Berkshire Art Center Artful Pause Workshops

Print Story | Email Story
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Berkshire Art Center (BAC) invites the community to the Artful Pause—a new series of short, creative workshops launching this spring and continuing through summer 2026.
 
These accessible programs offer creative experiences in just a few hours. Participants can paint, collage, explore photography, or get their hands in clay. The workshops are open to individuals and families. Dogs are able to attend some workshops.
 
The series begins this spring at BAC at Wander in Pittsfield, a welcoming café and community space. Held on the second Saturday of each month, these two-hour sessions invite participants to sketch, experiment with watercolor, and explore visual journaling—no long-term commitment required. 
 
The May 9 workshop will be Botanical Watercolor Resist, led by Faculty Artist Johanna Merfeld and the June 13 workshop will be Visual Journaling, led by Faculty Artist Kaily Ritz.
 
Outdoor enthusiasts can join Faculty Artist Thad Kubis for photography workshops at scenic Berkshire locations, including Spring Photo Refresh at Benedict Pond, The Art of the Dog Walk at Kennedy Park (dogs welcome), and Into the Woods: A Mindful Photo Journey at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
 
Additional June workshops at Citizens' Hall include Joyful Collaborative Collage with Kim Waterman; Improvisational Painting Laboratory with Regan Halas; and Intro to Gel Plate Printmaking with Jody King Camarra.
 
The series continues at Chesterwood in Stockbridge, where participants can engage with the landscape through Discovering the Landscape through Pastel with Jim Schantz and Watercolor Plein Air with Jill McLean.
 
Families can also take part in multigenerational offerings, including Creative Calm: Family Breathing Board Workshop with Kaily Ritz and a Botanical Weaving (Multigenerational) Workshop at Chesterwood, where participants create nature-based weavings using foraged materials.
 
In July, BAC will host a special Member Appreciation Night: Family + Dog Art Play at The Drifting Studio, led by Executive Director and Faculty Artist Laura Thompson.
 
For more information and to register, visit berkshireartcenter.org/artful-pause
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

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. 

View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories