The Hunger Mountain Boys, Lauren Ambrose & The Leisure Class, and traveled, performed and recorded with artists such as Neko Case, Iris Dement, Bobby Previte, Del McCoury, Jim Lauderdale, just to name a few.

The Lucky 4 brings verve, high energy, and an unpredictable impulse to the tradition of jazz from the 20's, 30's and 40's, grooving deeply, and keeping feet moving on the dance floor.

https://www.theluckyfive.com/

Bring a chair, a picnic, friends or just yourself. Held outdoors on the Becket Arts Center lawn.

Free and open to the public Donations appreciated

Step back in time and celebrate the Roaring Twenties at a stylish garden party! Whether you fancy donning your most dapper hat, a breezy summer dress, or prefer to come as you are, all are welcome to join us for an enchanting afternoon.

The Becket Arts Center warmly invites you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Canterbury Farm's stunning gardens in Becket. Join the farm's owners at 3:30, the knowledgeable Dave Bacon, for an engaging talk and a guided tour through their verdant oasis.

Bring your lawn chair and indulge in refreshing summer drinks and delectable appetizers, and lawn games as the sounds of live music at 4:15 fill the air, courtesy of Dave Bacon & friends. A cash bar will also be available.

By joining us for this special event, you'll be directly supporting the vital artistic and cultural programs of the Becket Arts Center.

Tickets are $20 for members, and we're delighted to offer one complimentary guest admission per member. Non-members can join the celebration for $25, which includes a special discount on a new Becket Arts Center membership, available only on this day! This event will proceed rain or shine, ensuring a wonderful afternoon regardless of the weather.

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Matt Tannenbaum screens his film “Hello, Bookstore” Directed and Photographed by A.B. Zax.

“In the shadow of the pandemic, a small town rallies to protect a beloved local bookstore.”

For almost fifty years, Matt Tannenbaum has made The Bookstore in Lenox, Massachusetts a local institution treasured by book lovers near and far. Also home to the Get Lit wine bar and the legendary Shade Gallery, The Bookstore continues to thrive and expand in new dimensions. His memoir "My Years at the Gotham Book Mart with Frances Steloff, Proprietor" is available wherever exceptional books are sold (i.e. The Bookstore). 

Sponsored by Greylock Design Associates

Do you love to dance? Do you enjoy connecting with your body and your expressive self? Join us in this gently paced movement class that includes a warm up, simple phrases across the floor and fun and creative movement improvisations.

$15 per class ($5/$10 for BAC members). All ability levels are welcome! 18 and over.

Step into the enchanting world of the Berkshires with the Becket Arts Center Garden Tour! This event invites you to explore some of the most captivating private and public gardens nestled within the picturesque landscape of Becket and the surrounding hilltowns.

“Songstress, Chantell, is a classically trained artist from Chicago, now residing in the idyllic hills of Berkshire County. 

In her early career, Chantell performed on studio albums for PBS Kids and Sesame Street. She has also shared the stage with Grammy winning and nominated artists. 

In 2021, Chantell performed in a concert of encouragement and hope for essential workers featuring Cellist, Yo-yo Ma and The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s, Emmanuel Ax.

In 2023, Chantell joined the Diego Mongue Band and was a semi finalist in the International Blues Challenge. Diego Mongue Band has been on the Hit Tracks Top 100 chart for months. Their latest album reached #10 on the Roots Music Report and top 40 on the UK Independent Blues Broadcaster Association. 

Chantell’s love for music and people are intrinsic within her melodious vocal arrangements and soulful songwriting.

Bring a chair, a picnic, friends or just yourself. Held outdoors on the Becket Arts Center lawn.

Free and open to the public Donations appreciated

Join connoisseur Colin Goundrey as he guides you through the analysis of whiskey through visual examination, alluring flavors and aroma.

Series 5: Blind Tasting

We taste through the favorite whiskey of each prior month ‘blind’ to decide the whiskey of the series.

$60/ person

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Do you love to dance? Do you enjoy connecting with your body and your expressive self? Join us in this gently paced movement class that includes a warm up, simple phrases across the floor and fun and creative movement improvisations.

$15 per class ($5/$10 for BAC members). All ability levels are welcome! 18 and over.

July &  August (no session on July 16) 

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Do you love to dance? Do you enjoy connecting with your body and your expressive self? Join us in this gently paced movement class that includes a warm up, simple phrases across the floor and fun and creative movement improvisations.

$15 per class ($5/$10 for BAC members). All ability levels are welcome! 18 and over.

THE WANDA HOUSTON BAND

With their dynamic blend of Classic Jazz, R & B, Adult Contemporary, and Rock, The WANDA HOUSTON BAND is one of the most popular and hardest working bands in the Berkshires. 

