Karen Chase/Paul Grubard Exhibit Opens at Lichtenstein Center for the Arts

03:19PM / Wednesday, August 30, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Opening Reception will take place Sept. 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 during First Fridays Artswalk.

Karen Chase is an abstract painter, and Paul Graubard paints narrative, visionary works. They are married. This show highlights their individual pieces and one collaborative piece.

According to a press release:

Paul began to paint about 25 years ago, giving up his practice as a psychologist. The first thing he did was buy a big roll of white paper, then went to the hardware store to buy a can of black paint. With that paint and paper, he made Emma’s Matzoria, which will be on display for this show. It is based on his childhood memories in Passaic, NJ. It has never been shown before. Museums in the U.S. and abroad collect Graubard’s work.

The author six books of non-fiction and poetry, Karen has a collection of essays called "History Is Embarrassing," coming out next March.

Gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday, 11am-3pm or by appointment. The gallery will also be open on Saturday, Sept. 9 during the Let It Shine Mural Festival from 12-4pm.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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