Armed & Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal
Exhibition at the Berkshire Museum to June 6
By: Bob Fowler - Feb 02, 2010
Berkshire MuseumÂ’s current exhibition, Armed & Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal, explores the evolution, function, and craft of weaponry and armor throughout human culture and the animal kingdom. This exhilarating exhibition, drawn primarily from the MuseumÂ’s permanent collection, runs from January 23 through June 6, 2010.
The exhibition will include a host of public events, live demonstrations, and educational programs to further illustrate the role of weaponry, technology, and innovation throughout the course of human history.
Fridays at 10 & 11 a.m.
Aquarium Adventures
Each week children ages 2-4 can enjoy meeting a different animal and watch them eat. Story time is included. Free with Museum admission.
Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.
Chow Time
Gather in the Museum aquarium to watch as staff feed their aquarium friends. This program is free with Museum admission.
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Battle-Ready Cart
The Museum hosts Battle Ready! an interactive gallery demonstration from the common sling to the deadly crossbow. In Battle Ready! you can be transformed into a Roman legionnaire or a medieval knight while learning about some of the most revered and innovative weapons of all time. This program is free with Museum admission.
Thursday, February 4, 7 p.m.
Eye to Ear Lecture
Come listen to an Eye to Ear Lecture conducted by Stockbridge resident, Jack Brown. Nationally renowned barr baritone, Jack Brown has sung as a soloist in oratorios with symphony orchestras, and on solo recital. He teaches at SimonÂ’s Rock College and the Berkshire Music School. He is artistic director of the Berkshire Lyric Theater where he conducts the adult chorus and the Blafield ChildrenÂ’s Chorus. This event is free and is sponsored by the Pittsfield Cultural Council.
Monday to Saturday, February 15 – 20, 11 a.m.
Berkshire Theatre Festival Presents: Hansel and Gretel
Audiences will be treated to a celebration of storytelling in this classic interpretation of the childrenÂ’s tale Hansel and Gretel. Admission is $15 adults ($7 members) and $8 children ages 3-18 ($5 members). Includes Museum admission.
Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Movie Camp with Curtis Asch
You can be a star of the silver screen! From plot to popcorn, campers, grades 3-6, write the script, make costumes, play the parts, and operate the cameras. From the start, youÂ’ll be a part of the show! Friends and family are invited to the premiere of the finished film on the MuseumÂ’s big screen. Campers also receive a copy of the movie on DVD. $225 ($195 members)
Monday, February 15, Tuesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 18 at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
Dueling Demonstration
Enjoy live dueling demonstrations and learn the surprising rules and dueling customs. Discover who challenges who, what weapons were used, and how a winner was determined. The answer might surprise you. This program is free with Museum admission.
Wednesday, February 17, 1 p.m.
Natural-Born Predators
While wolves are not dangerous to humans, they are natural-born predators in the sense that rule their particular ecosystem. In the first half of this special hour-long program, the Wolf Conservation Center will guide guests through the history of wolves in North America, their biology and the mythology that surrounds them. The second part of the program belongs to Atka, a male Arctic Wolf, who will greet our visitors under the supervision of one of WCC's expert wolf handlers. Free with Museum admission.
Thursday, February 18, 1 p.m.
Art of the Samurai
Japanese swords and samurai are among the most highly respected and admired throughout the world. Experience first-hand the extensive combat ritual and discipline of Edo period Samurai, discover what made these warriors so efficient on the battlefield.
Thursday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Eye to Ear Lecture
Come to the Eye to Ear Lecture with artist Grier Horner.
Grier Horner spent much of his life as a news journalist, but gave up his journalism career twelve years ago to become a full-time artist. His works are in many private collections and he has presented numerous shows at galleries throughout Berkshire County. This event is free and is sponsored by the Pittsfield Cultural Council.
The Berkshire Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admissions is $13 adults, $6 children ages 3-18. Free to members and children under 3.
Armed & Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal runs from January 23 to June 6, 2010. Berkshire Museum, the regionÂ’s oldest public cultural institution, is located at 39 South St. on Route 7 in Downtown Pittsfield. For more information, contact Berkshire Museum at (413) 443-7171, ext. 10.