Berkshire Art Center Sets Youth Puppet Workshop for April Vacation

07:38AM / Wednesday, April 08, 2026Print Story | Email Story

STOCKBRIDGE — The Berkshire Art Center (BAC) has scheduled a specialized April vacation program, "Giant Parade Puppets," running April 20–24 at Citizens' Hall.

The workshop is designed for students aged 8 and older and will be led by artist and educator Eric "Homeslice" Weiss.

The week-long curriculum focuses on the design and construction of large-scale puppets. Students will learn to sculpt puppet heads and mount them onto wooden frames equipped with fabric arms and hand rods. The program draws inspiration from global traditions, including Chinese New Year dragon puppets and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to teach the technical engineering and narrative elements of festive puppetry.

The program concludes with a puppet performance for family and friends on the BAC lawn. Following the workshop, the BAC will store the completed puppets, allowing students to retrieve them to participate in the Pittsfield Annual Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2026.

Sessions will held Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Supporting sponsors for the program include the Mass Cultural Council, Feigenbaum Foundation, Lee Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Mill Town, Berkshire Bank, and the Rotary Club of Pittsfield.

Registration and additional information are available through the Berkshire Art Center website.

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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
11:23AM / Friday, October 30, 2026

RICHMOND, Mass. — A 25-year-old South County man died Thursday in the fiery crash on Route 41.

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Friday reported that the victim was Christopher Lee Kilmer, 25.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Route 41 in Richmond near 2715 State Road. A Hyundai Sonata driven by Kilmer was travelling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and off the road; the car was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

According to the DA's Office, West Stockbridge Fire and County Ambulance declared Kilmer dead at 9:53 a.m. when the Fire Department "was able to extinguish the fire."

"It was at this time (when the fire was extinguished) that first responders observed a single occupant in the vehicle and made the declaration of death," according to the press release.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body.

On Friday morning, several South County fire departments posted tributes on Facebook to Kilmer, who they reported was a member of the West Stockbridge and Alford fire departments.

"Every first responder carries a fear that one day the next emergency call will involve someone they know, a friend, a neighbor, or someone they love. But perhaps the greatest fear of all is when that call involves one of our own," the post read.