View from the Hill
  

Glorious Gardens are coming your way!
April  2010
In This Issue
April Art Exhibitions
300 Committee Spring Lectures
Music Programs
Emerging Artist Series
Addison Art
Faces of Highfield
Woods Hole Inn
Highfield Hall Hours
Quick Links
Director's Notes 
We are busy putting the final touches on our summer-long celebration "Glories of the Garden." This effort, which includes art shows, a gala event, garden workshops, noted garden speakers, a garden day, and a  festival in August, is designed to support the restoration of the Highfield Hall gardens. I can't wait to share all of the garden happenings with you -- watch your mail boxes (both snail and electronic) for more information.
 
What is new at Highfield Hall this year? Our permanent exhibition "The Highfield Story" is now open for viewing. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the exhibit is designed to better interpret the history of Highfield Hall for our visitors, and allow Highfield to serve as an engaging tourist attraction. The exhibition has been in the works for nearly two years, and we are grateful to all those who lent a hand. Come up and take a look!
 
Highfield is hosting two terrific art exhibitions this month. The works of local legend Bill Adelman grace our downstairs galleries, while the historical paintings of Franklin Gifford are featured upstairs. The Gifford paintings are brought to Highfield Hall through a collaboration with the Falmouth Historical Society and the Woods Hole Public Library, with assistance from the Woods Hole HIstorical Museum. What a treat to have the historical organizations in town collaborating on this project. 
 
Spring has sprung at the Hall!
                                                 Barbara Milligan
April Art Exhibitions
 
Bill Adelman: People and Places as Viewed by an Artist
AdelmanThursday, April 1 through Monday, April 26
In the Main Galleries 
Referred to by many as a "Renaissance Man," Dr. Bill Adelman has had several "post-retirement" careers.  Along with being a Theatre Director and an Art and Theatre reviewer, Adelman has been pursuing and practicing the fine art of painting and his work is well-known in the local area. Adelman shows a range of his works including en plein air pieces. When asked why he paints outdoors when it is more comfortable in a studio, Bill's answer was "It is fun to be on scene and experience the multitude of sensations that can be obtained by being part of the environment." 
 
Falmouth Goes Whaling: The Paintings of Franklin Lewis Gifford
GiffordThursday, April 1 through Sunday, May 2
In the Clark Gallery
Franklin Gifford (1854-1936) was a lifelong resident of Woods Hole. A house painter by trade, he pursued his interest in oil painting as a hobby. The self-taught artist found that oil-on-canvas was an effective means for him to chronicle the history and traditions of his beloved village. This exhibition presents several of the Gifford paintings that illustrate the whaling story of Falmouth, its shipbuilding and the colorful characters who led the industry. Two Falmouth-built ships and their stories are featured prominently in the exhibit: the schooner Status Ante Bellum, and the whale ship Commodore Morris. With thanks to the Falmouth Historical Society and the Woods Hole Public Library for the loan of these works. 
The 300 Committee Spring Lecture Series

Birds on the Cape & Islands: Why They Matter
lauxFriday, April 9, 7:30 pm
 
The 300 Committee, Falmouth's Land Trust, presents the fourth talk of the 2010 Spring Speaker Series at Highfield Hall. E. Vernon Laux, long-time newspaper columnist, author, tour guide, radio commentator, and bird watcher extraordinaire, will present a talk and slide show that draws on his extensive bird watching experience, illustrating why Cape Cod and the Islands are important habitat for the survival of many bird species. Vern has watched birds all over the world: the tropics, Antarctica, and Martha's Vineyard, where he discovered the famous Red-footed Falcon several summers ago. He is the resident land manager and ornithologist for the Linda Loring Nature Center on Nantucket and the author of Bird News-Vagrants and Visitors on a Peculiar Island. He appears regularly on WCAI's The Point with Mindy Todd, and his birding column appears every Saturday in the Cape Cod Times. Bring your bird questions!

