New Workshop beginning at The Berkshire Writers Room

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As part of Berkshire Writers Room's ACROSS THE ARTS program, The Berkshire Writers Room Artistic Director, Richard Way, will host a series of monthly workshops at Chapters Bookstore, 54 North St. in Pittsfield, on the third Tuesday of every month  from 7-9pm.

Way will discuss his self-published chapbook, "The Wrinkling Bath," at Chapters on Tuesday November 18th.

The Wrinkling Bath" series-- eight paintings paired with eight poems-- was first exhibited at Le Petite Muse in 2006. Readings followed at Ramsdell Public Library in Housatonic as guest-poet in Berkshire Writers Room's "Poetry and Pastry" program, and at Wild Sage in Pittsfield for BWR's "The Creative Experience" program.
 
In 2007, Way's second exhibit at Le Petite Muse, "Eight Days to Never," combined base-relief sculpture with accompanying poems.

"Not all my art has a built-in narrative," Way said, "But I have noticed similarities in the creative process of painting and
sculpture with that of poetry. They really are branches of the same tree. In a sense, all our muses are collaborating."

ACROSS THE ARTS workshops interpret visual art through collaborative poetry. "My hope is to showcase local artists' works to stimulate the works of local writers," Way said, "The surrealists used techniques of collaboration in their written and visual art. We'll incorporate some of the ideas of the surrealists, we'll explore some of the similarities between poetry and the plastic arts, and we'll collaborate on poetry inspired by local artists."

For more information call (413) 236-2191.
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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