Clark Art Offers Free Admission From January Through March

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Clark Art Institute will offer free admission for all visitors from January through March 2026.

In its fourth year, the "Free for Three" program is part of the Institute's ongoing effort to expand awareness of its programming and to welcome new visitors. 

During the free admission season, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Clark's permanent collection and to see two ongoing special exhibitions, Raffaella della Olga: Typescripts (open through May 31, 2026) and Shadow Visionaries: French Artists Against the Current, 1840-70 (open through March 8, 2026). In addition, the Clark presents three special installations during this period. Mariel Capanna: Giornata (open through Jan. 25, 2026) and Sónia Almeida: Stages (opens Feb. 14, 2026) are featured as part of the Clark's ongoing series of contemporary art in its public spaces. The Clark library's series of year-round public installations, Paginations, presents Gridlocked: The Geometry of Weaving (open through May 17, 2026) in conjunction with Raffaella della Olga: Typescripts.

The Clark's grounds, which are always open free of charge, provide miles of walking trails. In the winter months, the Clark's popular Project Snowshoe program offers visitors the opportunity to borrow free snowshoes to explore the beauty of the campus in winter. Snowshoes are available in adult and child sizes on a first-come, first-served basis. As the seasons change, visitors are invited to discover and rediscover the six sculptures positioned across the campus as part of the outdoor exhibition, Ground/work 2025 (open through October 12, 2026).

The Clark also offers a wide array of free public programs, concerts, and other activities. The Clark's First Sunday Free series continues on January 4, February 1, and March 4, exploring a different Ground/work 2025 sculpture through art-marking, gallery engagement, and special activities from 1–4 pm. Details on January through March 2026 programming are available at events.clarkart.edu. 

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.