Talks are FREE and open to the public. Reservations are not required.  Please visit The 300 Committee website for further information.
Upcoming Music Programs
  
Chopin in Paris: A Robert Wyatt Lecture
Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am
 As a blossoming pianist and composer, Chopin was cast into a revolutionary era that helped to transform his nationalistic and artistic instincts into some of the most elegant piano ever conceived. And at a time when the pianoforte itself was undergoing some of its most profound structural changes, Chopin utilized the tonal and technical innovations of the instrument in uniquely creative ways; in effect, his genius changed the course of piano composition forever. Through listening (both live and archival), analysis, and historical discussion, the magical world in which Chopin lived will be revealed and reveled through this reprise of a lecture previously presented at the Smithsonian Institution.
Tickets:  $20.00
 
Three's a Charm:  Triple Helix
Triple HelixSunday, April 18, 4:00 pm
Triple Helix featuring Bayla Keyes, violin; Rhonda Rider, cello; and Lois Shapiro, piano.
In addition to presenting superb traditional concerts, this sensational piano trio presents discussion-recitals which offer listeners new perspectives and insights. The Los Angeles Times notes that "Triple Helix is clearly something special . . . the players have a splendid musical chemistry with virtually perfect dynamic balance, a firm collective sense of rhythm, and fervor and authority when needed."
Tickets:  $25.00
 
Complete descriptions of all of our music programs and lectures are available online and ticket purchases may be made directly from our online shopping cart or by calling 508-495-1878 x313.
New Culinary Series with Andrea Norris
 
slow foodVal's Cape Cod Kitchen Class at Highfield Hall,
with Andrea Norris

Monday evenings: April 26, May 10, May 24 and June 7
6 - 8:30 pm
 
Pretty much everything Andrea Harding Norris learned about cooking, and continues to learn, is from her mother Val Harding ... except, that is, for many a summer employed at fine dining establishments around Falmouth and Woods Hole.
 
Today, Andrea is a food writer, cookbook author, co-owner of The Gilded Lily and mother of two small children. "I grew up in a house of food snobbery, although I didn't know it at the time. What is considered today a 'foodie' diet - and part of the slow food movement - was a way of life and, in fact, survival for us back in the 70s and 80s in East Falmouth."
 
Join Andrea for one or all of her classes this spring in the Highfield Hall kitchen:
          April 26 - Any Excuse for a Party
          May 10 - A Brunch for any Holiday
          May 25 - Cape Cod Summer Barbeque
          June 7 - Blue Ribbon Winners
 
$29 per class, all four classes for $100. Val herself will make guest appearances to offer her own gardening tips and cooking pointers!
Register online. 
 
Coming this summer: Tapas & Tastes with Carmina Mock and Gail Blakely!
Emerging Artist Program with the New England Conservatory
Emerging ArtistFor a second year, Highfield Hall is collaborating with the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) to present the Emerging Artists Program, an initiative that features outstanding collegiate musicians in both performance and educational settings. The program is underwritten through the generosity of the Esther Simon Charitable Foundation and Stephen and Bonnie Simon.
 
During the master class segment, NEC performers will coach local student participants, offering "mini-classes" on finer details of musicianship including phrasing, tone production, interpretation, technique and attack. To nominate a student musician, please email music@highfieldhall.org. In recital each ensemble will display the artistry and virtuosity that gives them the distinction of being awarded an honorary ambassadorship for the New England Conservatoy. The 7:00 pm concerts which follow both master classes are free and open to the public. No reservations are required.

Emerging Artists Master Class: Violin and Piano
Thursday, April 15, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
FREE OF CHARGE
The public is invited to observe a master class in violin and piano performance, taught by honors students from the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC). The NEC instructors will work one-on-one with selected local high school musicians in front of the assembled audience. To nominate a student, email music@highfieldhall.org. FREE and open to the public.  
 
Emerging Artists Concert:
Hye-Jin Kim, violin; Amy Yang, piano
Thursday, April 15, 7:00 pm
FREE OF CHARGE
Hye-Jin Kim, violin, and Amy Yang, piano, are honors students at the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC). They will present this free concert as a follow-up to the Master Class for local violin and piano students. FREE and open to the public.

 

League of Women Voters: County Government Fair 
 
BarnstableLeague of Women Voters of Falmouth presents: County Government -- it works for YOU!
Saturday, April 24, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

For the past two years, the League of Women Voters of Falmouth has been studying the structure and services of Barnstable County Government and how the County and Falmouth interact. As the culmination of this study, the Falmouth League presents this event to increase public awareness of the benefits offered to residents by their county government.  The event is styled as a "County Fair," with information stations, handouts and entertainment. 
 
