Cummington is the first rural area in Massachusetts to receive cultural district designation — recognized in March — making it the artistic center of the rural Hilltowns region.
“This will help put the Hilltowns and their unique rural, historic and artistic character on the map,” said Beckie Kravetz, a demonstrating artist for the upcoming Hilltown Arts Alliance fifth annual Open Studio Tour. “The cultural district will help the town attract artists and cultural enterprises, establish the district as a tourist destination and help us preserve and reuse historic buildings, some of which may be turned into art galleries, studios and performance spaces.”
The free event will take place Saturday and Sunday in the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
