Cummington artist Wynne Llewellyn exhibits Southwest paintings

Growing up in Wales and later settling in western Massachusetts, Wynne Llewellyn got used to painting small-scale landscapes hemmed in by woods, hills and mountains, and often low-hanging sky. So on a trip to the Southwest last summer, the Cummington artist was overwhelmed by the dramatically different scene she encountered: sweeping views, vivid colors - red, vermilion, yellow and white - and stark and sometimes bizarre rock formations. Her southwest paintings are on exhibit through May 27 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.

Muse Flashes

Fractured fairy tales

The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School will present "Into the Woods" May 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and May 20 at 2 p.m. at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

Steve Pfarrer's best bets

GOOD SHOWCASE

Laurel Park Tabernacle to be revived for public performances

More than a century ago, it was a major entertainment draw for the region - perhaps the largest. As many as 3,000 to 4,000 people might show up to listen to popular speakers and performers.

Cottage Street Studios open doors, new gallery

By STEVE PFARRER Staff Writer

It's springtime, and the doors are open at the Cottage Street Studios in Easthampton.

Looking ahead to Bear Fest

This year, there's an added inducement for families and children to visit the open studios this weekend at One Cottage Street in Easthampton: A sneak preview of Easthampton's second annual Bear Fest, a public arts project that raises funds for artists, art education and art organizations.

Art people: Susan Heideman - painter

Years ago, Susan Heideman decided to let go of reality. The 62-year-old artist, who will retire in June after teaching for 36 years at Smith College, said that over the years her work became more abstract.

When Heideman was young, her goal was to make realistic paintings that engulfed her viewers. Back then, she painted Caribbean jungles.