Cartoonist Hans Rickheit to present ‘Untimely Monuments’ at Stage On Main Gallery in Orange
Massachusetts-born cartoonist and illustrator Hans Rickheit will present a new exhibition of drawings titled “Untimely Monuments: Premature Relics from Expired Futures” at Stage On Main in downtown Orange.
According to a press release, the exhibition features a collection of monochromatic drawings depicting strange machines, biological oddities, surreal architecture and dreamlike figures that feel at once antique and futuristic. Combining meticulous draftsmanship with dark humor and speculative imagery, the works resemble artifacts from forgotten civilizations or abandoned futures.
A public reception will be held Saturday, May 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Rickheit will be present during the reception to meet visitors, answer questions and sign books and prints. Copies of his books will also be available for purchase, along with the prints.
Rickheit, who currently lives in the North Quabbin region, is best known for his graphic novels “The Squirrel Machine” and “Cochlea & Eustachia.” His work has appeared through independent and alternative comics publishers including Fantagraphics, and has developed a devoted international readership for its highly personal blend of surrealism, satire, horror and visual invention.
The exhibition will remain on display during regular gallery hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Willis McCumber to host a dinosaur footprint fossil ‘show and tell’ event on May 30
On Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m., the Greenfield Public Library will host a free, all-ages dinosaur footprint fossil “show and tell” event in the Community Meeting Room. Local geology enthusiast Willis McCumber will present Connecticut River Valley dinosaur tracks and trace fossils, including unique specimens like mud cracks and raindrop impressions that attendees can hold. The event features a slideshow on ancient environments, maps and avian dinosaur tracks, followed by a Q&A session. Sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, this interactive program is open to the public and requires no registration.
A night of short films will be showcased at Shelburne Falls Theatre
The Shantigar Foundation and the Thomas Edison Film Festival present “Short and Great! A Night of Short Films” on Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Shelburne Falls Theatre in Memorial Hall, located at 51 Bridge St. in Shelburne Falls. This Academy-Award-qualifying international showcase features an evocative selection of documentaries, dance, and animated films focused on creativity, meditation and nature, followed by a Q&A with Festival Director Jane Steuerwald. Supported by local cultural council grants and hosted in partnership with Pothole Pictures, tickets are $6 cash at the door, with a special five-ticket bundle available for $20. Tickets may also be reserved in advance at shantigar.org/film-festival. For more information, contact Shantigar Co-Director Didi Goldenhar at egoldenhar@gmail.com.
Sunderland Public Library hosts art journaling workshop
The “In-Between: Writing and Illuminating Your Way Home” workshop will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sunderland Public Library, located at 20 School St. in Sunderland. Led by Christine Mirabal, this free, standalone session is designed for individuals aged 15 and older who feel caught between established groups and wish to explore their personal identity. Through guided writing exercises and art activities, participants will use blank journals, provided materials and a small personal keepsake from home — such as a photo, recipe or piece of jewelry — to discover clarity and self-acceptance. No prior artistic or writing experience is required, but space is strictly limited to eight participants, and preregistration is mandatory via email at quirky.artist.chris@gmail.com.
Next Bach’s Lunch concert set for June 3
GREENFIELD — The next Bach’s Lunch concert at the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew at 8 Church St., featuring In Stile Moderno, will take place on Wednesday, June 3, at 12:15 p.m.
In Stile Moderno musicians Agnes Coakley Cox (soprano), Nathaniel Cox (theorbo, guitar), Julia Glenn (violin) and Cameron Welke (archlute, guitar) will explore the music of London in the last decades of the 17th century, including theatrical songs by Henry Purcell, John Eccles, Nicola Matteis and Thomas Mace.
The concert is free. Audience members are invited to bring their own lunch to eat during the concert. For more information, email music@saintsjamesandandrew.org.
The LAVA Center to host ‘On the Boards’ playreading festival
Online ticketing is now available for the fourth annual playreading festival “On the Boards,” hosted by The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. in Greenfield. Running across four weekends in June, the festival showcases developmental works by 13 Massachusetts-based playwrights, featuring a different play and a post-performance audience talkback session each night. The event kicks off with a multi-play table read on Thursday, June 4 at 6 p.m., followed by evening performances at 7 p.m. on June 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26, with doors opening 30 minutes prior to showtime. Post-show food and refreshments from local restaurants will be provided nightly. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $8 to $30, with a $2 Card-to-Culture option, and free seats can be reserved by contacting info@thelavacenter.org at least 24 hours in advance. Full schedule details and tickets can be accessed at thelavacenter.org/on-the-boards.