1Berkshire and the five Cultural Districts of Berkshire County are collaborating on a 10-day festival, September 15-25, featuring all things creative. The festival includes over 100 distinct events, from open studios and live performances, to poetry readings and online crafting classes, and so much more! Click here to view all ArtWeek Berkshires Events!
Pittsfield Artswalk
September 15-25. Free.
Pittsfield Artswalk transforms downtown Pittsfield retailers, restaurants, and organizations into art galleries. Explore art and meet artists during opening receptions on the first Friday of the month from 5 to 8 pm, with most art on display all month long. Download the Downtown Pittsfield App in the App Store or on Google Play to take a virtual tour of art anytime on your cell phone.
Click here to view the September Artswalk Tour!
Click here to view the Artscape Tour (public outdoor art, Paintboxes and murals)!
Benigna Chilla: From West to East to West
September 15-16, September 19-23. Free.
Berkshire Community College, 1350 West Street
Benigna Chilla: From West to East to West is the title of Benigna Chilla’s recent mixed media works. Installed at the Koussevitzky Gallery on the Campus of Berkshire Community College, the show runs from September 1 to October 30, 2022. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Open Studios with Mark Mellinger
Friday-Sunday, September 16-18, 11 am to 5 pm. Free.
Clock Tower Artists, 75 South Church Street, 3rd Floor
Visit artist Mark Mellinger in his studio (Suite 305), September 16-18, to view his original paintings and constructions.
Open Studios at empty set projects
Friday & Saturday, September 16 & 17, 6 to 9 pm; Sunday, September 18, 12 to 8 pm. Free.
150 South Street
Open studios at empty set projects will feature works by resident artists Monika Pizzichemi, Michael McKay, Hazle Weatherfield, Marcel Bova, and (possibly) Matson Jones. There will also be ongoing sound installations by Michael McKay and Marcel Bova.
Open Studios and Watercolor Demonstration with Sally Tiska Rice
Saturday & Sunday, September 17 & 18, 11 am to 5 pm. Free.
Clock Tower Artists, 75 South Church Street, 3rd Floor
Visit artist Sally Tiska Rice in her studio (Suite 302) September 17 & 18. Demos at 1 pm on both Saturday and Sunday sharing watercolor techniques.
$10 off original paintings 11”x14” and larger in studio during open studios or by appointment in September when you show your Berkshire Athenaeum library card.
Carl Bowlby Home Studio Tour
Sunday, September 18, 12 to 4 pm. Free.
Carl Bowlby Home Studio, 155 Egremont Avenue
The Carl Bowlby Home Studio Tour is an in-person studio tour of Carl Bowlby’s art in his home, where art is displayed on every floor and in every room. The main event is in the studio basement of the house. There will be live music as well as cocktail piano background music by Carl himself.
West African and Caribbean Drum & Song Class with Aimee Gelinas
Monday, September 19, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue
Join drummer and cultural educator Aimee Gelinas M.Ed, Director of the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, in a hands-on, participatory West African & Caribbean drum and song class at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. Learn hand drum skills, traditional rhythms, cultural context, and accompanying songs in various languages. Registration is required for all new students. Class is ongoing on Monday nights. For registration, drum rental, and class fee, click here!
Smartphone and iPad Photography Workshop
Wednesday, September 21, 5 to 7 pm
Berkshire Art Center at the Brothership Building, 141 North Street
Learn how to get more out of your smartphone or iPad and gain a better working knowledge of its true photographic potential in this two-hour introductory workshop led by fine art photographer, Thad Kubis. This workshop is taking place at Berkshire Art Center’s newest second location, the Brothership Building at 141 North Street in Pittsfield. Register online at berkshireartcenter.org. $39.
Abstract Painting Techniques Demo
Thursday, September 22, 10 to 11:15 am; Saturday, September 24, 1 to 2:15 pm
Clock Tower Artists, 75 South Church Street, 3rd Floor
If you are new to abstract painting, the jump from traditional, objective painting may leave you mystified with how professional abstract painters are able to achieve a variety of textures and finishes using the same paint you are using! This demo will cover a variety of water-based media (focused on acrylic paint and mediums), tools, and supports used in abstract painting processes. Leave with an arsenal of new techniques and understanding of materials. Bring a notebook to take notes! Led by artist Shany Porras (Suite 312). 1.25 hour: $50. Artweek Special: $35. Click here to register!
Watercolor Foundations (Fall Session 1)
Thursday, September 22, 6 to 8:30 pm
Berkshire Art Center at the Brothership Building, 141 North Street
A versatile approach to the art of watercolor painting, this class led by local painter, Jill Gustavis, will familiarize students with supplies, theory, and techniques. Practicing washes and brushwork, students will learn about water control and working with their paints. Skills covered will slowly expand to include more subtle and nuanced techniques each week. By the end of the class students should have a foundation to pursue watercolor techniques in a variety of methods. This class is taking place at Berkshire Art Center’s newest second location, the Brothership Building at 141 North Street in Pittsfield. Register online at berkshireartcenter.org. This is an ongoing 6-week course on Thursdays, September 15 – October 13. $243.75
NUarts Open Studios and Gallery Exhibition
Saturday, September 24, 11 am to 2 pm. Free.
NUarts Studios & Gallery, 311 North Street, 2nd Floor
The NUarts Studios & Gallery will be opening their doors to the public with open studios and an exhibition of works in the hallway gallery on Saturday, September 24, 11 am to 2 pm. Art and objects on display are created by artists of all kinds who form this group studio facility. Participating open studios will include: Kathy Gideon, Maryanne Murray, Brent Ridge, Joan Rooks, and Marney Schorr. Additionally, artists will be offering a participatory mural and a collage workshop during the event. NUarts, located on the second floor of the Greylock Building in downtown Pittsfield, houses studios of over 20 local artists, musicians, artisans, and art therapist services.
Environmentally-Conscious Acrylic Paint Cleanup Demo
Saturday, September 24, 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Free.
Clock Tower Artists, 75 South Church Street, 3rd Floor
If you are an artist that uses acrylic paints, you may be used to throwing out your cleanup water in the sink. Over time, this causes clogged drains and whatever paint makes it to the sewage can cause damage there as well. There is a better way to clean up while saving the environment and your plumbing. Come take a look at two methods to wash your brushes and dispose of the water and sludge. Led by artist Shany Porras (Suite 312). Click here to register for this free demo!
Drive.Walk.Bike by City Art Show
Saturday, September 24, 2 to 6 pm. Free.
The 3rd Annual Drive.Walk.Bike by City Art Show will bring visual art, music, dance, sculpture, crafts, and more out to your lawns, driveways, and porches. Everyone is welcome to drive, walk, or bike around town to take in all of the art!
A participant list will be available on the Facebook event by September 21.
Rain date is Sunday, September 25, 2 to 6 pm.
Open Studios with Michael Coyne
Saturday, September 24, 2 to 6 pm. Free.
Michael Coyne Studio, 100 Commonwealth Avenue
Michael Coyne will be exhibiting abstract paintings in oils, watercolors, and acrylics, as well as pottery and metalwork.