No matter how many times we visit the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, we find something new.  Now there’s an exhibit of Impressionist painter, Giovanni Boldini, who is new to us and we’re glad to discover him. The exhibit will be on display until April 25th.

During the 1890s and early 1900s, Giovanni Boldini achieved tremendous popularity in Europe and the United States as a painter of striking, stylish portraits. Indeed, he was one of the great portrait painters of his time. Earlier in his career, however, he explored a wide range of other subjects including landscapes, urban views, and scenes of everyday life. Boldini moved to Paris from his native Italy in 1871, and like his French contemporaries, he was fascinated by the life of the city: its bustling streets, its cafés, and concert halls, and the surrounding countryside.

Tonight’s the opening of “The Torch-Bearers” at Williamstown Theatre Festival, in Williamstown, MA.  This theater has been renowned as a Berkshires tradition for 55 years.  The play is a 1920’s side-splitting farce about a bunch of amateurs trying to produce a play, sort of like “Noises Off.”

Williamstown is about 40 minutes from Brook Farm Inn, and guests can enjoy a full day there at the Clark, the Williams College Art Museum, and some great restaurants and shops.

Since no trip to the Berkshires is complete without visits to the Clark and Tanglewood, Brook Farm Inn in Lenox Massachusetts is glad to announce that the two venues have paired to offer the perfect package of art and music. For only $45 (a 25% savings) you can purchase two Clark admissions and two Tanglewood lawn tickets. Clark admission tickets are valid June 7 through September 7; Tanglewood lawn tickets are valid for all BSO and Boston Pops concerts (excludes Popular Artist Series).

 You may purchase ticket packages in any quantity – and it is easy, one stop shopping. Visit clarkart.edu or tanglewood.org or phone the Clark’s box office at 413 458 0524. 

 This summer the Clark presents Dove/O’Keeffe: Circles of Influence, an exhibition exploring the early abstract work of iconic American painter Georgia O’Keeffe and the great modernist painter Arthur Dove. O’Keeffe has long been the subject of fascination by critics and art lovers alike, and this exhibition (exclusive to the Clark) adds a new chapter to the ongoing interest in her work. Through the Seasons: Japanese Art in Nature will be presented in Stone Hill Center. Both exhibitions open on June 7.

 Also at the Clark are free summer band concerts on Tuesday evenings in July. In August you can enjoy a series of chamber music concerts on Tuesday evenings; purchase  your tickets early as the series sold out last summer. A robust schedule of lectures, films, and events completes an exciting summer at the Clark.

The story of Henri Toulouse -Lautrec and the Paris nightlife he mined for his art will be on view at the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, MA, beginning this Sunday.  The exhibition is open until April 26, and at Brook Farm Inn, we can’t wait to go to the opening.  The Clark offers free admission this time of year, and it’s really worth the visit. The artist’s life reads like a movie script, and the works are arranged loosely by themes including early work, nightlife, celebrities, street life, and others. When you stay at Brook Farm Inn, we’ll give you directions to this and other Berkshires attractions, and make some restaurant suggestions as well. 

Remember the Shirelles? They’ll be at the Clark Art Institute December 12. Stay at Brook Farm Inn in Lenox Massachusetts, and go to the concert! The Clark welcomes the Shirelles at 8 pm during the Holiday Walk Weekend. Enjoy classic Shirelles hits blended with holiday favorites. Beverly Lee, an original Shirelle, will be accompanied by vocalists Diane Spann and Louise Bethune. Tickets are $20 ($18 for members and students). To purchase tickets, call 413-458-0524 or visit

www.clarkart.edu. Purchase tickets early, as this concert will likely sell out. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303.

This Sunday,  The Clark will open its new Stone Hill center.  The famous art museum in Williamstown, Massachusetts has a spectacular collection, and is set on 140 acres of beautiful Berkshires scenery.  The new center was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Tadao Ando.  In his honor, the community open house on Sunday will offer a barbecue, picnic, and Japanese drumming.  The Clark has always been a favorite destination for Brook Farm Inn visitors, and it’s an easy ride from Lenox.