Tyler Street Community Mural Unveiling Slated for Saturday

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont, in partnership with the city of Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development, invites the public to attend the official unveiling of the "Planting Seeds for a Better Tomorrow" mural on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 11:30 a.m.
 
The mural is located on the northeast side of Goodwill's building at 158 Tyler St.
 
Goodwill officials and Pittsfield Mayor Linda M. Tyer will unveil the mural in conjunction with the Pittsfield Better Block celebration that will follow from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The mural, created by local artist Kathy Garren, is a community art project that was sponsored by the City of Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development and the Tyler Street Transformative Development Initiative through MassDevelopment, with assistance from Morningside UP, Sherwin-Williams and Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, Inc.
 
Garren was chosen by a jury made up of artists, business owners, and community members in the Morningside neighborhood following a call for art for the Mural Project. She is a children's book illustrator, portrait painter and muralist living in Dalton, Mass. Garren has worked on the restoration of the Vietnam Memorial mural in Pittsfield, and has done indoor murals for various restaurants in the area.  Some of her most recent artwork includes illustrating several children's books written by Arlo Guthrie, including Old Bill, the Famous Berkshire Moose. 
 
"I love living in the Berkshires and am so happy to be a part of all of the plans to the Tyler Street area," Garren said. "I think my Planting Seeds for a Better Tomorrow mural is a perfect symbol for revitalization and growth for that neighborhood."
 
Goodwill and Berkshire County Head Start will also host a Kidz Zone with games and activities for children of all ages at 214 Tyler St. during Pittsfield Better Block.

Tags: better block,   community event,   murals,   

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

Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories