Fun in Cummington! Take part in family-friendly activities throughout the season
Fun in Cummington! Take part in family-friendly activities throughout the season
deTours: Exploring Cummington are thematic walking tours facilitated by artists, humanists, and naturalists to take a closer look at the familiar sites and hidden treasures, alike, that make Cummington special. Experience place and history anew.
deTours: Exploring Cummington are thematic walking tours facilitated by artists, humanists, and naturalists to take a closer look at the familiar sites and hidden treasures, alike, that make Cummington special. Experience place and history anew. Adventures continue along the Cultural District's Backyard, the Westfield River, this June 21 and 28 from 9-11am, meeting at Pettingill Memorial Park, Cummington.
Saturday, June 21 - Marc Hoechstetter at Pettingill
The making of scythe stones in the river
I will talk about what the farmers did in winter for needed cash. We will walk along the river from the ball field to Plainfield rd. Then return via river or main street. Other than the usual sunscreen/ bug spray people should wear rubber boots or water shoes to look for stones on the edge of the river, it will be a kind of treasure hunt. Participants should have a limit of two stones to bring home. Since these are not relics but debittage from a minor industrial project there should not be a problem with collecting them.
Saturday, June 28 - Malaika Ross at Pettingill
Botanical Painting Using Pigments from Local Flowers and Plants
Join us for a creative workshop where we’ll use plant-derived pigments made from flowers and plants growing along the Westfield River to create small botanical paintings. As we paint, we’ll also learn each plant’s Latin name, explore their unique qualities, and discover where they appear in our local ecosystem. This is a chance to connect with plants in a hands-on, imaginative way while learning a new artistic technique and expressing yourself through nature-inspired art.
No experience is necessary. You’re welcome to draw your own image or use one of the pre-printed plant illustrations provided. Materials provided.
deTours invites participants to slow down, observe an environment differently than they have before, and learn some new histories or practices for engaging with a place. It’s an opportunity for wonder, surprise, and for shaking up what you think you might already know. By engaging with the same place repeatedly—focusing on different nooks each time—through the practices, ideas, and histories presented by walk facilitators, participants have the opportunity to notice small changes, and both figuratively and literally turn over every rock, experiencing it over time and at a closer scale than they might otherwise.
deTours are free, rain or shine events for all ages; youths 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Refreshments will be provided at each of these free community events.
deTours was piloted in July and August 2024 at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead with a set of walking explorations inspired by Bryant’s legacy in the arts, humanities, and nature, led by Hilltown experts and creatives in those fields. It was organized by the Cummington Cultural District and implemented in partnership with the Trustees of the Reservation and Cummington Historical Commission.
deTours seek to offer a unique and participatory experiences for regional audiences, deepen and expand Cummington Cultural District’s programmatic and outreach partnerships, showcase often overlooked parts of Cummington for non-locals, and support the practices of diverse hilltown walk facilitators, who share their processes and vision as a frame for participants to walk through and experience for themselves.
Copyright © 2024 Cummington Cultural District - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.