Wistariahurst Museum

At once hyper-real and impressionistic, Denis Luzuriaga’s objective dreamscapes span a broad emotional space from the deadpan to the whimsical to the sinister, as what seem at first glance to be mundane scenes pulse undeniably with tension and urgency. The paintings are on view from Friday, January 29 through March 1. Admission to the gallery $3

The South Hadley Children's Chorus program will feature many songs about “rainbows,” in diverse musical styles and several different languages—Spanish, Russian, and English. Included are favorites such as “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and “Rainbow Connection” as well as a new composition by New Zealand composer David Childs and “Look to the Rainbow” from the current Broadway revival Finian’s Rainbow. Donations accepted

Learn about wine, try new flavors and meet new friends at Wistariahurst’s “I Love Wine Event” on Friday, February 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by Liquors44. Some of the companies and wines that will be featured are Gilbert Distributors American Wines Vivacious Vicky Red and Kiona Dry Riesling; Arborway Imports Monkey Business Zinfandel, Parados Winemaker’s Select Red and Loredon Gasparini Prosecco. Ruby Wines will feature wines from Spain Spainsuch as Pinol Ludovicus, Torremonron Tinto and Casteller Cava Rose. M.S. Walker will pour Italian wines such as Antinori Santa Christina Sangiovese Toscana and Graham’s “Six Grapes” Port. Carolina Wines & Spirits will pour Monagamy Red, Menage a Trois White and a Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose. Classic Wines will feature wines from France such as E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone and Marcel Martin Muscadet Vieilles Vignes. Commonwealth Wines & Spirits will round out the program with an international selection of wines from Australia , New Zealand , France ,Spain , Italy and Argentina .   

Don’t miss this fun and flavorful event! Learn about wine, try new flavors and meet new friends! Light refreshments will be provided. All proceeds will benefit Wistariahurst Museum . Advance tickets are $25 each/$40 couple; Tickets at the door are $30 each/$50 couple at the door. Please RSVP admin@wistariahurst.org or by calling (413) 322-5660

This fun and creative program is appropriate for all ages, inspiring the artist in everyone with hands-on projects from collage to paper-cutting and original crafting of valentines. Scouts and youths will learn about the history of Victorian valentines and make some of their own to send to special friends, family and sweethearts.$6 per person, $15 family. Reservations suggested

Scouts and youths will learn how to make a pattern, cut out and sew an Earth-friendly “green” shopping bag. Please bring a bag lunch: refrigeration provided. Reservations required by calling 413 322 5660. $9 per youth or scout.

Wistariahurst welcomes back Chamber Music at Wistariahurst for a midwinter feast of music by American composers Edward MacDowell, Arthur Farwell, Mrs. H.H.A. Beach, Charles Ives, Aaron Copland, and Samuel Barber. Highlights will include Mrs. Beach's woodwind quintet, "Pastorale," Copland's "Nocturne" (arr.for clarinet and piano), and Samuel Barber's "Dover Beach," for baritone and string quartet. Performers include Monica Jakuc Leverett, piano, David Schneider, clarinet, Jennifer Tyo, soprano, Sarah Cornelius, violin, David Perkins, baritone, Edward Rosser, piano, Maria Scotera, flute, Kirsten Lipkens, oboe, Jean Jeffires, horn, Will Safford, bassoon, and the Amherst  String Quartet. Free refreshments at intemission. Tickets $15

Local artist Frank Maginnis paints in an abstract expressionist method as well as a conventional mode that allows for the spontaneous while maintaining a balance of color and space. The paintings are on view through March 29. Admission to the gallery $3

STCC adjunct professor Don D’Amato returns with a talk about the New City of Holyoke and how it was established. Professor D’Amato will discuss the city’s canals, the dams and living conditions of early Holyoke in the 19th Century. $3 admission

Master Gardener Toi Graham will explain how to plant a wildflower meadow and how to plant wildflowers as perennials in your garden. Presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners. All talks are a $5 donation to benefit the garden restoration at Wistariahurst Museum

Wistariahurst will host a hands-on demonstration in Pisanki -  the tradition of decorating eggs and one of the most cherished cultural expressions of Polish heritage around the Easter holiday.  Participants will leave with their own designed and hand-dyed Easter eggs. Fee is $30 per person. Appropriate for children 12 years and over (adults welcome). All supplies will be provided. Call the Museum to register at (413) 322-5660.

The museum will re-open on Monday, March 29 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

Scouts and youths will use their creativity to turn castaways into fun and functional stuff, letting their imagination run wild in this hands-on session! Reservations required by calling 413 322 5660. $8 per person

Local photographer Joshua Taylor captures the beauty of Holyoke’s past and present with photographs of iconic Holyoke inspired by images from vintage postcards. Joshua Taylor’s modern-day incarnations compare Holyoke’s idealized past and the potential he sees for the city’s future. On view through May 3. Admission to Gallery $3

Join us for the opening of Joshua Taylor’s exhibition in Wistariahurst’s gallery. Admission to the gallery $3

Anne Capra will demonstrate how to transition  lawns and landscapes away from synthetically based chemical fertilizers and pesticides to organic landcare practices, safe for human health and the environment. Presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners. All talks are a $5 donation to benefit the garden restoration at Wistariahurst Museum

Tickets $30 Advance / $35 Door