Berkshire County Archive

SPARK! @ THE CLARK

SPARK! @ THE CLARK

Bad weather could not stop our Berkshire Creatives’ SPARK!

After a brief postponement due to a late winter snow storm, Berkshire Creatives from across the county  came together to SPARK! @ The Clark!

Click here to visit our Facebook page and see more pictures! See someone you know or yourself in our facebook pictures? Don’t forget to tag, tag, tag!

SPARK! Attendees, We want your feedback!

Please take a minute to fill out this short survey about the event. Tell us what you liked, what we could do better, and most importantly let us know if you made any connections. Thank you for helping us serve the Berkshire Creative Community better!

See you at the next SPARK!

___________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

SPARK! Lead Sponsor:

Greylock Federal Credit Union

SPARK! Host:

The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

SPARK! Featured Businesses:

DEVRIES FINE ART INTERNATIONAL, INC.

BERKSHIRECOUPON.COM

THE BERKSHIRE REVIEW FOR THE ARTS

BRILLIANT GRAPHICS GROUP

SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY

TAYLOR’S AND FREIGHT YARD PUB

Would you like to be a featured business at a future SPARK!? Please email info@berkshirecreative.org or call 413.822.8324.

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

Berkshire Taconic Reports Nearly $7 Million Distributed in 2009

Berkshire Taconic Reports Nearly $7 Million Distributed in 2009

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced today that despite the economic downturn, it distributed $7 million in 2009 throughout the Berkshire Taconic region.  Grants included $242,760 in scholarships to young people to help them through college, along with millions of dollars in vital support for the arts, public education, health and human services and environmental protection.

In addition, 3,700 donors contributed $7 million to the foundation last year. Over $260,000 was raised for the new Neighbor-to-Neighbor program in a two-month challenge grant period.  Hundreds of donors stepped forward with donations ranging from $1 to $100,000 to aid individuals and families in the Berkshire Taconic region who are in economic distress.  Neighbor-to-Neighbor awards small grants, usually no more than $500, to help with overdue utilities, medical bills, short-term housing costs and transportation problems. Checks are written to the vendor (landlord, utility company, pharmacy or mechanic) on behalf of the community member in need.

“We have been greatly heartened by the marked generosity of donors in our region during this extremely difficult time,” said Jennifer Dowley, the foundation’s president. “Several donors walked into our offices this past year asking, ‘How can we help?’ and they did.”

On another note of good cheer, Berkshire Taconic’s investments have performed remarkable well even during the worst investment market since the 1930s. Comparative reports put Berkshire Taconic’s returns in the top quartile nationwide of community foundations, private foundations, university endowments and trusts over the past five years.  As of December 31, 2009, the foundation’s assets were up 27.3%.  “It is a great comfort that we have been able to recover much of was lost in 2008 during the drop of the investment markets,” said Jill Gellert, vice president of finance and administration. “We are very proud of the commitment of our investment committee. Their leadership has led to the foundation’s remarkable performance over the years.”

“Our goals for 2010 are to continue our focus on both the long-term development of charitable resources for our region and remain flexible and responsive to those people and nonprofits in immediate need,” said Dowley. “These difficult times are when we need to remember to support the people and organizations that keep our lives flourishing.”

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT.  Thanks to its generous donors, in 2009 Berkshire Taconic distributed nearly $7 million in scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection.  Berkshire Taconic is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.

Click here to learn more about the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation!

Creative Economy Careers

Creative Economy Careers

Check out these creative economy career opportunities!

Administrative Assistant and Senior Level PR Positions, AH&M

Director,  Architecture OMI

Relationship Manager, @uto Revenue

Assistant to the Artistic Director, Barrington Stage Company

Associate Box Office Manager and Box Office Staff, Barrington Stage Company

Company Manager, Barrington Stage Company

House Manager, Barrington Stage Company

History Teacher, Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School

System Developer, Berkshire Bank

Guest Services Associate, The Berkshire Museum

Development Assistant, Berkshire Theatre Festival

Kids Party Coordinator, Berkshire West Athletic Club

Tanglewood Guide/Public Representative of the BSO, Boston Symphony Orchestra

Tanglewood Facilities Manager, Boston Symphony Orchestra

Director of Development, Capital Repertory Theater

Moldmaker,  Cavallero Plastics

Project/Tooling Engineer, Cavallero Plastics

Jr. Integration/ Test Engineer, Craig Technologies

Paper Quality Specialist, Crane & Co.

Process Control Engineer, Crane & Co.

Mechanical Project Engineer, Crane & Co.

Trimmer Operator, Boyd Technologies

Communications and Education Coordinator, The Colonial Theatre

Assistant Chef/Baker, Crissey Farm Catering

Director of Finance, Hancock Shaker Village

Director of Membership, Hancock Shaker Village

Farm/Garden Staff, Interpreters, Visitor Service Staff, Hancock Shaker Village

Supply Chain Manager, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics

Assistant Graphic Designer, J. F. Griffin Publishing, LLC

Audience Services Coordinator, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Management Assistant for Dining Services, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Ticket Services Assistant Manager, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Ticket Services/Group Sales Manager, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Esthetician, Kripalu

Box Office Associate, MASS MoCA

Development and Office Professionals, The Mount

Database/Web Administrator, The Options Institute

Information Technology Manager, The Options Institute

E-Marketing Coordinator, The Options Institute

Architectural Fabrication/ Supervisor, Raredon Resources

Costume Positions: Drapers, Stitchers, First Hands, Wardrobe, Shakespeare & Company

FOH Positions: Box Office, House Management, Concessions, Shakespeare & Company

Production Positions: Carpentry, Props, Paint, Sound, and Electrics, Shakespeare & Company

Extrusion Operators, Sheffield Plastics

On Call Preparators, The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

Program Coordinator, Storefront Artist Project

3D CAD Designer, Undisclosed

Director of Writing Programs, Center for Academic Resources, Williams College

Reference/Web Development Librarian, Williams College

Assistant Professor, World Learning

Internship Opportunities-Updated!

Internship Opportunities-Updated!

The Berkshires are an excellent place to gain experience at a variety of creative economy businesses and organizations. Check out some of these opportunities available now!

Barrington Stage Company Professional Internship Program (PIP)

The Professional Internship Program (PIP) is an intensive summer internship program offered to college age students interested in pursuing careers in theatre. Participants are chosen through a competitive application process to train and gain professional experience in various facets of Professional Equity Theatre. Click here to learn more and apply!

Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP)

Deadline: April 1, 2010

The Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP) is a structured summer internship course that helps to integrate theoretical concepts and real-world experience. An intensive twelve-week program, B-HIP combines an internship component with a seminar in arts management, talk backs with the area’s leading arts professionals, and full participation in cultural events throughout Berkshire County. Interns work in a multitude of administrative capacities including development, marketing, public relations and programming – as they gain hands-on experience in the field of arts management. Click here to learn more and apply!

Berkshire Museum: Collections Internship

The Berkshire Museum has a diverse art, history and natural science collection of approximately 25,000 objects. In its efforts to continually improve and update the management of collections, the Museum involves interns with different aspects of collections work, including inventories, cataloguing objects, data entry, object photography and object research. For Fall/Winter 2010, the museum seeks an intern to research and catalog one of the following collections; Asian, Decorative Arts, Minerals, Shells and/or American History. The museum is also embarking on an archive project. The Berkshire Museum intern program works closely with the individual to create an experience that meets both the needs of the museum and intern. This is an unpaid internship. Interns will report directly to the Collections Manager. Click here to learn more and apply!

Berkshire Theatre Festival Summer Training

Deadline: March 29/April 9, 2010

Berkshire Theatre Festival’s mission is to sustain, promote, and produce theatre through performance and education.  Since 1928 BTF has been dedicated to producing theatre that recognizes its venerable past while providing a home for the next generation of the American theatre’s creative artists.  We offer competitive education and training through our summer Acting Apprenticeships, Directing and Design Assistantships and Production and Administrative Internships that lead students toward a professional working career in the arts. Candidates must be at least 18 and enthusiastic about pursuing a career in the theatre profession. Click here to learn more and apply!

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Deadlines: Summer Priority Deadline has passed. Regular Deadline is March 1, 2010 after March 1, call 413-243-9919 x17 to inquire if openings are available. Off-season deadline: Rolling

Summer Internships are comprised of real-work projects and responsibilities that develop professional skills and careers. Interns receive staff-led seminars, training and mentoring, on-campus housing, 3 meals a day, $500 stipend, and a $150 travel/sundry expense allowance. College credit, work-study, independent study, and/or cooperative learning programs may be available through your school. Or you may register for college credit at Jacob’s Pillow, through their partnership with the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Off-season interns assist in the preparation for Jacob’s Pillow upcoming season. Off-season interns gain a broad perspective on arts administration, the dance field, and dance history while receiving on-the-job training, and experience working alongside professional staff both independently and collaboratively. Onsite housing can be arranged and is shared with other Pillow interns, as well as with artists-in-residence. Full and part-time internships for the fall, winter, and spring can be tailored to meet college credit needs and individual interests. Dates and times are flexible. Click here to learn more and apply!

IS183 Art School of the Berkshires:  Young Artists Program Intern

IS183 is seeking interns with an interest in the visual arts and/or education, combined with interest and enjoyment of children and young teens for their 2010 IS183 Summer Young Artist Program. The program will run from June 28 to August 20, 2010, and candidates may apply for a 2- to 8-week internship commitment. Hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday.

