Clark Art Celebrates Juneteenth

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — On Wednesday, June 19, the Clark Art Institute celebrates Juneteenth with art-making and music.
 
From 1 to 3 pm, drop in for a free art-making event inspired by contemporary artist David-Jeremiah's exhibition "I Drive Thee."
 
According to a press release:
 
In these works, the artist reflects on his experience of Black masculinity in America through large-format, semi-abstract sculptural reliefs and explores the symbolism of the Lamborghini sports car and the Spanish bullfight in contemplating questions of race—the first as a symbol of prestige and performance, the second as a spectacle of power and persecution. Make an artwork inspired by David-Jeremiah's circular reliefs, or tondos, using collage-making techniques, and consider the symbols, colors, shapes, and materials to make an artwork that expresses personal beliefs and feelings. All ages and abilities welcome.
 
At 6 pm, Yale professor Kaiama L. Glover presents a lecture titled "Minette and Eighteenth-Century French Caribbean Music," in which she discusses the theatrical life of the eighteenth-century French Caribbean, focusing on artists of African descent, including the noted violinist Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-George, and the celebrated soprano Minette. 
 
Glover's talk is illustrated by short musical performances by the American-Brazilian soprano Ariana Wehr, singing excerpts from works Minette would have performed accompanied by the harpsichord.
 
Both events are free. Accessible seats available for lecture.
 
Family programs are supported by Allen & Company.

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Williamstown Government Presents Communication Plan

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown is working to improve communications with residents.
 
The town manager told the Select Board last week that the town obtained a Community Compact Best Practices grant from the state's Division of Local Services to fund a consultant from the University of Massachusetts at Boston's Collins Center for Public Management to develop a communications strategy.
 
Improved communications is a growing concern for small towns like Williamstown, Town Manager Robert Menicocci told the board.
 
"The world has changed with social media," Menicocci said. "The expectations of what a community communicates to its citizens — the game has been upped.
 
"I think this was a new area for government and many communities are looking at a need to staff up to address communications, where, in the past, maybe a big city would have a communications director. Now that has trickled down to almost all small communities."
 
To that end, the town has completely revamped its website and hired its first communications director — both steps that were included in the November 2025 Collins Center report, "Roadmap for Inclusive and Accessible Municipal Communications in Williamstown, Mass."
 
Brianna Sunryd, a public services manager at the Collins Center, presented her group's findings to the Select Board.
 
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