Annual Berkshire Pottery Tour

07:38AM / Friday, September 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This year’s Berkshire Pottery Tour, in its 13th year, will showcase the diverse craftsmanship of 15 potters.

The annual Tour will be Sept. 26 and 27, from 10 am to 5 pm both days.

The tour provides guests with the opportunity to explore working Ceramic Studios, meet artists, and gain insight into the creative process behind handcrafted functional ceramics and sculpture.

Founded in 2013 by a group of professional potters on faculty at the Berkshire Art Center, the Berkshire Pottery Tour has evolved into a tradition. Visitors this year are invited to experience eight diverse Studios, each highlighting a range of techniques, unique styles, and ceramic art.

Potter Harry Levenstein will welcome tour attendees to his new home studio for the first time. Levenstein will be hosting guest potter Hunter Cady this year.

Other new artists for 2026 include: Marley Reed, a former apprentice, will show at Dan Bellow's studio. Sculptor Lauren Skelly Bailey and renowned studio artist Sharon Pollack will be guests at Lorimer Burns’ Studio. Ellen Grenadier will host a new guest, Nina Ryan, who will show her large-scale woodfired pots at Grenadier’s Monterey Studio. Also new to the tour is Lyndee Deal, who, together with Doug Pelzman, will be guests at Ben Evans' Richmond Studio.

Founding member Paula Shalan will host Alison Palmer. The Berkshire Art Center will be open to view their spacious community studio with a newly rebuilt soda kiln.

Michael Marcus will be exhibiting his innovative multi-chambered Noborigama wood kiln at Joyous Spring Pottery and gallery. Michael, the well-known chef-owner of Bizen Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, brings a deep passion for Japanese pottery, which he studied extensively in Japan.

The self-guided driving tour follows a scenic circuit through Richmond, West Stockbridge, Stockbridge, Housatonic, Great Barrington and Monterey. Participants may start at any studio. Detailed maps and video previews are available on the tour's website. Paper maps will be provided at each studio. Distinctive orange and white Berkshire pottery tour road signs will guide visitors along the route during the weekend.

To see the full list of potters and a short video featuring several participating potters, visit the Berkshire Pottery Tour website: www.berkshirepotterytour.com. The tour is free, and no reservations are required. A variety of ceramic wares will be available for sale.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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