Candidates should be pursuing art as a major or supplementary course of study, and able to demonstrate some experience working with children. Interns receive a stipend of $100/week for their work as well as the opportunity to audit one evening or week-end adult class during the summer. In addition, you may be able to receive academic credit from your college or university. IS183 will also provide references for your future employment/academic pursuits upon request, dependent on performance. Click here to learn more and apply!

MASS MoCA Internship Program

Deadline: March 1, 2010

MASS MoCA seeks full-time interns for various departments. Spend summer in the culturally rich, naturally beautiful Berkshires, while gaining invaluable professional experience in the arts. Paid interns are given $100/wk stipend and free housing with a block of the complex. Each applicant may apply to a maximum of 2 departments (Visual Arts, Production, Marketing/Public Relations, Public Education, Graphic Design, Box Office and Development). All internships run from June 2 through September 6.Click here to learn more and apply!

Shakespeare & Company Internships in Carpentry, Props, Paint, Sound, Electrics, Costumes, and Stage Management

Interns sought for an Equity L.O.A. 14 show, 3 stage season at Shakespeare & Company. This opportunity is for individuals early in their career to develop skills and work with theatre professionals. Duties will include show running and/or change-over responsibilities. Season runs from early May through March 2011, although most positions for summer only. Late season and early start contracts may include theatre-in-education support. Housing negotiable. Stipend available.Click here to learn more and apply!

Does your organization or business offer creative economy internship opportunities? Email them to info@berkshirecreative.org!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!



From the Berkshire Eagle: Storefront Artist Project names new director

From the Berkshire Eagle: Storefront Artist Project names new director

Michelle Green, of Dalton, has been hired as director of the Storefront Artist Project. She replaces Peter Dudek who held the post since the organization’s founder, Maggie Miler, stepped down in 2006. Also, Maria Mingalone, the Berkshire Museum’s director of interpretation, has been named chairman of the board of trustees. Green will be responsible for the growth and oversight of the artist residency/student program, exhibition program and education outreach efforts. She will also market and promote the organization and assist in fund-raising efforts.

A former senior editor for projects at The Berkshire Eagle, where she managed special sections, Green recently earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts’ Isenberg School of Management.

Prior to attending graduate school, Green spent several years in the journalism industry. She was presentations editor for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers in Stuart, Fla., and also worked for The Palm Beach Post as a features page designer. She received more than 10 awards from professional organizations for her design work.

Green earned a bachelor of science degree from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University with a major in page design and picture editing.

At the Berkshire Museum, Mingalone oversees the development of exhibitions, education programs for students and teachers, and public programs for families and adults.

Also chair of Pittsfield’s Artscape Committee, she has worked in arts management since the mid-1980s specializing in arts education and programming.

Mingalone received a masters of science degree in education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City, a BFA in studio fine arts from SUNY Stony Brook, and attended Pratt Art Institute.

The Storefront Artist Project was established as part of a downtown revitalization effort in 2002.

Click here to visit the Storefront Artist Project online at www.storefrontartist.org!

Click here to visit the Berkshire Eagle online and learn more about what is happening in Berkshires and beyond!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

From the Berkshire Eagle: Lichtenstein exhibit showcases Pittsfield

From the Berkshire Eagle: Lichtenstein exhibit showcases Pittsfield
By Scott Stafford, Berkshire Eagle Staff

Friday, January 1, 2010

PITTSFIELD – A juried exhibition of photography at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is not just an art show.

These are photographs that focus on Pittsfield, from its gritty industrial side all the way through a variety of neighborhoods and setting to some of the soaring architectural beauty that graces the downtown area. And while the show was launched to highlight local artists, it was also a way to give new perspectives to film industry location scouts seeking exciting settings for scenes in upcoming movie projects.

According to Megan Whilden, Pittsfield’s director of cultural development, the idea formed more than a year ago when she was touring the city with a location scout prepping for Martin Scorcese’s upcoming film, “Shutter Island.” It grew further in a meeting with Nick Paleologos, executive director of the Massachusetts Film Office.

The goal, she said, is to give a boost to the creative economy by increasing film industry activity in Berkshire County. The challenge is that the stereotypical image of Berkshire County among many filmmakers is its old mansions, rolling hills, bucolic farmland and pastoral forests. By posting these photos on the Web, film professionals will have new views of the Berkshires to choose from.

“The very first point of sale for movie settings is the location scout, and our best tool to show them what we offer is the Web site (for the Berkshire Film and Media Commission, www. berkshirefilm. Whilden said. “So this show is a great way to celebrate the talent, the neighborhoods and the urban landscape while encouraging a new source of income for the Berkshires.”

The exhibition, which begins today, consists of about 40 photographs submitted by 26 photographers. The jury of three, without knowing the name of the photographers, selected the pieces from about 200 entries submitted by 36 artists. But many more of the 200 entries might still be chosen to appear on the Berkshire Film and Media Commission’s Web site for viewing by location scouts, directors and producers.

