Berkshire Art Center Announces Expansion to Second Location in Pittsfield
Berkshire Art Center (formerly IS183 Art School) is excited to announce it will be expanding to a second location in Pittsfield, the Brothership Building at 141 North Street, this month. The opening will be held on Friday, September 30th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and is open to the public.
Through this expansion, Berkshire Art Center (BAC) will offer a variety of new classes and workshops in Pittsfield for adults and young artists of all ages. Classes will explore mediums including watercolor painting, photography, jewelry, printmaking, and more.
“The launch of this new location is such an exciting opportunity for BAC!” said Program Director, Brielle Rizzotti. “Though we've offered off-site classes and workshops throughout Berkshire County for many years, I am excited for the Brothership to become a central hub where we can root ourselves and grow as an integral part of the Pittsfield community, right from our new home base on North Street.”
At the new Pittsfield location, Berkshire Art Center will hold a series of Arts Night Out events, in which couples, friends, or solo creatives can join an evening of fun and creativity while experiencing different art-making activities such as bead-making, cyanotypes, printmaking and ceramics. BAC has also partnered with new neighbors at Methuselah Bar & Lounge who will be offering 15% off food to anyone heading over to dine after an Arts Night Out event.
“We look forward to welcoming new students to dive in and explore their creativity through a wide array of programming - including free family drop-in events and the return of our Arts Night Out series, which offers a creative, fun night out for couples and groups of friends,” said Rizzotti. “This easily accessible venue is an exciting step into the future of ensuring hands-on experiences in the visual arts are made possible for everyone in our community!”
In addition to Arts Night Out, starting in October at 141 North Street, Berkshire Art Center will offer monthly Free Family Drop-Ins. These drop-ins are a series of events which will feature a rotating set of projects for families to participate in at their own pace, using a wide array of art materials to spark inspiration and imagination. These projects will allow opportunities for freeform creative exploration and a chance to experiment, paired with the guidance and support of a Faculty Artist. Free Family Drop-Ins will be held on the First Friday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and Third Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm of every month, excluding any dates that BAC is closed.
Berkshire Art Center will also be expanding their support of local artists by showcasing and selling work from local makers. In addition to work by artists, BAC will be selling used and discounted art supplies & creative ephemera for local makers of all levels to use in their work. A variety of locally made items including necklaces, mugs, pouches, and notecards, will be available for purchase in the shop.
Berkshire Art Center’s Opening Reception at the Brothership Building space later this month will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, light refreshments, and a drop-in art project centered around creativity and building community. To learn more about Berkshire Art Center’s new Pittsfield location and see a list of upcoming classes happening at the Brothership Building this Fall, visit berkshireartcenter.org.