ArtSwitch Benefit to Raise Funds for Roots Rising

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The ArtSwitch is a live, collaborative art fundraiser benefiting Roots Rising, a Pittsfield-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and building community through food and farming.

The event brings together 10 locally known artists who create artwork live, rotating through one another's pieces when the music stops. This shared process results in a series of one-of-a-kind works that reflect collaboration, adaptability, and community—values central to Roots Rising's mission.

Community members are invited to observe the creative process, enjoy light refreshments, and participate in a silent auction featuring the newly created artworks. Proceeds from the event benefit Roots Rising.

The ArtSwitch is part of the 10x10 Upstreet Art Festival, which highlights arts-based engagement throughout downtown Pittsfield.

Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 at the door
Advance tickets: www.TheArtSwitchBenefit.eventbrite.com
Where: Dottie's Coffee Lounge, 444 North St., Pittsfield, MA
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Participating artists:

  • Anastasia Drayton
  • Bruce Laird
  • Deb Carter
  • Diane Firtell
  • Joanie Ciolfi
  • Katie Malone-Smith
  • Marion Grant
  • Mark Mellinger
  • Mike Carty
  • Shany Porras
  • Amy Attias (Music)

Dottie's  and M. Deres are sponsors.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Neal's Office Among Those Targeted by Suspicious Mailings

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was among congressmen apparently targeted by someone mailing suspicious envelopes. 
 
According to a report in The Berkshire Eagle, an envelope containing a powdery substance was discovered by postal inspectors before reaching Neal's Pittsfield office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building.
 
Nearly 40 members of Congress have received envelopes containing white powder, according to The Guardian. More than 100 letters are thought to be in the U.S. mail system and the FBI, Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were investigating the mailings that have also been sent to elections officials in various states. 
 
The mailings have been sent to both Republican and Democrat officeholders and several congressional district offices had to be evacuated in the last week or so after envelopes were opened in them. 
 

Earlier today, my Bronx district office received an envelope delivered by mail that contained a suspicious substance. Local law enforcement responded swiftly and, after investigating, determined the substance to be non-hazardous.

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@repritchie.bsky.social) October 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The Guardian reported that the FBI is warning officials to look for envelopes processed through a north Texas center and that carry a postmark or stamp stating "Thinking of You."
 
The Eagle states that Neal's office was alerted on Saturday that it might be getting a suspicious package; inspectors seized the envelope at the Fenn Street post office on Monday.
 
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