Explosive expression takes flight at Scoville

Explosive expression takes flight at Scoville

Kyla DeRisi and Isabella Yoo ran the exploding paint event at Scoville Memorial Library Thursday, July 17.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

SALISBURY — Kyla DeRisi, the children’s coordinator at the Scoville Memorial Library, was taking no chances Thursday evening, July 17.

With an agenda that included exploding paint and small children, the evening’s art and dessert event was clearly destined for the out of doors.

But DeRisi, taking a cue from Rita Delgado, who regularly reads to small children at the library, went one step further.

She donned a sturdy black plastic garbage bag, with head and armholes cut out, to protect her dress.

Library volunteer Isabella Yoo, who has been helping out one way or another at the library since the age of eight, was decked out in shorts and a top and didn’t feel the need for the extra layer of protection.

The procedure was to pour a small amount of paint into a film canister, then add a bit of water and — this is the key — half an Alka-Seltzer tablet.

The canister is then closed and placed a prudent distance away on a large sheet of paper.

As the antacid dissolves, it creates carbon dioxide.

In a person, this causes burps.

In sealed film canisters filled with paint and water, this causes the top to pop off and the fizzy paint to surge forth and get all over the paper.

At this point the artist takes over and manipulates the paint and paper.

Think Jackson Pollock after a heavy meal.

The first attempt blew to the top of the film canister off just fine, but the paint failed to flow.

After adjusting the water to paint ratio, subsequent attempts went more or less as expected, with appropriate expressions of glee and merriment from the youngsters.

A generous supply of cookies rounded things out.

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage
Jonathan Walker as “Greg” and Jen Cody as “Sylvia”in rehearsal at The Sharon Playhouse.
Aly Morrissey

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less