Pittsfield Woman Tapped as New Executive Director at Snow Farm

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mary Jo Murphy of Pittsfield has been named the executive director of Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program in Williamsburg.

Snow Farm, a nonprofit arts organization, offers studio craft and fine art workshops for people of all ages in a historic residential setting.

Murphy brings over 20 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for the mission of Snow Farm. Most recently, she served as the Leadership Annual Giving officer at Miss Hall's School and the director of development at the Berkshire Museum, both in Pittsfield.
 
Murphy is the fourth director since the New England Craft Program was founded in 1984. She follows Karen Totman, who served as the director since 2009 and is leaving Snow Farm after 20 years.


"Nestled in the hills of Williamsburg, Snow Farm is a special place that draws people from across the country and in every beautiful season," Murphy said. "Creativity and community abound, for students who have come to be absorbed in art and learn a new craft or those who seek to sharpen skills and be inspired in a new way. I am so pleased to join the Snow Farm community."  

Murphy has been involved in arts organizations for many years. She served as an Accreditation Panel Reviewer for the American Association of Museums in Washington, D.C.; a Grant Panelist for the Maryland State Arts Council in Baltimore; Grant Panelist for the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County in Santa Cruz, Calif.; and Consultant for The Center of Military History in Washington, D.C.
 
Janet Dunlap, president of the Snow Farm Board of Directors, said the board is thrilled to welcome Murphy.

"With her nonprofit management experience and excitement for Snow Farm's strategic goals, the organization is well positioned for its next chapter," she said.

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories