The Northampton Arts Council works to support and nurture the arts in the city of Northampton. The Council awards grants twice each year to artists and arts groups from both state and locally-raised funds, and seeks to improve public awareness of the arts. Its' goals include maintaining and preserving the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Northampton, programming such annual events of interest to the community as First Night Northampton and Transperformance.

Sunday, January 31, 2016

BIG BIRD IS COMING TO NORTHAMPTON!

I Am Big Bird at the Academy of Music Theatre



Four Sundays in February Event #2


Brought to you in part by: A2Z Science & Learning Store

When: Friday February 12, - 7:00 PM Showtime, Doors Open at 6:30PM
Where: Academy of Music Theatre - Google Maps Link
How Much: ADVANCE: $15 General Admission, $25 Premium Reserved Seating
                     DAY AT DOOR: $17 General Admission, $27 Premium Reserved Seating
Ticket Outlet: Academy of Music Theatre Box Office

The Northampton Arts Council invites you to a special film presentation of “I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story” on Friday February 12th at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton. The film will be followed by a Q&A session at which Mr. Spinney, his wife Debra and a very special guest will be discussing their journey and answering questions.

#1. Must-List: "A loving documentary about a puppeteer who's brightened the lives of countless children weaned on Sesame Street." - Entertainment Weekly

This heartwarming documentary chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, the man who has been Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969. For over 4 decades, Caroll's characters have been cherished by generations of children. At 81 years old, the tenacious and enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down. I AM BIG BIRD features incredible footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces Caroll's journey from bullied child to celebrated performer. This loving portrait peels away the instances that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.

Proceeds from the show will benefit the Spring 2016 ArtsEZ Grant Round administered by the Northampton Arts Council.

Mr. Spinney is now in his 80's and we are so fortunate to share an evening with him. Do not miss this opportunity to meet the real Big Bird in person!


Saturday, January 30, 2016

THE SON OF THE SHEIK WITH THE ALLOY ORCHESTRA LIVE


Four Sundays in February Event #3
Brought you in part by: Off the Map Tattoo

When: Sunday February 14, - 2:00 PM Showtime, Doors Open at 1:30PM
Where: Academy of Music Theatre - Google Maps Link
How Much: ADVANCE: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors 65+/Veterans, $10 Children 12&Under
                     DAY AT DOOR: $17 Adults, $14 Senior 65+/Veterans, $12 Children 12&Under
Ticket Outlets: Academy of Music Theatre Box Office, State Street Fruit Store in Northampton, Cooper’s Corner in Florence, A.J. Hastings in Amherst


THE SON OF THE SHEIK with live accompaniment performed by the ALLOY ORCHESTRA
1926, US – Directed by George Fitzmaurice, 81 minutes
Staring Rudolph Valentino and Vilma Banky

The Son of the Sheik featuring Alloy Orchestra
This year celebrate Valentine’s Day with RUDOLPH VALENTINO, the first and greatest lover of the silver screen. The Northampton Arts Council invites you to a special silent film presentation of THE SON OF THE SHEIK starring Valentino with live accompaniment by the world famous ALLOY ORCHESTRA on Sunday, February 14th at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton.

THE SON OF THE SHEIK is a classic 1926 silent film starring Rudolph Valentino and Vilma Banky. The ALLOY ORCHESTRA, “The best in the world at accompanying silent films.” (Roger Ebert), will play their newly composed score to the recently released 2K digital restoration of the film. THE SON OF THE SHEIK is Rudolph Valentino’s last and greatest film. It is a film of passion, betrayal and redemption. Valentino is often cited as the silver screens' greatest lover, and this film demonstrates why his reputation is so justly deserved. Valentino died of a sudden infection just as the film was being released, unleashing an outpouring of love and support for the deceased actor, and insuring that the film would live on in the hearts and minds of the movie-going public.

After the show at 4:00 PM, the public is welcome to sit in on a master class for Five College film and music students. The Alloy Orchestra will re-screen excerpts from Son of the Sheik and outline their compositional process, as well as the process of creating a digital restoration of the film. Five College students will have an opportunity to discuss this extraordinary undertaking with the group. The master class is co-sponsored by the Five College Film Council and the Smith College Film Studies and Music programs. While the event is free and open to the public, priority seating will be given to Five College students.


ALLOY ORCHESTRA is a three man musical ensemble, writing and performing live accompaniment to classic silent films. Working with an outrageous assemblage of peculiar objects, they thrash and grind soulful music from unlikely sources. The effect of their live performance is mesmerizing. Don’t miss out---the Orchestra doesn’t visit Western Mass often!



