Like A River / for D.S

Sometimes a curse like this pandemic has small blessings attached. Freed from hours of commuting between work in NYC and homes in Yonkers and Pittsfield, I have time to do art. That said, I find the malaise taking away much of the energy needed to use that freedom. In the '60s, I went to Cooper Union Art School and then worked in commercial art and photography. Later I returned to college and careers in bio research and ultimately, psychology. While continuing my practice of psychoanalysis, I spend free moments in my Pittsfield studio. Free also from any dream of fame or fortune, at 75 I can indulge any curious whim in my artwork. I do, nonetheless, appreciate when someone can connect to it.

Mark V. Mellinger, PhD - 100 North St. Room 404, Pittsfield MA 01201; markmellinger680@gmail.com / 914-260-7413 ART COLLAGE 1962 NFS

Like A River for D.S. I The sages say rivers lead back to the beginning, late winter birth being one with the fire in the sky.

Janet Pumphrey is a local fine art photographer who lives and works in Lenox. While photography is a representational medium, Pumphrey moves beyond the inherent realism in traditional photography to see the world in a new and more creative way. She appreciates the ability to manipulate photographs through the artistic imagery available both in-camera and in post-processing, turning what was a realistic photograph into a creative, often abstract work of art. Her cityscapes and landscapes are at times painterly and impressionist and at times stark, reflective, and architectural. Janet Hetherwick Pumphrey, Esq. - 45 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 01240; 413-637- 2777; www.PumphreyLaw.com; Photography website: www.JanetPumphrey.com PROVINCETOWN PHOTOGRAPH PRINTED ON ARCHIVAL PAPER, 30 X 42”

The COVID pandemic is a difficult time for everyone. We are all thinking about the impact it has on all the people and things we love. I know I am among the lucky ones. I can be in the Berkshires where being outside and breathing fresh air and having plenty of space for social distancing is always available but particularly now is a blessing. This painting, "Lily of the Valley, Return of Happiness" is my idea of hope. The attribute of happiness is not mine; it comes from the books of Floriography. As far back as the 15th century in Turkey flowers replaced words to express forbidden feelings. These books were also very popular in Victorian England and the United States. Even today we attach meanings to flowers; red roses are still a romantic expression of love. I see this little Lily of the Valley struggling out of a crack in the pavement. The pavement represents this bleak time, and the Lily represents hope and recovery.

MC Rudin - mcrudin123@gmail.com / www.mcrudin.com LILY OF THE VALLEY, OIL ON BOARD, 12H X 16”W

How easy to get lost in the unexpected currents, round rocks and the high white water that can sweep one away.

Is it true that every Buddhist knows the lessons of form and formlessness, loss and love - the long journey that begins and ends in the river?

Prepared food menu to take out: www.elixirgb.com

II At times I think our friendship is like the river, not sure where its starts or ends high mountain headwaters- you so wild, free and so far awaywhere are you going, what’s under the surface, is it safe to follow a current so swift, so ambiguous?

Or is there a choice, for I have always shared with you a love for the colors in the cave the sound of cottonwoods in the morning wind, and the mystery of time caught in the copper color of the river, the terra cotta flame.

Diverging from the ever-growing cadre of shiny new products feels good. Besides, there's a hint of intrigue in reinvented things - especially when coffee is involved. A stint writing for a fair-trade company in California led me here. I pitched the owner, an ex-Wall Street guy, the idea of these coffee bean bags I spotted on Pinterest. He works with artisans in South America’s coffee growing regions, thought it would be a natural fit. After Great Barrington banned plastic shopping bags, I searched for an eco-friendly option with style. There were very few outliers worth plucking amid the flood of mass-produced varieties. I caved and purchased a coffee bean bag knock-off on Amazon. The straps, made of industrial nylon, were too broad. The fabric was unnatural. The tote never carried a green coffee bean in its life. I shared my idea with a GB shop owner; she suggested I make the bags myself. Visits to New York and Massachusetts roasteries yielded dozens of coffee bean bags - complete with dust and raw beans from the world’s coffee-growing regions (the bean belt between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn). I started designing, met a local seamstress, and we began making prototypes. Lessons ensued - including how to properly wash burlap to tighten the weave and keep the plantation’s print from fading. Walk into our workspace, and you're bound to step on a coffee bean. It’s a daily reminder that our bags have a history - hailing from countries like Costa Rica, Argentina, and Honduras. And as far as the African continent. For life outside the nine to five, we offer Inge Farmer's Market Tote, Stephanie CrossBody, Nina Everyday Handbag, and Laura Carryall – a vegan option debuting late spring. Each one of a kind handbag comes with a hand-carved spoon made by Kenyan artisans. To honor the important roles women play in the production of coffee, Lila + Kane donates a portion of every sale to the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA).

Monica Bossinger : www.lilaandkane.com, 413-429-6158 , @lila_and_kane HAND-MADE BY MONICA BOSSINGER

Life has become so very serious and actually scary lately. Exhibits and lessons cancelled, no visits to museums or galleries. Of course, there is always virtual, but sadly, that is only a weak substitute for the real thing. Like mostly everyone, my livelihood has been impacted. I’ve been missing my students and missing the hectic “fun” of prepping for the “show” season”, so I decided it would be good for you and for me to lighten up and have some fun. But how to do that???? That was my thought process in March and then it came to me out of the blue…. Naked Puppies! Who doesn’t love their dog? While dog-less at the moment, I always had a dog at my side, and I know the love of a pet. So I decided to paint man’s (woman’s) best friend….simply, inexpensively, happily. I call this new series “Naked Puppies”….why “naked” you say? Because I love seeing dogs without collars or other human imposed accessories… just plain beautiful pups. So when my teacher asks me to write an essay about what I did during the pandemic of 2020, I will write that I was surrounded by a bunch of happy canine models while sheltering in place in my basement studio. If you are interested, be in touch. And of course, I am also painting house portraits and taking on other commissions.

Marguerite Bride –413-841-1659 or 413- 442-7718; margebridepaintings.com; margebride@aol.com; Facebook: Marguerite Bride Watercolors. SYBLE, WATERCOLOR

KATE KNAPP

Pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors…abstract and representational…..landscapes, still lifes and portraits….a unique variety of painting technique and styles….you will be transported to another world and see things in a way you never have before…. join us and experience something different. Painting classes continue on Monday and Wednesday mornings 10-1:30pm at the studio and Thursday mornings out in the field. These classes are open to all...come to one or come again if it works for you. All levels and materials welcome. Private critiques available. Classes at Front Street are for those wishing to learn, those who just want to be involved in the pure enjoyment of art, and/or those who have some experience under their belt. Perfect if you are seeking fresh insight into watercolors, and other mediums. Front Street Gallery – Front Street, Housatonic, MA. Gallery open by appointment or chance anytime. 413-528-9546 at home or 413- 429-7141 (cell) www.kateknappartist.com