Wistariahurst Museum

The term Representational Art encompasses a vast range of painting.  Photo-realism, Naturalism, Surrealism, Impressionism, etc.  Some painters copy what they see and present the viewer with exactly what their eyes took in, making no judgments.  The more "real" the illusion, the more successful the painting.  In contrast, Levin, who is trained as a classical realism painter, feels it is the artists job to interpret, to repackage nature in order to give the viewer an alternate view of reality.  The painter's job is to enlighten, by allowing the viewer to see nature through the artists temperament. The paintings selected for this exhibit span many years of the artists' development and consists of figure work, still life, and landscape.  These are not "snapshots" of everyday life, they are orchestrated images and compositions for the viewers contemplation. Admission to the gallery $3

Come to this fun and friendly plant swap on the grounds of Wistariahurst, This is a rain or shine event except in case of heavy rain. Bring a $2 donation and any type of labeled plant or plants, along with your own chair, and let the fun begin! Plant swaps are presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners

Shade gardening can be a challenge. Master Gardener Nancy D'Amato will discuss how to pick plants for a lush oasis away from the glare of the sun. Presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners. All talks are a $5 donation to benefit the garden restoration at Wistariahurst Museum

Join us for an evening of Bluegrass and Beer sponsored by Liquors44. While sampling the offered libations, sit on the lawn at Wistariahurst and listen to Shingle the Roof: Old Time String Band. Shingle the Roof is a New England string band featuring three long time friends, Kate Spencer, Jerry Devokaitis, and Tim Woodbridge. Specializing in traditional songs from two vibrant American traditions, contra-dance and string band music, Shingle the Roof play tunes and songs with haunting vocal harmonies. Shingle the Roof will delight the audience with their lively tunes, funny songs, gruesome murder ballads and historical or imagined tales of life and love. Bring a chair or a blanket, sit outside and have a listen and sample libations! Sponsored in part by the Friends of Wistariahurst. Tickets in advance $25 each/$40 per couple; $30 each/$50 per couple at the door

From its beginnings as a gift from industrialist Joseph Skinner to his golf enthusiast daughter Elisabeth, to its role as host of the USGA’s 59th U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship, The Orchards has remained virtually untouched since its completion in 1927. Using archival photographs, rare Orchards memorabilia and commentary from former pro Bob Bontempo, golf legend Ben Crenshaw, Donald Ross biographer and Bradley S. Klein and others From Tee to Green: The History of the Orchards (a WGBY-TV production) traces the rich history, lore and tradition of this “hidden gem.” Join us for Movie Night at Wistariahurst. The Carriage House is air conditioned! Refreshments will be served. Admission by donation

Spend a summer morning in the historic gardens with VegaYoga in an invigorating and refreshing yoga session! Embracing the "Yoga for the People" philosophy, VegaYoga & Movement Arts offers a wide range of trained teachers and a desire to make yoga accessible to everyone, reaching out to all members of the community. VegaYoga's studio is normally located at historic Open Square, but Wistariahurst will be the venue on the morning of August 21st. Please join us for sun salutations and more in the gardens! Reservations encouraged. Please call (413) 322-5660 Fee $12; refreshments included

What is Bonsai? It is the art of aesthetic miniaturization or dwarfing of trees through careful pruning in shallow containers. This workshop will be a hands-on demonstration of the art of Bonsai instructed by Geoffrey Holmes - the Vice President of the Bonsai Society of Greater Hartford. Workshop limited to 12 participants; tools will be provided. Reservations required. Please call (413) 322-5660. Fee $15 with your own tree / $30 tree provided