Whether it was exploring local farms, attending a summer concert, or attending an author talk, there was always something happening in the northwest corner in 2024 to inspire and engage. From live music and theater to seasonal recreational activities and art exhibits, our community has no shortage of ways to connect, enjoy and celebrate the creative and cultural life of the region.
Here are some highlights from events covered by Compass, the Arts and Lifestyle section of the Millerton News and the Lakeville Journal in the categories of Art, Books, Food, Movies, Music, Leisure and Theater.
ART
From February 17 to March 29, the Sharon Historical Society hosted its annual juried art show with the theme “Let’s Dance.” The exhibition featured a range of works exploring the theme of dance through various artistic mediums.
Opening May 18, The Wassaic Project’s “Tall Shadows in Short Order” was an immersive art exhibition featuring large-scale, site-specific installations by 30 artists. It provided a unique visual experience for several months and was a highlight of the summer art scene.
Held in September, The Voice of Art (TVOA) Fine Arts Festival differed slightly from the Litchfield Art Festival which took place in May. The September festival was held in Sharon and, like the spring festival, celebrated the arts with a selection of works by artists from the northeastern United States. Featuring everything from paintings to jewelry, the festival was a must-see for art lovers.
In October, “SHELTER” opened at the Royal Arcanum Building in Norfolk. Featuring the work of fourteen area artists, the event raised $20,000 for The Gathering Place in Torrington, which provides essential services to the homeless in 26 towns across Litchfield County.
BOOKS
Salisbury and Kent Libraries have hosted a series of author talks throughout 2024, inviting locally and internationally renowned authors to engage with the community about their work. These events included Q&A sessions and book signings, providing an intimate setting for readers and writers to connect.
The popular Author Series at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury has continued to attract local and national writers to speak and read from their work. Local authors Eric Schnall and Roxana Robinson excited audiences with their new novels, and journalist Jonathan Alter was interviewed by John Hendrickson, editor of The Atlantic magazine, about his book “American Reckoning.”
In July, culture writer Laura Van Straaten skillfully interviewed Maurice Samuels, distinguished professor at Yale University and director of its program in the study of anti-Semitism, about his new book on the Dreyfus affair at the Congregation Beth David of Amenia.
In September, Susan Seidelman, writer and director of classics such as “Desperately Seeking Susan” and “Smithereens,” visited the Haystack Book Festival in Norfolk with a reading from her new memoir, “Desperately Seeking Something.”
Brunch at Troutbeck. Jim Henkens
FOOD
Troutbeck Executive Chef Vincent Gilberti continued to delight visitors to the historic complex’s restaurant and even shared a Black Emmer pancake recipe with newspaper readers. This dish is a must-have dish at their brunch, relaunched in February.
Panacea opened in Amenia on the site of the long-standing and popular Serevan restaurant to rave reviews. Hanna Pastries of North Canaan is now offering sweet treats to accompany your cup of coffee at wonderful Ilse Coffee.
NECC has launched a new pop-up food market selling local vegetables and proteins on a sliding scale. Extensive discussions about access to food in our area were underway and plans for a food market at Millerton Square Plaza were revealed at the end of the year.
Farmers’ markets like those in Sharon, Millerton, Salisbury and elsewhere continued to provide the community with locally grown produce and a lively weekly gathering place.
MOVIE
The Great Barrington Triplex offered screenings with special Q&A sessions. A screening of “I Am a Noise” included an appearance by the film’s subject, Joan Baez. The theater also hosted an election film series including a screening of “Paving the Way,” about the legacy of Geraldine Ferraro.
The Norfolk Library Film Series included screenings of wonderful independent films such as Michel Negreponte’s “Herd” and a documentary film series called “Covering Conflict.”
Millerton’s Moviehouse hosted numerous screenings and discussions with filmmakers and actors, as well as SOAR’s second student film showcase.
Joan BaezFrédéric Legrand
MUSIC
From the blues of Robert Cray and Shemekia Copeland at Norfolk’s Infinity Hall to the summer classical and jazz series at Music Mountain, our region was rich with musical offerings in 2024.
In July, the Litchfield Jazz Series returned for its 29th year. The Stissing Center in Pine Plains has hosted numerous concerts by internationally renowned musicians.
The Oldtone Roots Music Festival returned to Hillsdale in September after forming a nonprofit in 2023 and featuring local and national touring artists.
Trade secretsAnne Day
RECREATION
In May, the 24th annual Trade Secrets event raised funds for Project Sage. 2025 will be the 25th year of the collection and will certainly be full of botanical surprises.
The annual Mount Riga Fall Foliage Hike has attracted hikers from the community to experience the vibrant fall colors of the area’s natural landscape. The guided hike offered stunning views and the opportunity to explore the outdoors.
The Sharon Audubon Center and Cary Institute of Ecological Studies offered a variety of nature walks and educational programs throughout the year, allowing the community to connect with local wildlife and learn about efforts conservation.
THEATER
The Sharon Playhouse has remained a hub of theater in the region. Its 2024 summer season featured a mix of classic plays and new works, attracting both theater lovers and casual spectators for an enriching experience.
The Copake Grange has staged several productions, including the World War II drama “A Shayna Maidel.”
Our region’s vibrant cultural scene continues to offer a wide range of arts, entertainment and lifestyle content – 2024 is no exception.
The casting of Charlie Brown at the Sharon Playhouse.Matthew Kreta