Friday, January 29, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features saxophonist Charles Langford

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest saxophonist Charles Langford on Tuesday, February 2nd 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM at the The City Sports Grille at Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

“Closing Conversations” presents four new interdisciplinary works at The Oxbow Gallery

“Closing Conversations” presents four new interdisciplinary works at The Oxbow Gallery from January to April 2016.

Artists of different media (music, poetry and dance) will be invited to view an Oxbow artist’s work, create a response, and present it during the closing week of the respective show.

For example, the January show at the gallery will showcase visual art by Diane Harr. Writer and musician, George Lenker, will view the art and conceive a response inspired by what he has seen and experienced. He will then present his original creations to an audience while surrounded by the very art that inspired him.

With this program, we hope to create new liaisons across media, encourage viewers of visual art to experience work in new ways, and invite a wider range of visitors to our gallery.

"Closing Conversations” will create an opportunity for members of the Northampton community to witness creative process and response, and to experience first-hand how artists inspire and fuel each other in supportive, exciting and unique ways. The series will also provide the artists involved and the audience members with the chance to view how visual and time-based art forms are both similar and different; and how common themes and motivations can create distinct and divergent artworks.

The direct response aspect of this project will appeal to many new artists, and hence will create a new audience that can impact Northampton both culturally and economically.


FRIDAY, January 29 at 7pm: Musician and Writer George Lenker performs in response to the paintings of Diane Harr

Diane Harr's current work in the front gallery is inspired by bejeweled Madonna paintings that she saw while living in Italy, and her work is largely influenced by Italian, particularly Roman, architecture. George Lenker is a musician, poet, and writer who writes and records music across many genres, which includes the 2012 CD "If Dogs Could Sing," a collection of songs written from dogs' point of view, to benefit rescue animals. He has played both solo and in various groups, including the popular 1980s band Cardiac Kids.

THURSDAY, February 25 at 7pm: Musician Tom Crean performs in response to the pastel drawings of Janet Palin

For the last 15 years, Janet Palin has made annual trips to the Southwest to teach and paint plein air landscapes. She feels most at home in the western landscape and so, during the winter months, she works indoors in her studio with material brought back from these trips. Tom Crean is a composer, performer, and educator whose areas of interest include appropriation, electronics, and performance in public and unconventional spaces. Tom Crean's Guitar Journal podcast ended its ten years of publication in 2014, and a book Tom Crean's Guitar Journal: A Life Described Through Music was published in 2015. Learn more here: tomcreanguitarjournal.com

SATURDAY, March 19 at 7pm: Movement Artist Terre Vandale performs in response to the paintings of Kathleen Jacobs

Kathleen Jacobs' paintings are collected internationally and are included in corporate and private collections in the United States, Europe, and South America. She teaches painting and is the founder of the Blueway Art Alliance, a non-profit arts organization that collaborates with other arts organizations to promote emerging and established artists. See images of her work here: www.kathleendjacobs.com Terre Unité Vandale is a dance artist who creates interactive, movement-based performance and video in response to lived experience, visual artworks, and natural environments. She now directs the Movement Arts Ensemble (Mae) and teaches movement workshops for children and adults of all ages. Learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/user/terreunite

FRIDAY, April 22 at 7pm: Dancer/Choreographers Margaret Bowrys and Beth Znosko perform in response to the drawings and paintings of Marlene Rye
Marlene Rye's work has been shown nationally and has been accepted into shows juried by curators from the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim. This is not the first time dancers have created responses to her work, and vice versa. In fact, Margaret Bowrys has been bringing dance into interdisciplinary collaborations with local artists, including Rye. Bowrys recent work, Essential Voyage, is a collaboration with sculptor Valerie Gilman, and culminated in a full size sculpture at the base of the old maple tree on Amherst Common. Beth Znosko is the artistic director of the New Haven based dance company Collaborative Dance Theatre (formally Clark Dance Theatre). She has performed throughout Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.


This program is supported in part by a grant from the Northampton Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.


Monday, January 25, 2016

Local Honey Winter Gala

Local Honey Winter Gala

Union Station Ballroom February 13th, 2016

Celebration and Fundraising Event to support the compilation release of LOCAL HONEY.

Interns for Artists, Arts-Based Businesses and Non-Profits

"Interns for Artists, Arts-Based Businesses and Non-Profits" Information Session in Florence, February 10

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 – 6 – 8 PM at the Florence Civic Center

One of the advantages of our 5 College area is access to interns! For students, interning defines career paths and builds resumes. For creative businesses and non-profit organizations, interns bring fresh ideas, energy and a willingness to learn. In the Interns for Artists, Arts-Based Businesses, and Non-Profits Information session, hosted by the UMass Amherst Arts Extension Service, potential internship providers will learn how to become an internship provider, labor law compliance, and best practices for making the most of your intern's time.

