Berkshire Museum Mourns the Loss of Former Director Sharon Blume

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD - It is with great sadness that the Berkshire Museum announces the passing of former Museum Director Sharon Blume, who died on Thursday, January 6, of breast cancer. A seasoned museum professional, she will be remembered for her creativity and leadership that brought the Museum to a new level of success. In her tenure, Blume launched ambitious, creative and innovative changes throughout the museum including nationally touring exhibitions, facility improvements and renovations, community wide access and involvement including paving the way for a long-awaited universal access entrance, outrageously successful special events such as the infamous New Year's Eve balls. Under her leadership, the Museum attained wide-reaching publicity, increased public and private support that helped fund major exhibits starting with Robot Zoo. She reinvented the Museum shop, overhauled the galleries, and substantially increased school attendance and outreach through improved educational programming. "Sharon was a vibrant and creative force, with a very strong passion for her work. She inspired the staff to take risks and to reach their full potential. A wonderful colleague and good friend, she will be missed," says Michael Willson, interim director, Berkshire Museum. Born in Rochester, NY, Blume received a bachelor of science degree in art education at the State University College at Buffalo in 1978. Most recently, Blume was the Director of the Stamford Museum and Art Center in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition to the Berkshire Museum, previous appointments include Deputy Director of the American Museum of the Moving Image from 1989-92, Curator of Education at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art from 1986-97, and Acting Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs at the Jewish Museum. She initiated her own consulting practice in 1992, and developed strategic plans for the New Jersey Historical Society, the Newark Museum and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art. "Sharon took some risks with the support of the board which helped to bring the Museum to where it is today. We needed someone to bring some life to the Museum and she was the catalyst," says Michael Christopher, president of the Berkshire Museum Board of Trustees. "Sharon operated with panache and impatience," says Mitch Nash, former Berkshire Museum Board Member who worked closely with Blume. "She could convince anyone to help her with a few well-timed margaritas, so one had to be alert in her presence. With her every exhibit and concept wanted to be carried to its rightful lunatic conclusion, and sooner better than later." Blume will be remembered for her passion for life, her keen sense of humor and ability to bring people together to initiate change. Donations may be made to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
View Full Story

More Stories

Sports
image description

Lee Executes Game Plan to Perfection in Quarter-Final Win

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Volleyball Reaches State's Final Four

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Boys Win 3rd Straight Regional Crown

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Girls Again Top Monson in Western Mass Final

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Sweeps Its Way to Western Mass Crown

Sports
Community News
image description

North Adams License Commission Sees Little Need for License...

Community News
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?