Pittsfield Art Partnership Plans New Mural at 348 North St.

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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.

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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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