Posted on Oct 14, 2025 by John W. Krysko
Fall 2025 Newsletter
The Art of Autumn: Gratitude, Growth & Gathering
A seasonal letter from our Founder & President, John Krysko
One hundred and one years ago William Cullen Bryant mused about “God’s first temples” in one of his best-known poems: “A Forest Hymn”.
Wondering by car and foot through the magnificent fall colors of the Berkshires I feel a special kinship to that sentiment, as well as his concern for preserving our forests.
It is easy to take this natural splendor for granted, but I do not. It is never a bad time to “hug-a-tree”, but now more than ever, we need to be mindful about all of our natural resources.
Many of us come for the natural beauty, but we also stay to enjoy the many expressions of Culture for which our region is known globally. Like pollinators drawn to nectar, we are drawn to the art, the music, the dance, the theater. We are more than an outpost of other great cultural hubs- NYC, Boston, Hartford… we are our own unique center. As with our lush, be-forested Garden of Eden, we cannot take our culture for granted. Both are at the hub of our Wheel. Both are at the core of our Community.
I came to live full-time in the hills of western MA 3 years ago. Decades ago I came for the natural splendor, but now I have laid down roots to become part of it. The first 2 years were an immersive course in exploring the almost innumerable iterations of “Culture”.
Museums, concert halls, galleries, gardens, theaters, restaurants. Each unique, but each important to the overall stew we call “home”. I found it equally important to explore small galleries, small music venues. Then there are the important concerns being tackled by the local towns seeking relevance and viability in a changing era.
It took a few years, but this Spring it became clear as to how to participate in this region’s growth and sustainability. I viewed the arts, the sciences (especially the natural sciences concerning environmental sustainability), healthy lifestyles, and yes, “spirituality” to be at the core of my interests, and I committed to finding ways to help US in the greater Berkshires area keep Community alive and thriving. I founded “Berkshire CenterPoint” this Spring, and have endeavored, through visual and written media, to highlight and honor the many ways culture creates and sustains Community.
Learn More About Berkshire CenterPoint
I have had the privilege of interviewing dozens of artists, musicians, gallery owners, community center organizers and cultural institution heads, and found that CenterPoint does have a place in connecting the many different dots on the culture map.
Each institution/artist/musician/gallery has its own focus/resources/outreach, and certainly there are some exceptional magazines devoted to sharing the wealth. However, in the electronic and online arena, there is a need for more attention. Going to Guido’s or other places where the magazines can be found is a start, but in today’s digital age more can be done. For good or ill, we rely upon our cellphones and laptops to keep us up to date on the events, as well as providing guidance to the content to help us make cultural choices.
CenterPoint is one of the media formats working at providing meaningful content and up-to-date calendaring. We are a non-profit and an essential aspect of our Mission is partnering with the many artists, institutions, wellness providers, etc. Our goal is not to re-invent the Wheel, but to help keep it moving. Community requires Community to solve its problems. We look forward to working with all such providers to better serve our region.
I have enjoyed spending numerous hours (and dollars!) at the many galleries, restaurants, community centers, and institutions. I continue to embrace the many diverse ways social media provides us with avenues of contact and sharing. CenterPoint is adding its own “flavor”, and I look forward to hearing from you as to what is most interesting, and most engaging.
I invite your “Voice” to join in this Conversation. If you have something that catches your eye, or your heart, please share it. Many hands make light work, as they say.
The Spring/Summer is now behind us, but the Fall and Winter in these hills await. Keep close watch on the CenterPoint space(s). We will share what gems we find, as well as share those of others whose Vision aligns with ours.