Stylist, Wanda Houston, leads the quartet in their take on classics from Fitzgerald to Sinatra, Aretha to Joni Mitchell and Beetles to Jackson 5. Voted the Berkshires Favorite Band by Rural Intelligence and Berkshire Magazines, you will experience fond musical memories as you hear favorites from the 20’s through the 70’s.

Celebrating their 16th year making music together, the Wanda Houston Band is: Robert Kelly on keyboard/bass/vocals, Jeff Stevens on horns/vocals, Jay Bradley on drums/ vocals and the song stylings of lead vocalist Wanda Houston!  For more info please visit WandaWorld.biz

Bring a chair, a picnic, friends or just yourself. Held outdoors on the Becket Arts Center lawn.

Free and open to the public Donations appreciated

Join our Berkshire Plein Air group to paint, draw and photograph at an outside location in Becket. (Actual Location TBD)

Open to artists of all levels. Work till noon, then join us for lunch (bring a lunch) and critique providing positive suggestions. Bring your oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography or digital painting equipment.

Wednesdays, once a month from 10am - 1pm with a break for lunch

$10 / Person - Free for Members of the Becket Arts Center & Members of the Guild of Berkshire Artists

Sign up by 6:30 pm the night before. Weather and regulations permitting

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Do you love to dance? Do you enjoy connecting with your body and your expressive self? Join us in this gently paced movement class that includes a warm up, simple phrases across the floor and fun and creative movement improvisations.

$15 per class ($5/$10 for BAC members). All ability levels are welcome! 18 and over.

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Do you love to dance? Do you enjoy connecting with your body and your expressive self? Join us in this gently paced movement class that includes a warm up, simple phrases across the floor and fun and creative movement improvisations.

$15 per class ($5/$10 for BAC members). All ability levels are welcome! 18 and over.

The Juckets, a Berkshire-based, acoustic American Country Bluegrass Band play for the fun of it at regional wineries and breweries, town events and festivals as well as local favorites such as Dotties in Pittsfield and Pizzeria Boema in Lenox. Kevin James Healey, a multi- instrumentalist and lead vocals and guitar for The Juckets is also a singer/songwriter. Jim Caron (fiddle), Michael Pfeiffer (bass fiddle), Andy Gordon (pedal steel and banjo) and Jana Pfeiffer (vocals and banjo) complete the sound.

Kevin James Healey (guitar and vocals), a Berkshire resident who, as a singer song writer and multi-instrumentalist, began his musical journey at the age of 8 years old. In Colorado, Kevin was known for his singer/song writer solo act and played with some of the top bands in The Rocky Mountain region and Las Vegas.

Jana Pfeiffer (banjo and vocals) is a Berkshire resident. Jana plays banjo with friends at jams and is also a member of The Juckets. Jana sings for social justice with the Hoping Machine, and MC's the monthly Hootenanny at the Guthrie Center.

Michael Pfeiffer (bass fiddle) is a Berkshire resident. Mike plays bass fiddle with The Juckets. He began his musical interests with the trumpet in high school. He enjoys playing country and bluegrass music with family and friends.

Jim Caron (fiddle) is a Berkshire resident, classically trained plays for Hevreh of Southern Berkshires and with The Amy Van Dyne Band, The Hoping Machine and The Juckets.

Andy Gordon (pedal steel, banjo) is a Berkshire resident who has played the Irish music of The Housatonic Philharmonic, Harvest and Rust, A Neil Young Tribute Band, The Square One Band, a square dance band, the Amy Van Dyne Band and The Juckets.

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Sculpture artist Natalie Tyler will discuss and showcase her monumental sculpture “Tornado” on display at Chesterwood

‘Tornado’, a monumental glass piece installation for this summer’s Chesterwood exhibition. ‘Tornado’, will be the most recent public sculpture in this series Mother Nature is a series of sculptures about the effects of a warming planet on our environment. ‘Tornado’ will stand nine feet tall and five feet at the widest area, appearing dynamic and weightless, yet made up of 40 sections of cast atmospheric glass attached to a metal armature.

You can view Natalie Tyler’s website at natalietylerart.com and learn more about her impressive career.

$10 Per Person / $5 Member Fee Per Person

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Founded in 2020 Hot Sauce is a 4 piece R&B/funk/groove based unit comprised of Tom Major (Drums), Steve Ide (Guitar), Miles Lally (Bass), and Benny Kohn (keyboards).

The band draws on a broad range of influences from Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan & The Meters to Tears for Fears, Edie Brickell to John Scofield, Eddie Harris and Vulfpeck. 

Bring a chair, a picnic, friends or just yourself. Held outdoors on the Becket Arts Center lawn.

