Dalton Historical Hosts Art Month

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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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.
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CRA Welcomes New Executive Director

DALTON, Mass. — The Community Recreation Association (CRA) Board of Trustees announced Ariana Massery as the nonprofit's new Executive Director, succeeding Alison Peters, who is retiring after 16 years of dedicated leadership and service.
 
Massery brings more than a decade of experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, and large-scale program management. She joins the CRA after serving as a senior leader at Jacob's Pillow.  Her last role was as Director of Strategic Initiatives, People, and Culture.
 
"As we work to meet the evolving needs of the local communities we serve, the Board is excited to welcome Ariana, who is a proven, dynamic leader with a broad skill set and experience base, including significant experience with marketing, and fundraising efforts within a larger regional organization," said Rich Rowe, president of the CRA Board of Trustees. "Ariana's vision and collaborative approach will enhance the CRA's capacity and will position the organization for an exciting new chapter as we navigate a shifting funding landscape."
 
Massery said that this role represents an exciting next step in her career with an organization that reflects her own values and belief in community. 
 
"The CRA plays a critical role in the health and vitality not only of Dalton but all of Central Berkshire County," she said. "I am eager to bring my skills to the CRA, listen and learn from the community, and work alongside our staff, members, board, and partners to build on this strong foundation and support the programs that have made the CRA a vital and vibrant community organization for more than a century."
 
The CRA Board also expressed gratitude for outgoing Executive Director Alison Peters, whose tenure included significant program expansion, improvements to community access, and strengthened partnerships across the region. 
 
"Alison has been a warm, steady, and compassionate leader whose work has helped the organization evolve significantly over her 16 years of leadership," Rowe added. "We wish her every joy in her well-deserved retirement."
 
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