Local Women Writers to Present 'Defy: Words in Bloom' at WANDER

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — WANDER Berkshires will host "Defy: Words in Bloom," an evening of new work by five local women writers, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7 p.m.

The event is part of ArtWeek Berkshires and will feature poetry and creative nonfiction performances by Deirdre McKenna, maayan nuri héd, Nichole Dupont, Alÿcia Bacon, and Elizabeth Nelson.

Paper flower sculptures by Elizabeth Nelson, who also curated the event, will be on display at WANDER from May 16–26.

Deirdre McKenna is a writer and visual artist based in the Berkshires. maayan nuri héd is an antidisciplinarian artist and community organizer. Nichole Dupont is a writer, columnist, playwright, and essayist. Alÿcia Bacon is a poet and storyteller. Elizabeth Nelson is a writer and multidisciplinary artist.

More information about the writers can be found at elizabethnelson.net/news-events.

ArtWeek Berkshires, a 10-day celebration of creativity, is hosted by the five state-designated Cultural Districts of Berkshire County and marketed by 1Berkshire.

The presenting writers will share personal works exploring themes of loss, nature, war, mothering, resilience, defiance, love, healing, and justice.

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Wixsom Leads Force 12U Softball Team in Tourney Opener

iBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Emma Wixsom struck out eight of the nine batters she faced in Friday’s opener of the Berkshire Fall Frenzy as the host Force 12-and-under travel softball team beat the Greylock Thunder, 14-0, in three innings.
 
Wixsom was credited with a perfect game in the contest, which was ended by the tournament’s run rule.
 
McKinley Bushika led the Force’s offense, going 3-for-3 with a pair of RBIs. Charlotte Kotski tripled, and Lilly Tuohy doubled in a nine-hit attack.
 
In its second game in the six-team tournament on Friday evening, the Force beat the East Greenbush, N.Y., Xpress Crushers, 5-3.
 
Peyton Demary went 3 and two-thirds innings in the circle before giving the ball to Wixsom. Demary struck out eight while allowing two earned runs.
 
Kotski was a difference maker at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI in a six-hit attack for the Force.
 
Berkshire Saturday starts its day against the 413 Panthers out of Hampden at the Doyle Complex.
 
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