'Meet Your Neighbors' Theme of 2016 DownStreet Art

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Berkshire Cultural Resource Center is bringing back DownStreet Art this summer with a new theme, new opportunities and the return of DownStreet Art Thursdays.

The ninth annual DownStreet Art will feature four DownStreet Art Thursdays, participatory projects at city events between July and October, and also will debut a new creative business incubator program with the goal of supporting local artists beyond exhibition and performing opportunities.  

“Between events at Mass MoCA, city/community events, B-HIP, DownStreet Art and the new Levitt Amp concert series, we’re looking forward to a jam-packed summer of art and culture in North Adams,” said Jennifer Crowell, BCRC program director.

The theme for DownStreet Art 2016 is “Meet Your Neighbors.” In an effort to highlight the talent of local artists, proposals are limited to artists living in or working within 20 miles of North Adams.

“We’re excited to bring these opportunities to the artists of North Adams,” said BCRC Program Manager Michelle Daly. “We believe these changes will enliven downtown North Adams in a sustainable way, creating new opportunities for artists, downtown businesses and the community.”

DownStreet Art Thursdays will continue to be a signature element of DownStreet Art. This year, they will take place on June 30, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 23.

Building on the success of DSA and in addition to DownStreet Art Thursday events, MCLA’s BCRC announces two new artist-focused opportunities that will be available to the growing creative sector through the DSA program this season.

The first new initiative is DownStreet Art (DSA) Projects. These sponsored, participatory art projects, which will engage the audience directly in the creative process and allow members of the community to become co-authors, editors – as well as observers of the work – will be part of city and community events held between July and October.

According to Daly, DSA Projects extends this year’s “Meet Your Neighbors” theme by positioning the arts at the center of community events in the area. It will allow artists and non-artists alike to view, interact with, and participate in arts experiences at signature summer events such as the Eagle Street Beach Party, the Downtown Celebration, Motorama, and the Fall Foliage Parade.

DiLego Jewelry to Close After Nearly 100 Years in Business

By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent
05:28AM / Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Sisters Pamela Costine, left, and Cynthia Lamore have been operating the store since their aunts retired in 1987. Both started working in the business as teens.  Lamore's decided it's time to retire. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — DiLego Jewelery Store, the family-owned business that has been a staple of North Adams for nearly a century, will be closing this summer. 

 

The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.

 

Cindy Lamore, whose great uncle Frank DiLego opened the store on Main Street in the late 1930s, said the shop will cease operations following her retirement, slated for June 30. A 20 percent off Mother's Day sale will begin immediately, with increasing discounts leading up to the closing date.

 

It took Lamore "a couple of years" to reach the decision to close. Witnessing the passing of lifelong friends or their struggles with debilitating illness prompted her to reconsider her priorities, especially considering the extensive time devoted to running a small business. 

 

"You really question what you're waiting for," she reflected.

 

While recognizing that changing consumer habits have led to a decrease in jewelry and watch sales in recent years, Lamore stressed that her decision to close was a personal one. She and her business partner and sister, Pamela Costine, wanted "to do it on our terms," she said.

 

Comments on Facebook praised the store's customer service, and friends, family, and customers alike reminisced about buying jewelry for special occasions, stopping in for watch repairs, and the perennial rite of childhood for many: getting ears pierced.