Key Takeaways
- The Northwest Corner of the United States experienced a vibrant year of creativity in 2025, with numerous events and exhibitions in the fields of art, literature, film, music, and theater.
- The Hotchkiss School marked 50 years of co-education with a retrospective exhibition honoring sculptor Joy Brown, while the Wassaic Project received a $100,000 multi-year operating grant.
- The region’s literary scene was thriving, with new freelance writers covering book festivals, author talks, and other events.
- The Triplex in Great Barrington hosted various film screenings and festivals, including a Queer Cinema Club, while the Stissing Center expanded its film programming with a new projector.
- Music was a staple of the Compass calendar, with performances by local musicians, classical music series, and the launch of the Indigo Room, a new performance space connected to The Mahaiwe.
Introduction to the Creative Scene
The year 2025 was a remarkable one for the Northwest Corner, with a wide range of creative events and exhibitions taking place throughout the region. From art exhibitions and literary festivals to film screenings and musical performances, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The Hotchkiss School marked a significant milestone with a retrospective exhibition honoring sculptor Joy Brown, while the Wassaic Project received a substantial grant to support its ongoing activities.
Artistic Highlights
The art scene in the Northwest Corner was thriving in 2025, with numerous exhibitions and events taking place throughout the year. The Hotchkiss School’s retrospective exhibition honoring Joy Brown was a major highlight, featuring a sweeping collection of the sculptor’s work from her early pottery training in Japan to her large-scale bronze figures installed around the world. The Millbrook School hosted the first-ever Firefly student artist showcase, bringing together young artists and bird enthusiasts from schools across New York and Connecticut. The David M. Hunt Library’s Art Wall continued to feature local artists, including Jon Kopita, who displayed a decade of his meticulous, repetitive hand-lettering exploring order and identity.
Literary Scene
The literary scene in the Northwest Corner was also vibrant in 2025, with new freelance writers covering book festivals, author talks, and other events. The region welcomed new writers Laurie Fendrich and Olivia Prager, who covered the robust literary scene, including events such as Ann Temkin at Cornwall Library and Ruth Franklin at Congregation Beth David. The Haystack Book Festival in Norfolk returned, featuring a range of authors and book-related events. Books & Blooms celebrated its tenth anniversary with a two-day celebration of gardens, art, and rural beauty in Cornwall.
Film and Cinema
The film scene in the Northwest Corner was thriving in 2025, with numerous screenings, festivals, and conversations taking place throughout the year. The Triplex in Great Barrington hosted a range of events, including a Bob Dylan biopic talkback with Seth Rogovoy and the launch of the Queer Cinema Club. The Stissing Center expanded its film programming with a new projector, featuring local artists and a short-film festival. The Moviehouse in Millerton continued its incredible programming, with a range of independent films and documentaries.
Music and Performance
Music was a staple of the Compass calendar in 2025, with performances by local musicians, classical music series, and the launch of the Indigo Room, a new performance space connected to The Mahaiwe. The Twelve Moons Coffeehouse in Falls Village continued its once-a-month series, featuring a robust open mic followed by a featured performer. The American Mural Project’s live music and Happy Hour Piano Series was also a monthly anchor, featuring a multitude of styles of music. The Mahaiwe continued to delight with programming that included greats like Old Crow Medicine Show, Paquito D’Rivera, Natalie Merchant, and Roseanne Cash.
Theater and Community
The theater scene in the Northwest Corner was also thriving in 2025, with numerous productions and events taking place throughout the year. The Sharon Playhouse delivered a lively season of classic musicals, sharp comedies, and community-centered work, including "Million Dollar Quartet" and "Annie." The Writers Playground Festival championed new short plays by local writers, while the YouthStage program mounted family favorites like "Once Upon a Mattress" and "Finding Nemo Jr." The Ancram Center for the Arts celebrated its 10th anniversary, featuring the "Real People Real Stories" series and the regional premiere of "Where the Mountain Meets the Sea." The Stissing Center continued to expand its theatrical footprint, presenting a mix of classic drama, new work, and intimate staged readings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Northwest Corner experienced a vibrant year of creativity in 2025, with numerous events and exhibitions taking place throughout the region. From art exhibitions and literary festivals to film screenings and musical performances, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The region’s thriving creative scene is a testament to the talent and dedication of its artists, writers, musicians, and performers, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this vibrant and dynamic community.