The program is free and open to the public. Further questions should be directed to the League of Women Voters of Falmouth, http://lwvf.org
Addison Art at Highfield Hall
 
Wednesday, April 28 through Wednesday, June 9
Moquin
Addison Art Gallery of Orleans brings several of its outstanding artists to Highfield Hall in an exhibition that focuses on homes and interior spaces. Artists include Nick Patten, Mary Moquin, Paul Schulenburg, Penny Billings and Garry Gilmartin. This stunning show is curated by Helen Addison, Owner of Addison Art Gallery. Her gallery has been hailed by Cape Arts Review as having become "the gallery of choice for a large number of collectors, as well as the home of some of the most sought-after artists on Cape Cod." Check out the Addison Gallery at www.addisonart.com.
Join us for a reception with the artists on Friday, May 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Free and open to the public.
Beebe Woods Nature Walk 
 
MayflowerTuesday, April 27, 10:30 am
 and the 4th Tuesday of each month, April through December

Alison Robb will lead walkers on a journey through Beebe Woods to look for the Massachusetts State Flower, Trailing-Arbutus, also known as the Mayflower. In addition, she will point out other seasonal plants and animals and help participants gain an understanding and appreciation of the extraordinary natural resource that is the Beebe Woods. A bit of history of these woods and the Beebe family and a description of the unique geology of the glacial moraine are included.
 

$5 donation suggested. Reservations are appreciated, especially for groups of five or more.
Please call 508-495-1878, ext. 313, or email info@highfieldhall.org.
Faces of Highfield: New Staff Members
 
SuzanneIt is a pleasure to welcome two new staff members to the Highfield Hall team. Suzanne Currier joins us as our Development Officer. Most recently Suzanne was the Development Officer at the Penikese Island School and is currently the Events Coordinator for the Woods Hole Public Library, helping to manage their centennial celebration activities. Suzanne will be managing the Highfield Hall donor database and assisting with a range of development duties.
 
 
JoanneJoanne Skudder joins us on an interim basis as our Administrator. Joanne began volunteering last year for Highfield Hall and is known to many as our culinary assistant, Gift Gallery manager for the Holidays at Highfield, and needlework class instructor. Joanne, who formerly owned a quilt shop, will be manning the downstairs office, managing tickets and registrations, working with volunteers, and providing general administrative support.
 
Welcome to Suzanne and Joanne!
Arts and Alzheimer's
 
Highfield Hall Hosts Arts and Alzheimer's Initiative
Every third Wednesday of the month through August
10:30 am to Noon

Highfield Hall and Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, Inc. (ASCCI) are pleased to announce their partnership in the Arts & Alzheimer's Initiative. The program, held monthly at Highfield Hall, is one of several taking place Cape-wide which use moderated conversations stimulated by artwork for those with early to mid-stage Alzheimer's disease, or a related dementia, and their family caregivers. Moderated by facilitators trained through a grant from the Commonwealth Corps, each session provides caregivers with peer support and exposure to art, while allowing individuals with Alzheimer's to connect with others on a meaningful, stress-free level. The series at Highfield Hall takes place on the third Wednesday of the month from 10:30 am to Noon through August. Admission is free but sessions are currently limited to 10 participants and reservations are required. For more information on session availability and to make reservations, contact Shaun Hickey at ASCCI at 508-775-5656 or email info@alzcapecod.org.
 
Featured Business Partner
 
Woods Hole Inn
Woods Hole InnPerched on the edge of Woods Hole Harbor, steps from the Martha's Vineyard ferry, the Woods Hole Inn is the perfect place to start your Cape Cod vacation or put up your Cape Cod guests.
 
www.woodsholeinn.com  
Woods Hole Inn
28 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
508-495-0248
woodsholeinn@gmail.com
 
We hope you will support the businesses that support Highfield Hall! Want to join? Visit our website to learn about becoming a Business Partner.

Highfield Hall Hours -- Open for Visitation!

Highfield Hall is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm. The building is closed on Saturdays and holidays.

If you would like information about using the building for a private or community event, please email Janet Totten for information or to make an appointment. To contact other staff members, please see our staff directory for a complete staff list.
 
Highfield Hall, Falmouth's welcoming home for cultural and community life. 
Come up the hill for a visit soon!
 
 
Highfield Hall
 
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