Wistariahurst Museum

This September, Wistariahurst’s Gallery will feature the works of Holyoke resident Dean Nimmer, an eclectic artist who works in several mediums, art techniques and painting styles all at the same time. As he puts it, "I may have a form of art schizophrenia that causes me to continually change my subject matter and move in different directions constantly without worrying about maintaining a 'style' of painting.”

Nimmer was the Chairman of the Foundations program and head of the 2D Fine Arts department at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston where he holds the title of Professor Emeritus. He has conducted hands-on workshops based on his art from intuition creativity techniques at several scholarly institutions. Nimmer’s works have been shown in more than 200 solo and group exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. Dean Nimmer showcases new mixed media works that are bound to stimulate your eye and imagination. Meet Dean Nimmer at the Opening Reception on Thursday, September 9 at 6p.m. Exhibit on view through September. 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

Meet Dean Nimmer and view over 50 new mixed media works. Admission $3

Master Gardener Chris Brown returns with a mouth-watering cooking demonstration and tasting! Recipes will be provided as well as a discussion of how to use garden herbs to enhance the flavor and healthfulness of meals every day. 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 Museum will host a Victorian Ballroom dance workshop. The Italianate style Music Room at Wistariahurst will create an inviting atmosphere for a Victorian Ball. Observe and learn to dance the Quadrille, Mazurka, Victorian Waltz or Polka as introduced by the Small Planet Dancers. Accompanying music will be performed by the Victorian Quadrille Orchestra.

What is a Quadrille? Quadrille is a style of music and an historic dance performed by four couples in a square formation. This dance evolved from a 17th century military parade formation of four horses into many other forms, including the waltz, Lancer, and Caledonia, which are still being danced today.

     In this workshop, the Victorian Quadrille Orchestra will perform original compositions written in the 1880s. The first hour will consist of a performance demonstration by the Small Planet Dancers dance troupe dressed in Victorian costumes followed by an introduction to the history of the dances.  Afterwards, the dancers will teach the audience one of the styles of dance previously introduced. This workshop is supported in part by a grant from the Holyoke Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Reservations are necessary as space is limited. Tickets are a suggested donation of $10.

The Trustees of Reservations and Wistariahurst Museum will host an afternoon of fossil discovery and fun for kids! The Trustees of Reservations preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value, caring for more than 100 special places – nearly 25,000 acres – all across Massachusetts.

     On September 11, walk where the dinosaurs walked! Explore the Route 5 dinosaur tracks with an experienced Trustees guide, and then participate in several activities that put you in the part of dinosaur, archaeologist, and historian, all in one day. The day will culminate with a look at the dinosaur tracks located at Wistariahurst, made by the Eubrontes dinosaur as well as others. The Eubrontes was an ancestor of the great Tyrannosaurus rex and roamed the shores of the lake that occupied the Connecticut River Valley 190 million years ago. Learn how the Eubrontes tracks made it onto the sandstone driveway of the Wistariahurst grounds as this exciting day comes to a close. Tickets are $7 per child. Call the Museum at (413) 322-5660 to register.

Come to the last 2010 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 and will start up again in June 2011.

Wistariahurst welcomes renowned musician Cynthia Sayer for a concert in the Music Room. Sayer is regarded as one of the top 4-string banjoists in the world today. A member of Woody Allen’s jazz band for over 10 years, Cynthia’s solo career has taken her well beyond her New Orleans roots to become an acclaimed bandleader and guest artist. She has a unique and expansive approach to the instrument which is all her own, and she is also a respected vocalist. Cynthia has worked with a variety of leading jazz and popular artists such as Dick Hyman, Wynton Marsalis, Bill Cosby, Les Paul, Wycliffe Gordon, Marvin Hamlisch, Bucky Pizzarelli, and has played with some top bluegrass/roots/country artists.

Cynthia's extensive career includes performances in New York City's Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, appearing with The New York Philharmonic, and numerous national TV and radio show appearances in the USA and abroad. She plays at many music festivals in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Cynthia has accumulated numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Banjo Hall of Fame. Her most recent CD release, “Attractions,” which includes legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, received two 2009 award nominations. She is also a subject of a PBS documentary about the banjo, expected to be aired in 2011. On Saturday, September 18 Cynthia will present a toe-tapping show that ranges from hot swing to tango, western, virtuoso classics, and more -- with Mike Weatherly on string bass, plus some guest players. You don’t want to miss this amazing performance. Suggested Donation $15 Adults / $10 seniors & students