Pittsfield Art Partnership Plans New Mural at 348 North St.

Print Story | Email Story
Cara Petricca
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Local artist Cara Petricca will paint an original mural this week on the north-facing side of 348 North St. (the alleyway facing St. Joseph's Church). 
 
Part of the Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership, the mural is funded by a MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Creative Catalyst Grant.
 
This mural and four others will be recognized on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the "Let It Shine! A Celebration of Public Art" event. This will include self-guided tours of the mural sites and a block party from noon to 6 at Palace Park, 116 North St., with musical headliner Sample The Cat. 
 
A Pittsfield native, Petricca's work ranges from mural painting to ceramic sculpture to statement jewelry. She combines her skills in art with her passion for rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, agricultural, and domestic animals at her sanctuary and studio location, Bluebird Farm in Cheshire. Her work can be found in collections both nationally and internationally.  
 
"My art is a love letter to nature and an invitation to nurture benevolence and healing," said Petricca. "The theme of interconnection and empathy carries through all my work, whether it is a piece of statement jewelry, a sculpture, or a mural. My style is detailed and full of layers of color and texture inviting the viewer to come closer and explore."
 
Per the request of the property owner, Paul Aronofsky, an agricultural theme celebrating his love of pigs and roosters will be depicted in this mural. Pettricca felt this particular theme suited her artistic style perfectly. 
 
"Having rescued many pigs and roosters over the years, I knew that my special connection and knowledge of these animals would aid me in providing the building owner and the community a glimpse into their intelligence and beauty," she said.
 
For more information on Downtown Pittsfield Inc.: downtownpittsfield.com or 413-443-6501.

Tags: murals,   

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

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories