Wistariahurst Museum

Local artist Frank Maginnis has found that painting in the abstract expressionist method - non-objective painting - allows for the spontaneous, seemingly unconscious, while still maintaining a balance of color and space. His continued work in the conventional mode has allowed him to better undesrstand how painting still life can better train the eye and improve discipline while allowing the opportunity to consider the wonder of the held moment. The paintings are on view from March 6 through March 29. Admission to the gallery $3

Master Gardener Toi Graham will explain how to plant a wildflower meadow and how to plant wildflowers as perennials in your garden. Presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners. All talks are a $5 donation to benefit the garden restoration at Wistariahurst Museum

Wistariahurst will host a hands-on demonstration in Pisanki -  the tradition of decorating eggs and one of the most cherished cultural expressions of Polish heritage around the Easter holiday.  Participants will leave with their own designed and hand-dyed Easter eggs. Fee is $30 per person. Appropriate for children 12 years and over (adults welcome). All supplies will be provided. Call the Museum to be wait listed at (413) 322-5660.

The museum will re-open on Monday, March 29 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

Scouts and youths will use their creativity to turn castaways into fun and functional stuff, letting their imagination run wild in this hands-on session! Reservations required by calling 413 322 5660. $8 per person

Local photographer Joshua Taylor captures the beauty of Holyoke’s past and present with photographs of iconic Holyoke inspired by images from vintage postcards. Joshua Taylor’s modern-day incarnations compare Holyoke’s idealized past and the potential he sees for the city’s future. On view through May 3. Admission to Gallery $3

Join us for the opening of Joshua Taylor’s exhibition in Wistariahurst’s gallery. Admission to the gallery $3

Wistariahurst welcomes the Smith College Jazz Ensemble for a spring afternoon concert. Since 1999 the ensemble has been performing at Smith and Amherst Colleges. Their director, Genevieve Rose, has been with the Ensemble since 2006 and doubles as the group’s bassist. The approximately 30 members also perform each semester with the Smith College Wind Ensemble and play performances at the Williams College Jazz Festival each year. Tickets $5

Anne Capra will demonstrate how to transition  lawns and landscapes away from synthetically based chemical fertilizers and pesticides to organic landcare practices, safe for human health and the environment. Presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners. All talks are a $5 donation to benefit the garden restoration at Wistariahurst Museum

Join ust at Wistariahurst for our Annual Spring Gala. This festive evening will feature fine food, live music, drink and plenty of cheer all for a good cause – raising funds to benefit the Museum! Seth Mias Catering of Florence, MA will prepare and serve the evening’s special cuisine. The Ted Wirt Jazz Quintet, an ensemble consisting of saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass, and drums led by Ted Wirt will swing with the best as well as play the classics. There will be a cash bar with local brew from Berkshire Brewing Company and drink provided by Liquors44. The evening will also highlight Holyoke’s architectural splendor in an historical exhibition by local photographer Joshua Taylor. Taylor has captured the beauty of Holyoke’s past and present with photographs of iconic Holyoke inspired by images from vintage postcards. Joshua Taylor’s exhibit entitled “Postcard Perceptions” will be on view in the Gallery. A large portion of the evening will be dedicated to a Silent Auction which includes stunning originals by local artists, trips to area attractions, overnights at Bed & Breakfasts, dinner out at excellent restaurants, creative gift packages and much more.  

            Join the celebration! Tickets are $30 in advance through the museum and $35 at the door by calling 413.322.5660. Reservations can also be made by going to the "support us" page (left column above) and clicking on the paypal logo. The event is sponsored by Historic Holyoke at Wistariahurst and Holyoke Gas & Electric and all proceeds directly benefit the Museum. Donations are also being accepted for those who would like to contribute to the Annual Spring Gala but are unable to attend. Any support is greatly appreciated; we hope to see you there! (Dress is elegant attire.) The evening is sponsored, in part by the Valley Advocate/ Preview Massachusetts

The Celtic flute and harp duo Naia (Nicole Rabata and Danielle Langord) will be performing a concert at the Wistariahurst as part of a Northeast tour. Naia features traditional Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Scandanavia and Quebec along with their own traditionally-inspired compositions. Rich harmonies blend with delicate melodies to create Naia’s unique sound. Based in Portland,  Maine, they regularly perform throughout New England and have appeared in various ensembles and as soloists throughout the USA and on international stages.Tickets $12Adults, $10 Students and Seniors

Discover what life was like in the late 1800s by exploring a Victorian mansion! Experience various aspects of daily Victorian life in several hands-on segments. A sampling of activities: The Language and Decoration of the Victorian Fan, Gardens and Outdoor Games, Victorian Etiquette and Entertainment, Victorian Crafts and a tour of Wistariahurst – a Victorian era mansion. Reservations required by calling 413 322 5660. $8 per youth or scout

Wistariahurst welcomes back the Holyoke Creative Arts Center with works on view through May. Admission to the gallery $3

See the wisteria in bloom and listen to the New Valley Singers. The New Valley Singers have been performing popular misic for over 35 years in the Pioneer Valley and are led by Anita Cooper. This concert is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Tickets $7

Spend the afternoon in Belle Skinner’s Music Room listening to romantic music by the three great romantic composers: Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Highlights include Robert Schumann's "Zigeunerleben" chorus, duets and solo songs, Robert Schumann's  "Adagio and Allegro" for horn and piano, and Brahms' Horn Trio in E-flat minor. Performers include Monioca Jakuc Leverett, piano, Jean Jeffries, horn, David Perkins, baritone, Jane Hanson, mezzo-soprano, Laura Jenkins, soprano, and members of the Schubertians chorus, directed by Jane Hanson. Free refreshments at intermission. Tickets $15

Please join the Holyoke Creative Arts Center for a light reception and Awards Ceremony. Admission $3