A Kiss to Build a Dream On

COURTESY OF SHANY PORRAS

Shany Porras is a visual music artist who translates music from various genres into abstract paintings. Paying tribute to the artists of the 20th century, Porras seeks to express music pieces through abstract form, line, color, and style. She has translated music from Aaron Copland to ZZ Top, studying each piece and seeing if it speaks to her visually. This painting, Translation of A Kiss to Build a Dream On (by Louis Armstrong), was commissioned by art collectors Sheila and Allan Orenstein for their home in Stockbridge. Porras co-founded the artist group called The Clock Tower Artists, with studios on the third floor of the historic Clock Tower Business Center, 75 South Church Street in Pittsfield. Their studios are open to the public for First Fridays Artswalk (this summer, July 7 and August 4), from 5 to 8 p.m.; and First Saturdays Open Studios (this summer, July 1 and August 5), from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Porras and Mollie Kellogg will have a show at Art on Main Gallery in West Stockbridge, July 14–24. Artworks representing “Where our Minds Wander” will be on display and for purchase at the Guild of Berkshire Artists’ member gallery. shanyporrasart.com, clocktowerartists.com, berkshireartists.org      

Anastasia Stanmeyer