Pittsfield Inaugural Artist-In-Residence at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts' inaugural Artist-in-Residence program offers an opportunity for an artist to gain creative space and exposure while engaging with the local arts community.

The program not only provides a free 6-month studio space starting in April 2025, but also includes a culminating group exhibition in October 2025, giving the resident artist a platform to showcase their work alongside the other artists at the Lichtenstein.

This residency is designed to foster artistic development and collaboration, allowing the artist to focus on creating new work or refining existing pieces while interacting with arts professionals, stated a press release.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is a hub for creativity and community in Pittsfield. The historic building and its location in the Upstreet Cultural District make it an ideal setting for artistic development and public engagement. Here's a quick overview:

• Art Gallery & Performance Area
• Artist Studios: Nine individual studios providing artists with the space to create.
• Ceramic Studio: A specialized studio for working with ceramics.
• Cultural Development Office: Central to supporting the arts in Pittsfield.

Named after Kitty Lichtenstein, the arts benefactor who donated the building, the center stands as a tribute to her commitment to the arts in Pittsfield and beyond. The facility itself serves as a testament to the positive impact of supporting local artists and fostering an arts scene. The Lichtenstein Center is a key resource for both emerging and established artists.

Eligibility

• Full-time residents of Pittsfield
• Open to both emerging and experienced artists aged 21 and up
• Artists must have prior experience exhibiting their work

Selection Process

• Submit a portfolio with a minimum of 5 images, which can be shared via website, social media, or email
• Participate in an in-person meet and greet with the Cultural Development office the week of March 24

Benefits

• Free studio space at the Lichtenstein Center for Arts from April to October
• Opportunity to exhibit in the OUT OF THE STUDIOS group show in October 2025
• 100 percent of sales proceeds from artwork sold at the group show
• $200 stipend for being featured in Palace Park during one First Fridays at Five, where you can showcase your work and/or perform live demonstrations
• Interaction and collaboration with other artists at the Lichtenstein
• Promotion via LovePittsfield.com's social media platforms

To apply please email: cultural.development@cityofpittsfield.org.

The deadline to apply is March 19.

Suspect Arraigned in 'Horrific' Dragging Case

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:56PM / Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Complete write-thru 3 p.m., Feb. 18.

District Attorney TimothyShugrue says the community has been 'really upset' by this case. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Hancock man has been charged in last week's gruesome dragging that killed 69-year-old William Colbert. 

 

William Gross, 65, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Wednesday for negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene. He was arrested Monday after police investigators narrowed down the type of car seen on video at the accident scene. 

 

Police say Colbert had fallen in the road at the Francis Avenue and Linden Street intersection on Feb. 10 before he was struck and dragged nearly four miles. His body was found on West Housatonic Street.

 

Gross is being held on $250,000 cash bail in the Berkshire County House of Corrections. District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said the case will go to a grand jury and foresees additional charges being placed. 

 

"I think this community was really upset by this case," Shugrue said while being interviewed by the press after the morning arraignment.  

 

"It's a horrific case, and the fact that someone was fleeing, and there was someone that was stuck there that could have been treated, and potentially in the initial stages, could have been potentially saved." 

 

Colbert was coming from a house on Francis Avenue about 11:30 on Feb. 10 when fell in the road and had trouble getting up, according to Shugrue.