Berkshire Museum Art of the Hills 2024, Opens Call for Art

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Museum announces Art of the Hills 2024, a bi-annual juried art exhibition to be held in Pittsfield highlighting the creative endeavors of both emerging and established artists based in the Berkshires.

Submissions for Art of the Hills 2024 are currently open, with the deadline for applications set for July 14, 2024. 
 
Guidelines and requirements for submission are outlined as follows: 

1. All artists aged 18 and above residing within an approximate 60-mile radius of Berkshire Museum are eligible to apply.
2. Eligible submissions encompass a range of mediums: Two-dimensional work includes painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, and photography; three-dimensional work includes sculpture of all media. Two-dimensional pieces must not exceed 288 total linear inches (including framing). Three-dimensional submissions weighing over 100 lbs. must be installed by the artist and should not surpass a 48" x 48" x 48" footprint, with a maximum weight limit of 500 lbs. Video work will be evaluated but is subject to the availability of monitors during the exhibition. Two-dimensional works must be delivered ready to hang. 
3. The jurors retain the right to disqualify any work that is not suitably presented or does not correspond to the entry image. 
4. Each artist may submit up to three works completed after January 2020. 
5. The exhibition will run during normal business hours from October 5th to January 5th, 2024. Artists are responsible for the timely drop-off and pick-up of their works at local venues. Pieces not retrieved by January 19, 2024, will be deemed abandoned. Berkshire Museum will not arrange for the shipping of works back to the artists. 
6. Berkshire Museum reserves the right to photograph and video any submitted work for documentary, educational, and publicity purposes. 
7. Submission of the completed application form implies agreement with all conditions outlined in the prospectus. 
8. Berkshire Museum will insure artworks for the artist’s commercial value upon receipt and throughout the exhibition. 
9. Artworks generated using Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) will not be considered for acceptance. 

More information, a full timeline, and a submission form can be found at https://berkshiremuseum.org/aoth2024/. 

There will be an opening reception on October 4, 2024, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Berkshire Museum where jurors will award distinguished artists. Jurors to be announced. 

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.