Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/144909
(The father and son had a strained relationship, I hear.) Front and centre in Jarvis's art space is a striking piece called Maya, a 3.3-metre-tall pyramid inspired by the Hindu temples he saw in India and lined with thousands of action and science fiction figures. Jarvis, who likes to spout aphorisms about the meaning of life, has become something of a guru to the younger artists who have settled in North Adams. I spend another full day at Williamstown, just west of North Adams. This is primarily a college town, home to preppy Williams College. But Williamstown has a few stellar artistic draws of its own, notably the extraordinary Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Bequeathed by a collector of Renoir, Monet and Degas, this is one of North America's great collections of impressionism. The setting, in an estate on the rolling hill amid mountains that inspired American creative giants like Longfellow, Hawthorne and Thoreau, is worth the trip in itself. And the college has its own collection that comprises the Williams College Museum of Art, which actively collects works by 20thcentury heavyweights (including a remarkable series of wall drawings by Sol LeWitt). All told, the Berkshires shape up as this year's Grand Tour for art enthusiasts. Combine a visit here with a few days of awestruck loitering in New York City's great museums. Or fly direct to Albany or Hartford, book a car and make tracks for this green and leafy postcard getaway. Bring hiking boots for jaunts along the Appalachian Trail. And consider learning how to whistle the national anthem. It's sure to guarantee a warm welcome in North Adams at the very least. Oh, Canada, indeed! art is in the details WHERE TO STAY ■ The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA 231 River St., North Adams 413-664-0400; porches.com ■ Clover Hill Farm Families will enjoy this expansive and bucolic farm with sweeping mountain views and visits with farm animals. The inn offers a self-contained apartment unit with full kitchen. 249 Adams Rd., Williamstown 413-458-3376; cloverhillfarm.net WHERE TO SHOP ■ River Hill Pottery At the Eclipse Mill Artist Lofts live/work space, browse handmade clay baskets and other 32 W E S T W O R L D p28-33_Oh_Canada.indd 32 >> SUMMER 2012 4/13/12 2:18:33 PM