01 Mar “CATA is one of the best things about the Berkshires”
Mary Pope Osborne & Will Osborne (photo by Christina Lane)
CATA supporters Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne, the duo behind the wildly popular Magic Tree House books, plays, and musicals, are driven to make the arts accessible for everyone.
Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne believe that every person deserves to express who they are—and share their talents with the world. When they first discovered CATA and experienced the exuberance of CATA artists performing on stage, they knew they wanted to get involved.
“We are huge fans and supporters of CATA, and have been for many years,” says Mary. “We love the openness, sincerity, and creativity of the artists. And we love the vibrancy and perspective their work brings to the community.”
“The first time we attended a CATA performance, we left feeling exhilarated and joyful—and it made us feel good about the world,” says Will. “Anything that CATA does is going to lift your spirits and make you feel better for at least a week, if not a year!”
“Every piece that CATA artists create is so original,” says Mary. “When we see their artwork in exhibits, when we hear their poetry, when we attend their performances, it always gives us an insight that we didn’t have before we experienced their work.”
Mary and Will have been proud to see how CATA has grown over the years. “CATA is an integral part of what’s going on in the Berkshires right now,” says Will, who joined CATA’s Strategic Plan Task Force this past year.
“We love the openness, sincerity, and creativity of the artists—and the perspective their work brings to the community.”
CATA supporters Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne, the duo behind the wildly popular Magic Tree House books, plays and musicals, are driven to make the arts accessible for everyone.
“People ask us what it is about CATA that makes us so enthusiastic. We tell them, it’s right there in the name: Access. It’s about access to the tools and materials and teaching artists that allow people with disabilities to experience the joy of creation. And it’s about access to the joy of sharing that creativity with the community, with a receptive audience who appreciate what they’re doing.”
“I’ve been a performer all my life,” adds Will. “To share something deeply personal, something you’re very proud of, with an audience— there’s nothing like it. It thrills us to know that CATA is making this happen for people who would not otherwise have the opportunity.”
“CATA is one of the very best things about the Berkshires,” says Mary. “We just say ‘CATA’ and we smile. We hope that everyone will continue to support this great organization that does so much for our community.”