The Clark to Screen Zurbarán and His Twelve Sons

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — On Thursday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m., the Clark Art Institute screens Zurbarán and His Twelve Sons, the third presentation in its five-part Film and Art series, which runs through November.

The free showing is open to the public and takes place in the Clark’s auditorium. Screenwriter John Healey introduces the film. The documentary (2020, 72 minutes), directed by Arantxa Aguirre, explores the meaning of Jacob and His Twelve Sons, a series of thirteen canvases painted by Spanish Baroque artist Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664).

Traveling from the Meadows Museum, Dallas, Texas; to the Frick Collection, New York; and to the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, the film follows these paintings, probably commissioned for a cathedral in the Americas, that disappeared for a century until they were acquired at an auction by the London merchant James Mendez. A few years later, in 1756, Bishop Richard Trevor of Durham made a significant gesture in support of English Jews when he obtained the paintings and hung them in his dining room at Auckland Castle, where they remain to this day.

The next film of the Film and Art series is Mur Murs, screening on Thursday, November 10, at 7:30 pm in the Clark’s auditorium.

The event is free and no registration is required. For more information, visit clarkart.edu/events.

 


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North Berkshire Contra Dance to Hold Monthly Event in Williamstown

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The North Berkshire Contra Dance will host its monthly community dance on Saturday, January 11, at the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown.

The event will feature live fiddle music and dances led by caller Julian Blechner.

The dance will take place from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the church's Community Hall. Admission is pay-as-you-can, with a suggested contribution of $12 to $20. Barter, including assistance with cleanup, is also accepted.

New dancers and families are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 p.m. for an introductory lesson. Participants can attend with or without a partner, as dancers typically rotate partners throughout the evening.

Music will be provided by fiddler George Wilson and pianist Selma Kaplan. Wilson, known for his Cape Breton and French Canadian-influenced style, has been performing since the late 1970s. Kaplan is a pianist, composer, and arranger frequently sought after by dance events along the East Coast.

A pre-dance calling workshop will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Williamstown Public Library. Participants can bring a dance to practice or attend as dancers to assist others in the session.

The event’s respiratory illness policy advises attendees to stay home if they feel unwell or display cold symptoms. Masks are appreciated but not required.

For more information, visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org.

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