Participants will leave the sessions with an understanding of how to best design an internship to meet University standards and next steps on how to submit their internship opportunity for posting and promotion. Through a variety of channels, AES will then promote the internship opportunities to arts and arts management students at UMass, connecting individual students with matching internship opportunities when possible.

The session will take place in Florence, MA at the Florence Civic Center, 90 Park Street, Florence, MA. The Florence Civic Center is next to Lilly Library in Florence. In order to reach the parking lot for the Civic Center, you will want to make a left after Park Street onto Cosmian Avenue.

Interns for Artists, Arts-Based Businesses, and Non-Profits is part of the UMass Amherst Arts Extension Service's Arts Entrepreneurship Initiative. For more information on internships, visit our Internship FAQ and our Current Internship Postings page.

Food and drink will be provided. Session is free and open to the public but registration is required. To attend the session, please register by contacting AES at aes@acad.umass.edu or 413-545-2360.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Winter Temps Showing the Love for Upcoming Northampton Ice Art Festival

Winter Temps Showing the Love for Upcoming Northampton Ice Art Festival

With continued funding by the Northampton Radio Group—broadcasters of WRSI The River, WHMP and Hits 94.3—and the energetic support of Arts Night Out and the City of Northampton, the sixth annual Northampton Ice Art Festival returns on Friday, February 12. The public is invited to experience thrills and chills as icy masterpieces take shape at eleven downtown locations. Work starts early on the day, and completed pieces highlight Northampton's "Arts Night Out,” 5pm-8pm. They remain on display, sharing the love, throughout the Valentine’s Day weekend—longer, if the weather cooperates. And it’s looking good!

Monday, January 18, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features Harmonica and vibes player Hendrik Meurkens


Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest Harmonica and vibes player Hendrik Meurkens on Tuesday, January 26th 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM at the The City Sports Grille at Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Health Care Sign-Up Assistance for Artists & Musicians

On Monday, January 18th Signature Sounds is hosting a health insurance sign-up session for musicians, artists, and anyone else who needs it.

A group of health insurance navigators are setting up shop at The Parlor Room from 3pm to 10pm.

Their services are free and they'll do everything they can to find good quality, low-cost (or no-cost) insurance for folks who come out.



Monday, January 11, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features saxophonist Jason Robinson

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest saxophonist Jason Robinson on Tuesday, January 19th 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM at the The City Sports Grille at Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Giving a Sh*t About Everything and Everyone Part 1


How the Pioneer Valley can use AS220’s Example as a Vehicle for Social and Economical Change.

*** This workshop is presented using AS220 as a model of social change and artistic ownership. It is not being presented by AS220 staff. ***

Providence- based AS220 went from being an from illegal squatting performance space to instigating a complete cultural transformation of a city that once known as the armpit of New England. How did they work their way from nothing to owning three multi-purpose, mixed-use buildings worth 25 million? How do they sustain themselves, stay true to an equal pay policy and work with the ongoing tumultuous landscape of arts funding?

How can the Pioneer Valley learn from this model with the current opportunities and challenges of revitalization? How can the Pioneer Valley create more artist-driven ownership, cross-sector collaboration and partnerships, and stewardship for the future of the visual and performing arts?

Currently there are projects both formal and informal happening in Northampton (Arts Trust), Easthampton (CitySpace) and Greenfield (The Bank Building) concerning space in terms of underutilization, revitalization and ways to work cooperatively. Let’s dig into how we can work together.

Day 1: Saturday, Jan 23rd, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, Flywheel
Getting Pragmatic. Wearing the Business Hat without putting on the Suit.

We’ll discuss how AS220’s three multi-use properties with an immense amount of programming functions on a day to day basis. Day 1 will cover real estate acquisitions, maintenance, finances, development, programming and classes. Yes, it’s a lot, but it’s a snapshot with room for group discussion about local opportunities and challenges.

How does each unique community in the Valley deal with the same kinds of challenges? Who are the advocates in our area that can help with the minutiae and daily grind to pull off these kinds of projects?

RSVP here: https://www.artful.ly/store/events/8057

About the Workshop Leaders
Seth Lepore is an Easthampton based performing artist, arts advocate and educator. He is co-founder of Easthampton Co.Lab, a social enterprise that fosters connection, engagement and community.

A Rhode Island native, Lepore was fortunate to be part of the first immersive cohort put on by Practice/Practice, the consulting arm of AS220 in Providence, RI. The Immersive Residency for Artist/ Managers consisted of four full days of in-depth study, analysis and presentations led by AS220 staff and leaders. Lepore hopes to use this information to benefit the Pioneer Valley as a whole across creative sectors, and those invested in them.

