‘Feelings that art can restore’

“Multiple Phantasms” (encaustic wax, Fiber Clay, slinky), by Cheshire, Conn.-based artist Ruth Sack.

She says:

“Phantasmagoria: A bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage.

“I slid down the tongue of a giant monster and emerged exultant. The monster was a play structure by Niki de Sainte Phalle called ‘Golem.’ I have since created my own whimsical artworks in order to spark that same thrill. The sculptures in this exhibit are inspired by Saint Phalle in pursuit of that excitement. I am as thrilled moving through a gigantic sculpture as I am when making a piece of art that delights me. These are the sort of feelings that have been quashed by the pandemic. These are the sort of feelings that art can restore.

“These works are part of a series called ‘Phantasmagoria.’ They have evolved from earlier coiled sculptures that evoked letterforms and primitive symbols. With the addition of organic shapes and detailed patterns, these pieces started to resemble lifelike characters. Each sculpture appears to be transitioning from an abstract form into an animated figure. This metamorphosis can summon thoughts of mythology and contemporary tales.’’

In Cheshire, from left to right: Cheshire Town Hall, Congregational Church, Historical Society, and Civil War memorial. The town also has a large bomb shelter under an AT&T tower. Given Russian mass murderer Putin’s tendencies, it may come in handy.

Roaring Brook Falls in Cheshire.

Easier to hike than to say

Old train station along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

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“One particular attraction enjoyed by locals and visitors alike is the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, which runs parallel to Route 8 and runs through the towns of Adams, Cheshire and Lanesborough with an extension under construction leading to Pittsfield projected to be completed next May. …Walking, biking, jogging, and rollerblading are popular trail activities on this Sometimes I grabbed my headphones and did my daily walk on the trail. It’s a great way to get some exercise while getting a beautiful view of what the Berkshires has to offer, particularly the views of Cheshire {Reservoir} as you pass through Cheshire town.’’

Cheshire Reservoir

A little history:

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is built on a former railroad corridor that runs parallel to Route 8 through Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, Mass.

The trail passes through the Hoosac River Valley, between Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountains. Cheshire Reservoir, the Hoosic River and associated wetlands flank much of the trail. The word Ashuwillticook (ash-oo-will-ti-cook) is from the Native American name for the south branch of the Hoosic River and means “at the in-between pleasant river,” or in common tongue, “the pleasant river in between the hills.”

Built during the 1800s industrial boom, the railway was a vital commercial link from the Atlantic Seaboard to communities that would have otherwise been isolated in the Berkshires.

Well-ventilated enough?

“Windswept,’’ by Cheshire, Conn.-based painter June Webster, in the New England Watercolor Society’s annual member show, at the Guild of Boston Artists, through Feb 28.

Left to right: Cheshire Town Hall, Congregational Church, Cheshire Historical Society and Civil War memorial

Roaring Brook Falls, in Cheshire