Free and open to the public Donations appreciated

Join our Berkshire Plein Air group to paint, draw and photograph at an outside location in Becket. (Actual Location TBD)

Open to artists of all levels. Work till noon, then join us for lunch (bring a lunch) and critique providing positive suggestions. Bring your oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography or digital painting equipment.

Wednesdays, once a month from 10am - 1pm with a break for lunch

$10 / Person - Free for Members of the Becket Arts Center & Members of the Guild of Berkshire Artists

Sign up by 6:30 pm the night before. Weather and regulations permitting

July &  August

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming weekly gathering where everyone is encouraged to explore their voice - no matter your experience or confidence level. Led by Paula Langton, a Certified Linklater Voice Teacher, these sessions offer a space to connect through the joy of singing.

We'll begin with gentle vocal warm-ups to ease into the session. Then, we'll dive into playful and collaborative singing, including harmonies, rounds, canons, and songs from various traditions. No sheet music and no pressure - just the shared experience of exploring our voices & making music together.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave when you need to. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just curious, you're welcome here.

Drop-in friendly. All voices welcome.

Join us for this talk on ‘The Importance of Art to Community Building’ with Senator Paul Mark

In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, the arts provide a vital common ground, fostering shared experiences, understanding, and connection among residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Free and Open to the Public. Donations Greatly Appreciated!

Join our Berkshire Plein Air group to paint, draw and photograph at an outside location in Becket. (Actual Location TBD)

Open to artists of all levels. Work till noon, then join us for lunch (bring a lunch) and critique providing positive suggestions. Bring your oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography or digital painting equipment.

Wednesdays, once a month from 10am - 1pm with a break for lunch

$10 / Person - Free for Members of the Becket Arts Center & Members of the Guild of Berkshire Artists

Sign up by 6:30 pm the night before. Weather and regulations permitting

Regardless of the genre-- from jazz to blues and roots rock to country-- JoAnne Redding connects with her audiences with a gut-level honesty. An emotive song stylist, she has shared the bill with major acts including The Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel, Hank Williams, Jr., and many others, lighting up stages from New Orleans to New England. Redding's How It Is album spent three months in the Top Ten of Roots Music Report's Blues Chart. She has been a guest speaker for the Connecticut Songwriters Association and a guest on radio and TV throughout the U.S. She was honored to perform her poignant song about older child adoption, "A Family to Love," at the Rhode Island State House one National Adoption Day. A veteran performer and songwriter, JoAnne's songs from her three albums were played on over 250 radio stations worldwide back in the pre-internet days, and they've been featured on TV and in film.

Benny "Fingers" Kohn is a Berkshire-based pianist, singer, and composer. Undoubtedly the most sought-after pianist in the region, though he's far too modest to say it, Benny collaborates with and accompanies countless local and regional artists. From jazz to rock, from folk to funk, his versatility and skill is impressive. You can catch Benny playing solo and leading his own combos throughout the Berkshires and beyond. 

Dave Christopolis is an upright and electric bass player who covers a diverse set of musical styles. On any given week, Dave is gigging with bluegrass outfits, backing up singer/songwriters, supporting a blues band, and working with jazz musicians in various combos throughout New England. Dave has recorded bass on over 20 records, including projects for Signature Sounds and Flying Fish/Rounder Records. 

Bring a chair, a picnic, friends or just yourself. Held outdoors on the Becket Arts Center lawn.

Free and open to the public Donations appreciated

Chilean-born vocalist Natalia Bernal hails from Iquique, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Atacama Desert. Now based in New York City, Natalia’s rich and entrancing voice evokes the drama of the natural surroundings of her homeland. Drawing from songwriting traditions of Latin America, her original compositions and selections from the Great American Songbook surprise with a refreshingly improvisational texture. www.nataliabernal.com

Guitarist Jason Ennis is an exciting voice in the world of jazz guitar. His unique sound, deep groove and sensitive feel, along with a diverse background in jazz, blues, Brazilian music and classical music have made him highly in demand as a soloist, sideman, bandleader and musical director. www.jasonennis.com

Bring a chair, a picnic, friends or just yourself. Held outdoors on the Becket Arts Center lawn.

Free and open to the public Donations appreciated

Lara Tupper and Ben Kohn present spirited interpretations of tunes from the American Songbook and musical theater. Lara studied jazz at Wesleyan University, served in Barry Manilow’s back-up choir, and for six years held performance residencies in Thailand, Japan, China, and the United Arab Emirates for Hilton Hotels International. (For more details, see her autobiographical novel, A Thousand and One Nights.) Ben first sat in front of a piano at the age of six, after his parents picked it up at a thrift shop. He studied jazz piano at Berklee College of Music and performs at home and abroad with blues, rock, and jazz ensembles. Together, Lara and Benny present an evening of stories and show tunes designed to invigorate.

This performance is made possible by grants from the Becket and Washington Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.