The December First Fridays Artswalk will encompass sixteen art shows featuring over two-dozen accomplished regional and student artists in Pittsfield’s bustling Upstreet Cultural District. Venues will reach as far south as the Unitarian Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Avenue, and as far North as Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, 444 North Street. The December First Fridays Artswalk will kick –off with opening receptions and artists present throughout the “walk” from 5-8 pm on Friday, December 6. There will be a free guided walking tour beginning at 5 pm on December 6 at the Intermodal Center at BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave. The December 6 Artswalk is part of the larger Downtown Festive Frolic which is sponsored by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.
NUarts Studios & Gallery, 311 North Street, will open their doors for a Holiday Happening on Friday, December 6, 5 to 8 pm. Artists will have small items for sale perfect for gifting and free holiday related interactive art activities for visitors to enjoy. Artists who will participate with open studios include Karen S. Jacobs, Peggy Morse, Sally Tiska Rice, Ilene Richard, Marney Schorr, and Joan Rooks.
Berkshire Paint and Sip, 305 North Street, will feature Michelle Iglesias’ oil and acrylic paintings in a show entitled “Wicked Winter Wonderland” for the month of December. There will be a free opening reception on December 6, 5 to 8 pm, and all who attend can enter a free raffle to win a Private Paint Party valued at $300. There will also be a $35 painting lesson at 6 pm for “Winter Stroll”, and a sale on 16×20 canvas art. For more information, visit www.berkshirepaintandsip.com.
The Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, will be offering a special Festive Frolic Festival of Trees After Dark on Friday, December 6, 5 to 8 pm, during First Fridays Artswalk. Guests can explore the museum’s inspiring, hero-themed indoor forest illuminated by the twinkling lights in this special after-hours event. Ornament making, screenings of classic animated holiday features in the theater, and cups of hot apple cider, will all be included in the $5 ticket price ($3 for museum members, children ages 3 and under are free).
Almost 50 wreaths, kissing balls, and table pieces will be available for purchase and auction at the 5th Annual Wreath Art Auction at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, on December 6. There will be a preview reception of the individually crafted, one of a kind, artist inspired wreaths at 5 pm with the auction taking place at 6:30 pm. Grab and go options will be available, and music and refreshments will be served. Admission at the door is $10 or purchase tickets in advance at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. 100% of the funds raised at this event go directly to the South Congregational Food Pantry.
Lee Bank, 75 North Street, will feature some of their own artists during the December Artswalk. For the past three years, Lee Bank has held an employee photo contest to create their annual calendar. Lee Bank’s December artists’ reception will showcase the 14 photographs that were selected for the 2020 Lee Bank calendar. All photographs were taken locally. The following artists will have work on display: Jennifer Wilton, Cindy Packard, Abigail Jones, Matthew Foley, Alison Brigham, Sooja Whalen, Jim Terryberry, Lisa Curtin, Doreen Bartini, Anthony Pultorak, Bridget Albano, and Sharon Kline.
Lee Bank will also host free ornament making on Friday, December 6, 5 to 8 pm, during the artists’ reception. All ages are invited to create a Melted Snowman Tea Light Ornament, all materials provided.
New shows from local artists will also be displayed at the following locations as part of First Fridays Artswalk: The Marketplace Café, RJ Stohr Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, TKG Real Estate, MCLA Pittsfield Branch, the Brothership Building Window, Hotel on North, Uncorked Wine & Beer Lounge, and Phoenix Theatres Beacon Cinema.
Most art exhibits are on display in participating venues throughout the month. Please check with venues for hours of operation. For more information on First Fridays Artswalk and to view a listing and map of all participating artists and locations, visit www.FirstFridaysArtswalk.com.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.