June Happenings at Highfield Hall

Looking for a great class, lecture, or workshop to keep you busy in June? Look no further than the great lineup of programs that will take place next month at historic . In many cases, pre-registration is required; act fast, because many events fill up quickly! Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at Highfield Hall. For more information, call 508-495-1878, email info@highfieldhall.org or visit highfieldhall.org

Kevin King: A Retrospective

Through Sunday, June 24; Artist’s reception Friday, June 1, 6-8pm

Weekdays 10am-4pm; Sundays 10am-2pm; closed Saturday

The body of work produced by Cape Cod artist Kevin King is so prolific and diverse as to defy description. In designing this exhibition, Mr. King has chosen landscapes, mixed media, abstractions and representational pieces. A highlight of the show will be several works from his Ash Series, which was the subject of a recent radio piece that aired during All Things Considered and Morning Edition on WCAI and WGBH. “Flag 9/11” and “Between the Lines” movingly include ash from Ground Zero. Several fish paintings, made from fish ash and oil paint, will also be on display, along with two large works created with ash from books: A Farewell to Arms and Fahrenheit 451. More information on Kevin King is available at kevinkingart.com. A suggested $5 donation supports the community programming and preservation of Highfield Hall.  

First Sunday Estate Walk and History of the Beebe Property

Sunday, June 3 and every first Sunday of the month at 1pm

A special docent-led estate walk of the Beebe property. Learn about the history of the Hall and the Beebe family that built it, hear the story of Tanglewood – the other Beebe mansion—and its unfortunate demise in 1977, and you'll gain an understanding of the 700 acre Beebe estate that now includes Falmouth Hospital, Green Gates subdivision, Falmouth Academy—and so much more. The tour begins from the front porch at 1pm with a $5 suggested donation. Walks will not be held in the event of rain. Reservations are encouraged, but not required, either by calling 508-495-1878, ext 303 or by emailing info@highfieldhall.org.

Sara Daneshpour, Piano, in Recital

Sunday, June 3, 4pm

Internationally acclaimed pianist Sara Daneshpour will perform an elegant and emotional repertory of selected works by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and Mozart. Ms. Daneshpour’s performances, both in this country and abroad, consistently earn high accolades of audiences and critics. After one featured solo appearance, the New York Concert Review wrote of her, “…she exhibits all the requisites for a high voltage career and more: blazing technique, power, expressivity, imagination, and a lovely stage presence.” She has performed in Israel, Russia, Poland, Germany, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, and Sweden as well as across the United States and has won medals in competitions around the glove. She attended the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied under Leon Fleischer, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the Julliard School under the direction of Professor Yoheved Kaplinsky. Tickets are $20 if purchased by noon on Friday, June 1 at highfieldhall.org or by calling 508-495-1878, ext. 303; $25 at the door.

Photography: Writing with Light

Wednesday, June 6 through Sunday, July 22

Weekdays 10am-4pm; Sundays 10am-2pm; closed Saturday. 

Light is the photographer's chief resource. From the visible to the infrared spectrum, it is light that photographers play with, manipulate, exploit and capture. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see 3D images of the 19th to 21st centuries by Ron Labbe; a mini-history of 19th century portraits from the Falmouth Historical Society; silver gelatin architectural prints by Howard Dunn; dreamlike panoramic infrared landscapes by Andrew Child; crisp metal prints of flowers by Carol Hicks; macro views of nature by Neil Tischler; and photo graphics of jellyfish and seascapes by John Tunney. $5 suggested admission/members free.

D-Day Deceptions: The Enigma Machine and its role at the Normandy Invasion

Wednesday, June 6, 7pm

The story of the D-Day invasion and the Allied landing at Normandy—the mission that turned the tide of war in Europe—is one that has stirred the imagination of the Western world since 1944. But how were the leaders and troops able to successfully complete this mission, and how did the Allies break the code of the infamous Enigma code machine used by the Nazis? What devices were used to trick the Nazis and make this event successful? Mark Schmidt, Executive Director of the Falmouth Historical Society and former director of the Museum of World War II, will talk regarding these aspects of the invasion, and how it will be remembered and on the 68th anniversary of the Normandy landing. $5/members of Falmouth Historical Society or Historic Highfield $4.

Cape Cod Mosaic Workshops at Highfield Hall: Make a Pique Assiette Mosaic Mirror with Jim Bowen

Sunday and Monday, June 10 and 11, 9:30am-4pm

Pique assiette is the term used to describe the style of mosaic that uses broken china and found art such as beads, shells, and glass. During this two-day workshop, we will utilize the direct method of applying broken china used to form a mosaic. We may mix some stained glass into your mirror, which you will also learn to cut. You will also learn how to decoupage paper such as an old photo and place it under glass. Bring in some of your treasures from home to incorporate into a memory mirror. Students will learn how to cut and shape china and stained glass along with which adhesive to use to create and finish a mirror of art to display in the home or give as a gift. The two-day workshop is $225 plus $30 for all materials and supplies, including handouts and a mirror substrate. For more information and registration, visit capecodmosaicworkshops.com or call 774-521-8408.

