The Hub

Bangkok - City of Angels - is Thailand's largest city with its population of eight million. The sprawling capital is an intriguing mix of the familiar and the exotic, of old and new. Its magnificent temples and Buddhist local color against a modern skyline define its unique character.

The founders of the first Berkshire Forum Tina Chase and Mary Collins George intend to move forward with planning next year. Despite a thin attendance for the three days of lectures, panels and performances they report nearly breaking even. A daunting range and depth of information and insights was provided. It evoked expanding and redefining the branding of the Berkshires. A highlight among many was the dialogue with Boston Globe editor Martin Baron.

The enormously ambitious, weekend long, Solid Sound Festival, curated by Wilco at Mass MoCA was a complete success. What now follows is a critical analysis vital to the momentum for future arts and events development in North Adams. We put out a call for responses and ideas. These ranged from Mayor Dick Alcobright, Mass MoCA PR person, Katherine Myers, to arts leaders, politicians and artists. We invite your responses as well.

This summer through fall foliage the arts are flourishing in North Adams. Now in its eleventh year Mass MoCA is lending a helping hand to a vital, imaginative and ever more vital arts community. New Mayor Dick Alcombright is working shoulder to shoulder with Joe Thompson of Mass MoCA, MCLA, local galleries, artists and community leaders. Now in its third year there are 35 stops on the Down Street arts map. There's a free trolley to get you around town. Events include a huge Wilco Festival at Mass MoCA, the Eagle Street Beach Party, and River Lights III. A world record sidewalk drawing is in the planning stages. Lots of family fun from now till whenever.

With seven additional visual art destinations over last year’s offerings and 11 new galleries, this year’s DownStreet Art initiative â€" organized by the Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) â€" not only will increase in scope and size; its installations will highlight communities from around the world.

Mahler is an unseen but fully-present character in Mengelberg and Mahler. He is Mengelberg’s cherished friend, his inspiration, his conscience, and ultimately his spiritual salvation. Mahler’s musicâ€"parts of his 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Symphonies, plus "Wenn dein Mütterlein" from the Kindertotenliederâ€"is a full partner in this production. These musical portions do much more than set the scene: they are essential to Mengelberg’s understanding of his own life.

With fresh snow on the ground there was the right ambiance for the annual Winterfest in North Adams. Artists carved ice sculptures and there was a chowder contest with local restaurants. Later we moved on to Greylock Arts in Adams where the artist Nathaniel Stern was busy installing.

North Adams City Council incumbent and candidate for reelection Lisa M. Blackmer held a meet and greet at the Freight Yard. While drinking and snacking the rumors were flying in an ever more contentious Mayoral campaign between incumbent, John Barrett, and challenger Dick Alcombright. They both dropped by to press the flesh.

There was a lively turnout of some 272 supporters for a sit down dinner at Bounty Fare for Candidate Dick Alcombright. For many, the cupcakes with their Alcombright banners on top, baked by Keith Bona, were symbolic of the rising tide. While some feel the race is now a piece of cupcake Alcombright says it would be a mistake to be overly confident in the final month of a tough campaign.

John Barrett, the "Dean of Massachusetts Mayors" is fighting to see his vision for North Adams fulfilled. In this, his 14th run for Mayor, he faces off against challenger Richard Alcombright. We asked him about the race and his hopes for the city he loves.

Located between the larger and better known artist communities of Pittsfield and North Adams it is easy to overlook the vibrant Adams art scene. We visited and interviewed eight artists in their studios. They are all well established with an intriguing variety of work.

The Boston Independent Film Festival has developed into a serious film celebration. Closing night of the seventh year of the Boston Independent Film Festival took place at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. The film was World's Greatest Dad directed by Bobcat Goldwait and starring Robin Williams. Yes, that Bobcat Goldwait of intellectually unmemorable films like Police Academy and quirky standup routines. The crowd loved it at the Coolidge with Robin Williams on the screen and Goldwait in person.

Stuart Chase, the director of the 106 year old Berkshire Mueum in Pittsfield discusses the recently completed $10 million renovation that was "on time and within budget." He also deaccessioned three paintings by the Russian, Grigoriev, that added $7 million for future acquisitions. Not bad during these hard times.

Surrounded by majestic mountains at 12,000 feet, Lhasa is the cultural and religious center of Tibet, one of five autonomous regions of China. Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama,sits atop Red Mountain with sweeping views of the city. Ornate temples, silk shawls and colorful flags that sway in the wind carrying written prayers to the gods, all add to the beauty of this Buddhist land.

For too many years it has been dead in downtown North Adams in the shadow of Mass MoCA. Visitors to that museum did not spill over to depressed Main Street. But that may change as there is now a map guiding visitors to some dozen or so arts venues. It is creating a real buzz for Northern Berkshire County.

Philippe de Montebello, the retiring director of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art charmed and captivated a capacity audience at the Clark Art Museum.

Although it is at times silly fun, The Believers promotes irrational and irrelevant beliefs. Positioning such beliefs as art does not improve the belief's failures to interact with today's complex world.

Mayor Thomas Menino recently shocked Bostonians by announcing a plan to sell City Hall to developers and rebuild on the waterfront near the new Institute of Contemporary Art.