Dalton Historical Hosts Art Month

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
DALTON, Mass.—The Historical Commission voted to hold an art month this September at the Fitch Hoose House. 
 
The Commission will remove some of its permanent displays from its current collection to make room for displaying some of George Hoose's paintings.  
 
Each week the museum will showcase different pieces by the artist known for the "Indian Head" painting on Gulf Road. 
 
The paintings are currently stored on the second floor of the Hoose House which is not accessible to the public due to safety concerns. 
 
The commission was going to have an exhibition in September but decided to change it to an art month in an effort to save time upon receiving word that they would be moving back into the town hall in September. 
 
They were concerned about the amount of time it would take to plan and implement a large event due to the time restraints and wanted to ensure the safety of the pieces. 
 
Having a large event outside would require them to strategically place the pieces in a way where they would not get dirty from the traffic. 
 
During Dalton Day many residents expressed their surprise at the fact that tours of the Fitch Hoose House tours are free and expected that the tours would be brief considering that price, commissioner Bonnie Eastwood said.
 
Eastwood said although the house is small, there is a lot of history to cover and the tour guides include town history. She said the tours are not as brief as often expected.
 
More information on the museum here. Check out our video here.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Cultural Council Accepting Grant Applications

Staff Reports
DALTON, Mass. — The Cultural Council is accepting applications for grant funding to support local events and initiatives until Oct. 16. 
 
The council aims to improve residents' quality of life by promoting access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences.
 
The state Cultural Council awarded the town council $8,000 for the 2025 fiscal year to assist organizations and individuals in funding local cultural projects focusing on arts, humanities, and sciences.
 
"The Cultural Council funding that is provided by the state annually has a great impact on the community," Chair Alyssa Maschino said.
 
"Some of these programs couldn't happen without these grants. Last year, we granted funds for hiking backpacks that can be rented from the Dalton Free Library, concerts held at the CRA, and dance classes that were held at the Senior Center for the older population, plus much more. We were able to serve different generations at different locations throughout Dalton."
 
The state Cultural Council has overseen the Local Cultural Council Program since 1990.
 
During its August meeting, the council also updated the grant application to state that it will prioritize Dalton and the surrounding communities in this year's grant process. 
 
View Full Story

More Dalton Stories