RSVP here: https://www.artful.ly/store/events/8057

Part 2 will take place on Feb 21st and will focus on Community Engagement. Amrita Ramanan will co-facilitate based on her recent Network of Ensemble Theater's Local Organizer Training.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Cinema Northampton Free Film: The Good, the Bad And The Ugly (1966)


Cinema Northampton presents:
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Wednesday January 13th, 2016
7:00 PM
Academy of Music Theatre
Free Admission

More Info: http://cinemanorthampton.org

Northampton Arts Council Announces Arts Lottery Grant Award Winners

Northampton Arts Council Announces
Arts Lottery Grant Award Winners

The Northampton Arts Council is pleased to announce the awarding of 23 grants totaling $11,600 in support of a variety of projects. The caliber of applications this round was outstanding, and we were unable to fund many worthy projects. The Arts Council received 47 requests for almost $59,955 of funding. These grants were awarded in the following categories: Dance, Film/Video, Literature, Mixed Media, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts from funds allotted by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

DANCE
$400 to Empathy in Motion for An Intimate Dance Film Premiere, Workshop and Panel Discussion on 3/26/16.
$500 to Iroko Nuevo for Noche Cubana on 4/16/16/.

FILM/VIDEO
$1000 to JFK Middle School for Digital Storytelling from 1/6/16 to 5/30/16.
$250 to the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival from 3/31/16 to 4/10/16.

LITERATURE
$250 to Perugia Press for Perugia Press Celebrates on 11/12/16 and 11/15/16.

MIXED MEDIA
$750 to Tim Eriksen for Pumpkintown: Songs, Stories and Magic Lantern Projections on 1/30/16.
$600 to Rebecca Muller for DEBRIS FLOW from 3/11/16 to 4/3/16.
$400 to The Oxbow Gallery for Closing Conversations on 1/28/20016, 2/25/2016, 3/24/2016, 4/21/2016.
$1100 to Multi-Arts/The Valley Winds for Carmen, a Flamenco dance delight on 5/22/16.

MUSIC
$250 to Music In Deerfield for a new Concert Season from 2/7/16 to 5/7/16.
$250 to Da Camera Singers for World Beloved on 5/28/16.
$250 to Arcadia Players, Inc for All Mozart - Symphony 39 and Requiem on 3/12/16.
$250 to FredBrass for NCMC Presents FredBrass from 8/1/16 to 8/6/16.
$300 to Andrew D'Antonio for Recital of Contemporary Music for Flute & Piano on 4/18/16.

THEATER
$250 to Whole Children for West Side of the Bridge from 3/18/16 to 3/19/16.
$1000 to Northampton Playwrights Lab for PLAY BY PLAY FESTIVAL from 4/9/16 to 4/12/16; 4/16/16 to 4/19/16.
$250 to Starlight's Youth Theatre for Into the Woods on 5/16/16.
$250 to Valley Light Opera for Ruddigore from 11/12/16 to 11/20/16.

VISUAL ARTS
$500 to Susan Montgomery for Mary Bliss Parsons from 7/8/16 to 8/7/16.
$500 to A.P.E. Ltd. for The Art Salon on 3/18/16.
$350 to @igers413 (local Instagram social group) for Chasing Light: a photo exhibit from 5/13/16 to 6/8/16.
$450 to Fafnir Adamites for Rozz Tox Art Exhibit in May of 2016.

$1500 to Lighthouse Darkroom.


The Parlor Sessions

The Parlor Sessions are back!

On winter Sundays from January 10th through April 3rd, we welcome American roots musicians to the Parlor Room for a concert, a break for hot soup, and an all-comers' jam.

Tickets go on sale the week of December 14th at signaturesoundspresents.com.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Northampton Jazz Workshop features alto saxophonist Kris Allen

Northampton Jazz Workshop features guest alto saxophonist Kris Allen on Tuesday, January 12th 7:30 to 8:30 PM followed by an open jazz jam until 10:30 PM at the The City Sports Grille at Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Group Sing: Jan 6

Group Sing
Wed, Jan 6
7pm at Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St.  
FREE! 

S I N G ! It's good for body and soul.

"Forget your troubles, come on get happy...."

COME SING IN THE NEW YEAR!

Funded in part by the Northampton Arts Council and Northampton Senior Services

JERREY ROBERTS-DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE: Ron Ackerman and Cleo Gorman sing during the monthly Group Sing.

Friday, January 1, 2016

YouthFilm 2016: Now Accepting Submissions


Presented by the Northampton Arts Council 
Postmark/Hand/Digital Delivery Deadline: January 30th, 2016


The Northampton Arts Council is accepting entries for YouthFilm 2016, part of the annual International film festival KidsBestFest, presented from February 15-19, 2016 at the Academy of Music Theatre. YouthFilm 2016 will take place on Friday February 19, 2016 at 1:30PM.

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