Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA
by Shera Cohen
In a sense, it looks as if the staff of Berkshire Museum
have rummaged through the attic, basement, and various closets for whatever
they could find to fill galleries for their next big exhibit. In fact, the
first segment of "Objectify" appears to be messy, a bit like a tag sale, with old
crates on the floor or standing on end with the concept being the creation of a
storage site. But, this is no tag sale -- the found items are priceless, and
the disarray is purposeful.
"Objectify: A Look into the Permanent Collection" is, indeed,
a major year-long exhibition in honor of the Museum’s 110th anniversary which
spans the length and height of four large rooms. The pieces run the gamut of
media (paintings, sculpture, toys, and clothing), artists (Impressionist art,
and 20th century abstract paintings, more recent and local Hudson River School
selections) science (a crocodile skull, colorful minerals, and hooting owl --
well, I thought it hooted), and history (Pahat the Mummy, ancient Roman
jewelry, and original Civil War paintings). Objectify displays the most
significant and fascinating objects from the Museum’s holdings of more than
40,000 artwork, specimens, and artifacts.
Some months ago, Director of Public Relations Lesley Ann
Beck treated us to a pre-exhibit tour in which only the first gallery was
complete. While walking from one area to the next, we could see the
behind-the-scenes process of just how such an eclectic display is mounted.
Every inch of space, and even empty space, is important for the visitor to see
as a continuity and flow. The lighting in each gallery is especially important
as the design progresses by themes and chronologically. The first room is
slightly dimmed, and the last room is very bright and white -- representing the
present, the here and now.
The celebratory opening reception was held in April, so
museum-goers will now see the finished product.
Two local artists, designer Peter Garlington, and artist Leo
Nash, are the guest curators. Their creative work has resulted in an innovative
exhibition that highlights the best of the Museum’s extensive collections in
unexpected and surprising ways. According to Beck, “Museum visitors who have
been [here] over the years will enjoy seeing favorite objects and artwork in a
fresh setting.”
Look for the most fun in gallery #4. Visitors will find a
sophisticated version of a ‘selfie’. A large empty painting frame is suspended
from the ceiling, just ready and waiting for anyone, any family or friends to
create their own portrait. Who needs Whistler’s grandma, when you can
memorialize your own?
Berkshire Museum also includes an exhibit on the history of Pittsfield’s famous inventors ("The Innovation Process"); a lovely large
aquarium with smaller adjacent ones for frogs, turtles, and the like; "Little
Cinema", which runs foreign and indies throughout the year, and an annually
changing summer exhibit. Last year’s "Paper Works" was inspired. Another recent exhibit
featured live frogs -- not my favorite animal. However, these tiny multicolored creatures (some less than the size of a pencil head eraser) were
a joy to watch as long as they stayed behind glass. Butterflies, in exhibit
cases and flying in a specially designed pavilion, are this summer’s invited
guests.
How do you find the Berkshire Museum? It’s in the heart of
Pittsfield, MA, open every day of the week. Check their website
www.berkshiremuseum.org or call 423-443-7171. Once you arrive, look for the sculpture
of the Stegosaurus on the front lawn.
Objectify is sponsored by Crane & Co. and TD Bank.
