Forbes Library hosts artists reception Aug. 6
The exhibition “Alterations,” featuring work by Laura Boban, 13 Roots (Sequoia LeBreux) and Maggie Whittemore, will be on view at the Hosmer Gallery at Forbes Library through Aug. 29. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Through painting, fiber art, soft sculpture, ceramics and printmaking, the artists explore themes of transformation, healing and identity from feminist perspectives, drawing on Greek mythology, girlhood, parenthood and self-expression. The exhibition highlights how altering materials and narratives can reclaim power and inspire new ways of seeing.
Also on display at the library through Oct. 31 is Bobby LaBitch’s “Everything Old Is Garbage (a never-ending work in progress).” The artist will also participate in the Aug. 6 reception. The interactive exhibit transforms the Arts and Music reading room into a cozy, home-like space filled with second-hand furniture, décor, everyday objects and books, all covered in stuffed animals. Visitors are invited to relax, read and interact with the installation, which gives discarded items new life while keeping them out of the waste stream. The exhibit also features a “leave some stuffies/take some stuffies” program, inviting visitors to donate and adopt stuffed animals. For more information on any of the artists, visit forbeslibrary.org/gallery.
HCC gallery presents ‘Constellations’ alumni art show
The Taber Art Gallery at Holyoke Community College will present “Constellations,” an exhibition of alumni artwork from the HCC Permanent Collection through Aug. 21, with a reception Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The show features paintings by HCC alumni artists from class years 1974 through 2021.
“In naming the show ‘Constellations,’ we were thinking about the relationships that students build with their peers and with the community here at HCC, and how those relationships continue to connect us, even after they have moved on,” said gallery director Rachel Rushing.
The artwork was produced by alumni after they had graduated from HCC, with the pieces subsequently purchased by the college and added to its permanent collection, which numbers about 400 works.
HCC celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Taber Art Gallery in 2025, and it’s been 24 years since the last HCC alumni art show, although alumni artists have been part of individual and other group shows over the years. The Taber Art Gallery, located off the lobby of the HCC Library on the second floor of the HCC Donahue Building, is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during regular school sessions.
Amherst BID and Emily Dickinson Museum announce a special concert on the Emily Dickinson Homestead
The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) and the Emily Dickinson Museum are bringing live music to the Emily Dickinson Homestead. On Friday, Aug. 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., western Massachusetts singer-songwriter Kimaya Diggs will perform on the Dickinson family lawn between the historic Homestead and Evergreens properties. The concert is free and open to the public.
Diggs’ music weaves together folk, soul, jazz and R&B to explore themes of grief, resilience, love, identity and the search for meaning.
“Amherst’s arts and culture scene truly comes alive in the summer, adding to the year-round economic vitality and cultural richness of our downtown,” said Executive Director of the Amherst BID, John Page. “By bringing this concert to the Emily Dickinson Homestead, we’re activating a beautiful green space and inviting residents and visitors to experience our community in exciting ways. Whether it’s a family outing, a date night, or just hanging out with friends, it’s an easy, affordable way to enjoy the whole Amherst experience.”
“With the completion of our new Carriage House Tour Center, the Emily Dickinson is thrilled to expand our programming,” said Patrick Fecher, associate director of communications at the Emily Dickinson Museum. “We are delighted to welcome the Amherst community to our grounds, and honored to partner with the Amherst Business Improvement District and Kimaya Diggs on this wonderful event.”
Northampton Center for the Arts hosts swing dance workshop
A swing dance workshop led by instructor Chance Bushman will be held at the Northampton Center for the Arts on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. Open to all ages and experience levels, the two-hour class will cover swing dance fundamentals, including six- and eight-count swing, connection techniques and turns. Advance registration is $20, or $25 at the door. Bushman is a swing and blues dancer, musician and instructor with more than 20 years of teaching and performance experience. For more information, visit nohoarts.org/swing-dance-workshop.
Turners Falls First Friday features Vinyl Crawl, music and community events
Turners Falls’ First Friday celebration returns Aug. 7 from 4 to 9 p.m. with a lineup of live music, shopping, art and community activities. Featured events include the Turners Falls Vinyl Crawl from 4 to 8 p.m., inviting music lovers to visit Two Ghosts Vinyl Cafe, Breakdown Records and Music Connection along Avenue A for record shopping, live music, karaoke and more. Highlights include an all-vinyl DJ set by E-Mag at Breakdown Records, karaoke at Music Connection and a performance by Dan Becker.
Other First Friday events include performances at the Brick House, a McLane Silk Mill walk, face painting at LOOT, a closing reception for the interactive art exhibit “Please Touch” at Waterway Arts, and a free outdoor screening of “Pee Wee’s Great Adventure” at Peskeompskut Park. All movies are free and open to the public. Donations to benefit the Turners Falls Thunder Music Booster. The 2026 Summer Movie Series presented through a partnership with Montague Parks and RiverCulture with funding from the MCC Cultural District Grant. Anyone looking for details on First Friday can follow the new @firstfridayturnersfalls Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates, or continue to follow RiverCulture.
Ja’Duke Theater announces auditions for fall productions
Ja’Duke Theater, 110 Industrial Blvd. in Turners Falls, will hold auditions for two fall productions on Monday, Aug. 10. Auditions for “The Addams Family” begin at 6 p.m., followed by auditions for “Night of the Living Dead Live!” at 7:30 p.m. Additional audition information is available at jadukeshows.com/Auditions or by emailing jaduketheater@gmail.com.
Kids’ Crafternoon to feature air-dry clay ice cream cones
Children ages 4 and up are invited to create air-dry clay ice cream cones during Kids’ Crafternoon on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Youth Programming Room at Forbes Library. Participants will use air-dry clay, cardboard, paint and beads to make their creations. All materials will be provided, and no registration is required.
Jon Carroll to celebrate album release at The Iron Horse
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Carroll will celebrate the release of his new album, “Can’t Afford Not To,” with a performance at The Iron Horse in Northampton on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Carroll, a former member of Starland Vocal Band, returns with his first solo album in 18 years, blending Americana, soul, R&B, jazz and gospel in songs exploring social issues, resilience and community. Tickets start at $24, including fees, with prices increasing on the day of the show.