Birds and Beasts at Wellfleet Preservation Hall
Ben Achtenberg, a documentary filmmaker — his 1984 film, Code Gray, was nominated for an Academy Award — has a show of photographs at Wellfleet Preservation Hall, 335 Main St., through Jan. 5.
“Birds, Beasts, and Beach Trash” draws on the Cape’s natural beauty and wildlife, which Achtenberg captures using conventional cameras as well as inexpensive motion-activated ones. “These ‘robo-cams’ have picked up some pretty amazing photos of the deer, coyotes, and other wildlife that pass through our yard,” says Achtenberg in a statement.
Achtenberg also photographs sculptures made from driftwood and colorful trash that he finds on his beach walks. He aims to capture fleeting moments — especially moving considering Achtenberg suffers from memory loss.
Castle Hill’s New Residency
Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill has announced a new residency program in partnership with Morgan State University, a historically Black school founded in 1867 in Baltimore. Made possible by the generosity of Nancy and Al Osborne, the residency will bring Black artists from Morgan State to Castle Hill’s Edgewood Farm campus in Truro for two weeks at a time starting in spring 2022.
“We are extremely excited to expand what we are currently doing with the Osborne Fellows at Edgewood Farm and bring a diverse group of artists to Truro,” says Cherie Mittenthal, Castle Hill’s executive artistic director, in a statement.
FAWC’s New Digs
The Fine Arts Work Center, 24 Pearl St. in Provincetown, is hosting a “Reopening Celebration” on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Pass through the courtyard, with its new Daniel A. Mullin Light, before entering the renovated Stanley Kunitz Common Room and relocated Hudson D. Walker Gallery. FAWC is also announcing a new partnership with the folks at East End Books Ptown, who will help operate the revamped bookstore. The event is also a closing reception for “Intersection,” a show of work by eight former fellows. RSVP at fawc.org.
Helen Grimm ‘Sparkles’ at Four Eleven
“Sparkle” is a show of paintings by Helen Grimm at Four Eleven Gallery, 411 Commercial St. in Provincetown, running Saturday, Dec. 4 through Dec. 16.
For over 20 years, Grimm has been painting shell forms in earthy colors and fluid strokes. In her work, she explores the dichotomies of rough/smooth, interior/exterior, and reality/abstraction.
“I continue to look at my paintings as if imagining a pool of water,” says Grimm in a statement. “I’m always charmed by water, especially the play of light across its surface. That sparkle inspires me to move beyond the edge of representation, and this work continues to ebb and flow.” There will be a reception on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m.
‘Hustle’ and Bustle at Longstreet
The second annual “Holiday Hustle” will open at Longstreet Gallery, 4730B Route 6 in Eastham, on Saturday, Dec. 4 and run through Dec. 19. It is not only the gallery’s last show of the year, but also the final show in Longstreet’s current space. Featuring 20 artists over “three weekends of holiday art offerings, to spread the cheer,” the lineup includes Adam O’Day, Monique Aimee, Felipe Ortiz, Jessica Baer, Sara Moran, and gallery owners Chris Kelly and Keith MacLelland. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.
PAGA’s Print Project
Provincetown’s legendary Long Point Gallery raised funds each year by releasing a signed print featuring all their artists. Formed in 2020, the Provincetown Art Gallery Association has announced a revival of sorts with the “2021 Print Project.” The limited-edition archival prints feature one artist from each of PAGA’s 18 galleries. Artists include Mark Adams, Salvatore Del Deo, John Dowd, Karen Cappotto, Joerg Dressler, Adam Peck, Helen Grimm, Marian Roth, and Ellen LeBow. The prints are $225 signed; unsigned $75, at provincetownartgalleryassociation.org. There will be a release party at Berta Walker Gallery, 208 Bradford St. in Provincetown, on Saturday, Dec. 4, starting at 5 p.m.
WHAT ‘Fuels’ Up
Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, 2357 Route 6, will hold its annual “Yule for Fuel” fundraiser for the Lower Cape Outreach Council’s Fuel Assistance Program on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
A Cape holiday tradition hosted by Stephen Russell since 2007, “Yule for Fuel” will be in-person this year with a virtual streaming option. Writers, poets, and performers include Christine Rathbun Ernst, Robert Finch, the Fix-It Sisters, Indira Ganesan, Kathy Shorr, John Shuman, and Ira Wood. Musical acts include Alex Brewer, Broadway Central, Julie Charland, Heyday, Gregory and Rachel Hischak, Fred Magee, Chandler Travis, Jim Rohrer and Katie Hickey, Rising Tide, Ken Silvia, SummerTown, the Ticks, and Woof Woof Meow. Tickets are $25 at what.org.
