The exhibit is being extended into September to display more of Hoose's fall and winter scenes.
DALTON, Mass. — The Historical Commission has designated August as George Hoose Art Month at the Fitch-Hoose House and is showcasing some of the painter's work.
The 1846 house is the last remaining home of Dalton's early Black residential neighborhood. A wide range of information has been gathered surrounding the Hoose family that is also on display.
The small two-story building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed to have been active on the Underground Railroad.
George Hoose died in 1977 at age 80. He was a prolific painter and was known for the "Indian Head" painting on Gulf Road that has long since been painted over and weathered away.
"We're celebrating his artistic abilities through his paintings," co-Chair Louisa Horth said.
The paintings showcase how hard-working and successful Hoose and his family were. The self-taught artist was successful and was commissioned to paint a number of pieces, co-Chair Deborah Kovacs said.
The Fitch-Hoose House has a collection of about 15 paintings by Hoose, which have been donated to the museum over the years.
Ordinarily they are stored on the second floor of the house which is not accessible to the public becaue of safety concerns.
Commissioners have blended eight of his painting in with the museum's current collection. The museum is open every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Due to the many paintings centered around autumn and winter, the museum will extend the exhibit into September, swapping some currently displayed works with his seasonal pieces.
More information on the museum here. Check out our video here.
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New Board Members Join Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced four new members to its board of directors.
Karen Byers, former Managing Director and CFO of The John & Mary R. Markle Foundation; Carol Flaton, a former banking and finance professional; Matthew King, Senior Counsel for Google; and Michael Obasohan, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Pittsfield join a board of 20 members from across the region.
Karen Byers is a leader in finance and strategic management. She was the Managing Director and CFO of The John & Mary R. Markle Foundation in New York City, which undertook projects in information technology focused on health, national security, and the workforce. Karen also held leadership roles at the Theatre Communications Group and KPMG. She is deeply involved in community service and volunteers for organizations in northwest Connecticut, including a role as Treasurer of LJMN Media, Inc. (The Lakeville Journal / The Millerton News). As part of a U.S. Foreign Service family, she had a European and American upbringing and was educated in German for four years. Karen holds an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, an M.A. in Philosophy from Bryn Mawr College, and a B.A. in Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude, from Wheaton College. She resides in Canaan Valley, Conn., with her spouse Lillie Mikesell.
Carol Flaton is a former financial advisor with expertise in restructuring, risk management, and governance. She currently serves as an independent director for companies undergoing transformation and has recently served on the boards of Hornblower, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Talen Energy Supply. Carol was a Managing Director at AlixPartners, specializing in restructurings and turnarounds. Prior to AlixPartners, she was a Managing Director at Lazard, where she advised debtors, creditors, and equity holders engaged in restructurings, debt exchanges, 363 sales, acquisitions, refinancings, and capital raises. Carol earned her B.S.B.A. from the University of Delaware and her M.B.A. from the IMD (International Institute of Management Development) in Lausanne, Switzerland. A resident of Sharon, Conn., she is an elected member of the town’s Board of Finance and serves on the board of NCLC (Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy), the state’s largest land trust.
Matthew King is a Senior Counsel for Google, where he works on a variety of strategic products and initiatives. Prior to Google, Matthew was an Associate in the Technology Transactions Group at Morrison & Foerster, a global law firm. He cares deeply about engagement and helping to support a thriving and sustainable community. A longtime resident of Berkshire County, he is involved in a variety of organizations with a focus on the arts, the environment, and LGBTQIA+ issues. Matthew earned his B.A. from Columbia University and his J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law. He and his husband live in Otis, Mass.
Michael Obasohan, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Pittsfield since 2022, has worked across higher education and local and state government sectors, focusing on racial justice and creating inclusive communities. He oversees the integration and development of Pittsfield’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department for staff, and he fosters strategic partnerships with local businesses to champion DEI for just outcomes for diverse communities. Michael was a leader in student life and academic affairs for over ten years at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, serving as the Assistant Director of Diversity Programs & Multicultural Education and Associate Director of College Readiness and Success. Prior to that, he was an Academic Advisor at Berkshire Community College in the TRiO program that serves students of color, first-generation, and students with disabilities. Micheal also served as an elected City Councilor in North Adams and, during his tenure, worked with Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and U.S. Department of Justice to bring the City-SPIRIT program to Berkshire County. He used this opportunity to create a space for communities of color to participate in civic engagement. Michael earned an M.S. in Higher Education from Bay Path University, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Higher Education and Leadership from UMass Amherst, and a B.A. in Arts Management from MCLA. Michael’s consultancy work includes developing LGBTQIA+ and cultural competency training for local businesses and nonprofits throughout Berkshire County, where he lives.
The Historical Commission has designated August as George Hoose Art Month at the Fitch-Hoose House and is showcasing some of the painter's work.
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