Call for Art for the Daniel Manacher Prize for Young Artists

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SANDISFIELD, Mass. — The Sandisfield Arts Center announces the 2025 Call for Art for the 4th Annual Daniel Manacher Prize for Young Artists. 
 
Works will be accepted through April 7, 2025. The prize is in support of young artists in Berkshire County. 
 
Artist Josephine Halvorson will return as judge for this year's award. Up to three artists will be selected as finalists, each receiving $400 to support their art practice as well as a group show of their work at the Sandisfield Arts Center in the 2026 Gallery season. Winners will be notified and announced the first week of June 2025.
 
The prize was created by Adam Manacher and Carol Birnbaum, Daniel Manacher's parents, in memory of their son and his passion for art.
 
"Daniel worked on different surfaces, always hand-drawn," said his parents. "He loved interacting with people in their love for art. We hope, with the Daniel Manacher Prize for Young Artists, to inspire other young artists and to assist them as they reach for their dreams."
 
Eligible artists are those working in painting, drawing, mixed media, and sculpture, aged 17-26 years of age, and residing or attending school in Berkshire County.  No fee is associated with the application, and all entrants will be judged based solely on the merit of the work presented. Past winners are not eligible to apply. Complete eligibility requirements can be found on the Sandisfield Arts Center website.
 
Halvorson is Professor of Art and Chair of Graduate Studies in Painting at Boston University. Halvorson lives in western Massachusetts and is currently building a studio in Sandisfield.
 
To apply, visit sandisfieldartscenter.org. For questions or more information email Jess at gallery@sandisfieldartscenter.org.
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Lee Chamber Celebrates Local Community Members

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Chamber Executive Director Alexandra Heddinger is applauded for her work.
LEE, Mass. — Longtime teacher, coach and community activist Thomas Cinella was the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lee Chamber of Commerce.
 
Cinella was one of four individuals and one organization who were celebrated at last week's gathering at the Greenock Country Club.
 
"We have the honor of recognizing some outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and generosity make Lee such a remarkable place to live, work, and raise a family," said President Erik Williams. "Each of our award recipients embodies the spirit of community and service that makes our town so special."
 
The awards were presented to Cinella, Ray Murray III, Scott and John LePrevost, and the Lee Lions Club.
 
Cinella, born in Lee in 1941, has joked he'd spent all but the four years he was in college in his hometown. He taught math at Lee High School as well as coaching basketball for 45 years. He has a record of six state championships and 15 Western Massachusetts championships during his 20 years of coaching the girls' varsity team.
 
Outside of school, Cinella served on the Lee Library Board of Trustees, chaired the Sandy Beach Committee, was the town lifeguard, and was involved with the town's playgrounds.
 
"Tom, your name is on the basketball court, and the banners and trophies, and it tells an impressive story. But your greatest legacy is found in the students you encouraged, the players you believed in, and the generations of young people who carry something of what you taught them with them every single day," Williams said. "Lee has been fortunate to have you as a teacher, coach, volunteer, and neighbor."
 
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