Beebe Woods Nature Walk with Alison Robb

Tuesdays, June 12 and 26, 10:30am

Alison Robb leads walkers on a search through Beebe Woods for seasonal plants and animals. A bit of history of the woods and the Beebe’s, and a description of the unique geology of the glacial moraine give participants an understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary natural resource. A suggested $5 admission supports community programming and preservation of Highfield Hall, a vital, historic landmark.

Reasons to Roast: Chicken! Oh, the Possibilities with Gail Blakely

Wednesday, June 13, 1pm

There are so many reasons to roast chicken! Preparation can be simple (pre-salting is key!), the oven does most of the work, the taste is satisfying and delicious, and possibilities for follow-on meals later in the week are endless. This class will explore some pan sauces to “dress it up” for special occasions, and then consider new and different ways to use up what’s left. How about a perfect tetrazzini and some new and creative salads? Roasting tips, preferences and recipes for fabulous “leftovers” are included. $39/members $34; register at highfieldhall.org or call 508-495-1878, ext 303.

Any Night’s Pizza Night! With Gail Blakely

Monday, June 18, 1pm

Learn how to make the delicious, just-about-foolproof dough, shape it and bake it. From there, you’ll go on to create bubbly, golden pizza bianca (white pizza with rosemary), crunchy olive pizza (no sauce, just tapenade), savory eggplant pizza, and of course, the traditional pizza Margherita. Your pizzas may not be round, but they will definitely be delicious! $39/members $34; register at highfieldhall.org or call 508-495-1878, ext 303.

Art Explorations: A Program for Children with Special Needs, Ages 2.9 to 4, with Jeannine Valle, M.Ed Severe Special Education

Fridays, June 22 through July 27

This summer art program will be customized according to the needs of the participating children and caregivers. Each class is a multi-sensory experience including a variety of art mediums, messy play and physical play. A different theme—color, shapes, painting, the ocean, famous artists, and art and literature—will be explored each week. Parents will meet with the teacher a month before the beginning of the class to make sure the appropriate accommodations are made. Jeannine Valle has worked in the field of special education for over ten years and is particularly interested in art and preschool curriculum. $125 per child with caregiver for the six-week session. Register by May 22 at highfieldhall.org or call 508-495-1878, ext 304.

Cape Cod Mosaic Workshops at Highfield Hall: Three-Day Intensive Abstract Mosaic Workshop with Lynne Chinn

Monday through Wednesday, June 25–27, 9:30am-4pm

Do you want to push the limits on your design and mosaic skills? Create an abstract mosaic under the watchful eye of award winning designer and mosaicist Lynne Chinn, as she guides you through the steps that go into such a project. Learn how and where to gather your inspiration for abstraction, as well as some advanced design and color theory ideas to contemplate. New techniques will be shared for the cutting and placement of tesserae to add texture, depth, dimension and excitement to all of your work. Level: Some mosaic understanding—such as cutting and adhering tile, and tool use. More information and registration at capecodmosaicworkshops.com/visiting-artist-workshops.html. $415 and a $15 materials fee for substrate and some art supplies. Total class fee $430.  

Ruin: The Architectural Photography of Brian Vanden Brink

Tuesday, June 26 through Sunday, July 29

Open Monday through Friday 10am-4 pm; Sunday 10am-2pm; closed Saturday.

Brian Vanden Brink is one of America's most sought-after architectural photographers. In his book Ruin: Photographs of a Vanishing America, Vanden Brink captures and illuminates, in stunning black and white images, the mystery and unexpected beauty found in abandoned structures such as mills, bridges, grain elevators, churches, and storefronts that once were important and useful. These photos grant permanence to historical places that may soon vanish forever. Vanden Brink’s powerful photographs are featured at Highfield Hall—a building that was also once a ruin—in conjunction with the Architects’ House Tour and Architects’ Salon in July.

Savor the Flavors of India with Olivia Masih White

Wednesday, June 27, 6pm

Olivia Masih White has sold out her previous cooking classes at Highfield Hall, and now she brings her sister with her to show us an even more extensive collection of healthful Indian cooking. Together we will explore both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes, with an emphasis on the plant-based diet. This class will arm you with a battery of recipes that will work exceptionally well for summer entertaining. Recipes and tastings included. $39/members $34; register at highfieldhall.org or call 508-495-1878, ext 303.