World class artists literally in your backyard — that is what Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., offers residents.
I have had the joy of taking in many of these top-notch events at Barrington’s White House, as well as performing at this venerable venue, which is supported by many generous patrons of the arts.
Now in its third season, Barrington’s White House’s fall season highlights “a lot of juicy things,” according to Cultural Director Rollin Potter.
Those things include globally celebrated violinist Rachel Barton Pines, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Garry Wills and Ron Hawking, an award-winning singer who lives in Barrington.
Other presentations feature professor Gayle Seymour discussing American art, a costume ball, a historical drama by Barbara Rinella, Queen B’s Improv group, Dancewerks Studio and the Madrigals of Barrington High School.
The “3rd Thursdays Art Night Out” series begins with Barrington photographer Thomas Balsamo and his work over the course of 40 years. Other local artists who will be featured at Barrington’s White House include Judy Skulborstad and Bobbie and Steve Puttrich.
At the Pines concert, arts patron and co-founder of the Stradivari Society, Mary Galvin, will be receiving the first-ever “Patron of the Arts” Award from the Barrington Cultural Commission.
According to Potter, the society, also founded by the late Geoffrey Fushi, has “put the finest violins and cellos in the world in the hands of performers.”
I recently asked Potter what is his greatest joy in leading the programming at Barrington’s White House.
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“We have found that the Barrington community has responded overwhelmingly to our events in our series … not only in turnout, but also the response as far as sponsorships and sustainers,” Potter said. “So, that means that we can keep our ticket prices very reasonable.”
I also asked him why he feels the cultural arts are important in this day and age.
“Everything that we know about the arts and cultural happenings will help us think about the world in a different way,” he replied. “Whether it is through a violin soloist, lecturer or a book that is written. Your frame of mind is different after you leave the event.”
He added, “I think first and foremost it makes us all better people and better armed to deal with a new day … and tomorrow.”
Indeed!
Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.