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Brendan Klein and Arthur Errichetto have opened a tattoo parlor, Ink Asylum, on Main Street in Dalton.

Ink Asylum Creates Tattoos of Any Style or Design

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — In a small building on the busy Main Street sits a shop opened by two local tattoo artists who strive to create a comfortable, fun, and friendly experience whether it's your first tattoo or a returning customer. 
 
Brendan Klein and Arthur Errichetto opened the parlor, Ink Asylum located at  601 Main St,, in August after working together for many years. 
 
While on the search for a space they looked at several locations but the parking, traffic and visibility of the Main street location outshined the other spaces. They believe the visibility encourages curious customers to stop in and explore tattoo options. 
 
The duo say they bring customers designs to life at a fair price and don't specialize in one style. They do all kinds of designs from micro tattoos to full-sleeve realism designs.
 
"Our clients get what our clients want," they said. 
 
"The thing I like about tattooing is being able to take a client's thought-up design and make it a reality for that client," Errichetto said. "The stories behind the tattoos from each client, but most of all, the reaction the client has after the tattoo is finished is what makes everything worth it."
 
The artists say they developed an "impeccable" reputation from the surrounding towns. When it came time to venture on their own, this reputation followed them and helped them gain even more clients. 
 
They would not be as successful as they have been without the praise that their customers have spread, Klein said.
 
"We've been getting a lot of clients from the local Dalton area, which we didn't get in Pittsfield ….[Errichetto and I] both have our own clients and following that follow us to begin with so a lot of those people stayed with us," Klein said. 
 
"And then a lot of the locals, a lot of the hilltown area,  that we didn't have clients from before and a lot of good word of mouth. Every time we do great tattoos. All their friends and family are looking to get great tattoos also."
 
They want to continue to grow so they can stay in the business for many years to come. The path took a lot of determination and not giving up despite the obstacles that came their way. Take those obstacles and look at them as opportunities, Klein said.
 
"There's always a new obstacle to overcome and we just keep doing it. We just keep leaping hurdles and moving forward," Klein said. 
 
Errichetto is looking forward to becoming one of the best artists he can be with this business, he said. 
 
"To walk out in public and hear people talking about my work and how much they love the work that's being done and coming out of Ink Asylum," Errichetto said. 
 
Examples of their work can be found on their Facebook page. Make an appointment by calling 
413-300-0099. 
 
About the Artists
 
Klein has worked in drawing, painting, sculpting, and other mediums. He was 27 when he started to get serious about his art and tattooing seemed like the perfect career. 
 
"It's a career that I actually enjoy. I actually love coming to work every single day. So that's what makes it awesome," he said.
 
Errichetto was always into drawing whether it was animals, floral designs, or just random pictures from his mind, he said. 
 
He was introduced to a tattoo artist from Adams when he was in college. After showing the artist his portfolio, Errichetto immediately started an apprenticeship under him. 

Tags: new business,   tattoos,   

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Pittsfield Extends Interim School Superintendent Contract

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips' employment has been extended to 2027

Last week, the School Committee approved an employment contract that runs through June 30, 2027.  Phillips was originally appointed to a one-year position that began on July 1 and runs through the end of the fiscal year in June 2026. 

"You didn't ask me simply to endure challenges or struggle to prove myself. Instead, you believe in me, you've given me the space to grow, the encouragement to stretch, and the expectation that I can truly soar," she said earlier in last Wednesday's meeting when addressing outgoing School Committee members. 

"You question, you poke, you prod, but not to tear anything down, but to make our work stronger, grounded in honesty, integrity, and hope. You've entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and welcomed me into the heart of this community. Serving you and leading our public schools has been, thus far, a joyful, renewing chapter in my life, and I want to thank you for this opportunity." 

Chair William Cameron reported that the extended contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase in the second year and more specific guidelines for dismissal or disciplinary action. 

Phillips was selected out of two other applicants for the position in May. Former Superintendent Joseph Curtis retired at the end of the school year after more than 30 years with the district. 

The committee also approved an employment contract with Assistant Superintendent for CTE and Student Support Tammy Gage that runs through June 30, 2031. Cameron reported that there is an adjustment to the contract's first-year salary to account for new "substantive" responsibilities, and the last three years of the contract's pay are open to negotiation. 

The middle school restructuring, which was given the green light later that night, and the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, have been immediate action items in Phillips' tenure. 

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