Berkshire naturalist Thom Smith has gone searching for sculptures, from jazz musicians to refugees to Don Quixote and Sancho Panza …
I have often called Berkshire artist Michael Melle’s sculptures, ‘straw people,’ but they are not straw — he chooses second cutting hay chosen for the best results. These hay and stick sculptures are fluid, often graceful, and many look alive, thanks in part to adjustable stick skeletons, actual clothing and embellishments.
While many of his ‘scarecrows’ are inspired by real people and scenes, some are imagined, and this fall his sculptures are sitting, walking, flying, painting or sweeping, working and playing music in Western Massachusetts towns from Pittsfield to Easthampton, including Lenox, Cummington, Goshen and Plainfield.
How many can you spot? (We’ll offer hints here and directions will follow later — although once you find a few a couple of these sites, you may spend an afternoon.)
Bird Watchers look for migrating visitors (hint) on the grounds of a senior retirement community close to Route 20 Bypass.
Bird Watchers look for migrating visitors (hint) on the grounds of a senior retirement community close to Route 20 Bypass.
A pitcher winds up (hint) on Route 9 near the Creamery.
Potato pickers are too intent to watch the ball game (hint) on Route 9 near the Creamery.
The batter waits for the pitch (hint) on Route 9 near the Creamery.
A young farmer ranges (hint) near Sancho Panza.
An artist paints en plein air (hint) near Don Quixote.
Don Quixote rides with Sancho Panza, the peasant laborer — greedy but kind, faithful but cowardly — Quixote takes as his squire. (Hint: Route 112 near the Ashfield town line.)
Nick Bottom, left, a character in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, stands in Plainfield (hint) beside Sculptor Michael Melle, who created these hay animals, human and domestic.
Michael Melle's straw people share a drink of water in 'Thirsty' — hint: they're in Plainfield. To find out more about Melle and visit his outdoor gallery, see michaelmelle.com.
Fairies have come to relax at a historic house in Pittsfield — (hint) check out what the fairy on the bench is holding.
Star Shooter (the lance thrower on the roof) looks at the sky — (hint) near the sweeper.
Sweeper is inspired by Tom Melle, Michael’s father, who enjoyed spending free time after his retirement in helping out friends and family. (hint) Look for him off lower South Street.
Mr. Earl plays jazz trombone — (hint) near the Berkshire Athenaeum.
Refugees walk in the fields — (hint) at an orchard in Easthampton.
A Reindeer wishes passengers a safe afternoon outing — (hint) at a west Pittsfield assisted living and memory care center.
