PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Museum announces Insight Out, an exhibition of visual art created by presently and formerly incarcerated people in Berkshire County, in partnership with Second Street Second Chances, Inc. 

 

The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, Sept. 2 and remains on view through Sunday, Oct. 1.

 

Artists whose work is included in the exhibition will receive a cash award of $200, provided by 2nd Street, and a family membership to Berkshire Museum. 

 

If the artists choose, their works may be purchased by members of the public following the closing of the exhibition. In addition, 2nd Street has established a fund to acquire works for installation in its program space, located at 264 Second Street in Pittsfield.

 

"Berkshire Museum is honored to collaborate with 2nd Street on this important exhibition. We are proud to bring focus to the many talented individuals in our community who often do not have opportunities to exhibit their artwork in a museum," said Jesse Kowalski, Berkshire Museum's Chief Curator.  

 

"At 2nd Street, we strive to not only provide essential services for our clients, but also to encourage them to express their creativity," said Jason Cuyler, 2nd Street Executive Director. "We thank Berkshire Museum for generously supporting and hosting this important exhibition."

 

Insight Out is a companion initiative to Release, which engages presently and formerly incarcerated individuals in the creation of a live, full-length show integrating their real-life stories and experiences. Release will be presented at 7 pm on Sept. 20 and 23 and at 2 pm on Sept. 26 at the Koussevitzky Theatre at Berkshire Community College. The performance is free and open to the public.

 

Financial and in-kind support for Insight Out is generously provided by Berkshire Museum; Becky and Doug Crane; Josie Greene and Glenn Asch; David Crane and Ruth Blodgett; and Pittsfield Cultural Council (a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council).