Lichtenstein Center for the Arts Opens Applications for Residency

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts has announced the opening of applications for its second annual Artist-in-Residence program. 
 
The initiative provides one selected artist with free studio space for 11 months, beginning in May 2026 and concluding in April 2027.
 
Located in the Upstreet Cultural District, the Lichtenstein Center serves as a hub for the local arts community, housing nine individual studios, a ceramic studio, and a gallery. The residency is intended to facilitate artistic development by allowing a practitioner to create new work while interacting with other onsite professionals.
 
The program is limited to full-time residents of Pittsfield who are at least 21 years of age. Applicants may be emerging or experienced artists but must have prior exhibition experience. To apply, candidates must submit a portfolio of at least five images via website, social media, or email, followed by a remote interview with the Cultural Development office staff.
 
The deadline for all application materials is March 31.
 
In addition to the 11-month studio placement, the resident will participate in the "OUT OF THE STUDIOS" group exhibition in October 2026. The artist will retain 100% of the proceeds from any artwork sold during this show.
 
The residency also includes:
 
A $200 stipend for a featured appearance at "Palace Park" during a First Fridays at Five event, involving work displays or live demonstrations.
 
Promotion through LovePittsfield.com social media platforms.
 
Access to the center's collaborative environment and historic facilities.
 
The Lichtenstein Center is named for Kitty Lichtenstein, who donated the building to support the city's arts scene. It currently serves as the headquarters for the city's Cultural Development Office.
 
Interested artists can apply by contacting the Cultural Development office at cultural.development@pittsfieldma.gov.
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Adams Couple Faces 5 Years for 2020 Death of Foster Child

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Sentencing for the Adams couple found guilty in the 2020 death of their foster infant has been pushed off by two weeks.

The court wants to clarify care for their four children before possibly issuing prison sentences. 

Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker, on Monday, were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in the death of Kristoff Zenopolous on Feb. 18, 2020. 

Kristoff was just 10 months old when he died from complications with respiratory illness, strep, and pneumonia, and the jury determined that the tragedy was a result of neglect. 

On Thursday, Judge Tracy Duncan continued the hearing for sentence imposition to Thursday, April 2, at 11 a.m. She explained that the Berkshire Superior Court wants to know the plan for the family's four children, two of whom have high needs, before their parents are sentenced.  

The commonwealth is requesting five years in prison and three years of probation for both defendants.

Evidence presented at trial showed that the child died after the defendants failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he required care. The medical examiner determined that the child died from complications of a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema, a condition in which pus accumulates in the lungs and chest wall. 

Attorneys representing the couple have asked for probation and for staggered prison sentences if they are incarcerated. 

The court heard from Kristoff's birth mother, Kayla Zenopoulos, who said her heart breaks every day, and his grandfather, who lovingly described the baby's favorite foods, toys, and songs before his life was tragically cut short. 

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