The Internet is usually the first step in finding potential filming locations, Whilden said.

The chosen photographs will start appearing there within the next couple of weeks, said Diane Pearlman, executive director of the commission.

“One of the purposes of the Berkshire Film and Media Commission is to facilitate and promote film and television production here,” Pearlman said. “So we want to show the back alleys, the railroad tracks, the whole urban setting we have here.”

Producers and directors are always looking for more locations, she noted, so offering realistic and artistic views of the Berkshires’ urban areas increases the odds that a filmmaker will want to see more.

And the photo exhibition, which they are considering as an annual event, capitalizes on the “many talented photographers we have here, and it allows more people to see many more perspectives of Pittsfield,” Pearlman said.

“Berkshire City: Pittsfield on Film” will run through March 6 at the Lichtenstein Center, at 28 Renne St., just east of North Street. The exhibition is free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Photographers featured in the show include Kevin Sprague, Kay Canavino, Karl Volkman, Mary Garnish, Joseph Wilk, Timothy Kushi, Scott Barrow, Scott Edward Cole, and Nicole Garzino.

Click here to visit the Berkshire Eagle online and learn more about what is happening in Berkshires and beyond!

Local Creatives Rise to Meet First Berkshire Creative Challenge!

Local Creatives Rise to Meet First  Berkshire Creative Challenge!

In 2009, Berkshire Creative launched the Creative Challenge to connect Berkshire manufacturers and businesses with local designers, engineers and creative workers. Last week, Interprint and Berkshire Creative announced that the inaugural Challenge, had done just that.

When Berkshire Creative and Interprint, Inc., released the call for applications for the inaugural challenge, there was no way to know what the response would be to the new intitiative. By the September 28th deadline, the response was clear- 39 local creatives, of various disciplines and backgrounds had applied. From those 39 applicants, 21 were chosen to participate, and 18 those 21 participants submitted solutions to the challenge.

From those eighteen submissions, five were selected. Heather Rose’s popcorn inspired design was selected for development, three designs by Thomas Hoadley was put on retainer, and three other participants, Jennifer Clark, John Stritch, and Cate Hunter received small awards in recognition of their designs. All designers will be paid fair market price for any developed design.

“We are so elated that this, our first Creative Challenge, was such a resounding success,” says Berkshire Creative Director, Helena Fruscio. “The Creative Challenge has helped raise awareness that if you are a manufacturer looking for a top-notch designer or a designer looking for a contract with a world-class company, you can find it here in the Berkshires, where creativity lives!”

Companies interested in hosting a Creative Challenge should contact Helena Fruscio, Director of Berkshire Creative by phone or 413.822.8324 or email at helena.fruscio@berkshirecreative.org.

Click here to read iberkshires coverage of the Creative Challenge or here to listen to Charlie Dietz’s coverage on WAMC!

Click here to read past posts about the Creative Challenge!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to Move Headquarters to Sheffield, MA

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to Move Headquarters to Sheffield, MA

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has announced the purchase of an office building at 800 N. Main Street in Sheffield, MA to house its operations. The 5,000 square-foot property was purchased from Landmark Volunteers, Inc. The foundation will move into its new headquarters after making minor improvements and creating parking sufficient for staff and visitors. “Berkshire Taconic is here forever and we are thrilled to be able to invest in a permanent home for the organization as we commence our 23rd year of work,” stated Virginia Smith, chair of the foundation’s board of directors.

The purchase of 800 N. Main Street concludes a three-year search for a long-term home for the foundation. A task force composed of members of the foundation’s board of directors, chaired by Ed Hoe, looked at properties up and down the Route 7 corridor. “We found nothing to compare with the condition and size of this Sheffield property within our price range,” stated Hoe. “The foundation was outgrowing its space in Great Barrington and needed room for community meetings, as well as for its expanding operations over the next five to ten years.”

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation was founded in 1987 as a Connecticut nonprofit organization and leased space in Lakeville, CT for several years. As its work expanded beyond Northwest CT and Northeast Dutchess County into Berkshire and Columbia counties, it needed to move its base of operations to the geographic center of its catchment area. In 1997, the foundation leased space at 271 Main Street in Great Barrington, MA where it has resided for the past 12 years. “The opportunity to buy our own building is terrific,” stated Virginia Smith. “The money we save on rent can now shift to providing more resources to our communities.”

Click here to learn more about the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation!

Berkshire Hills Internship Program Now Accepting Applicants

Berkshire Hills Internship Program Now Accepting Applicants

The Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP) is an intensive arts management internship program that combines hands-on work experience with classes taught by arts administration faculty, TalkBacks with the area’s leading arts professionals, and the chance to fully participate in cultural events throughout Berkshire County.  B-HIP offers educational and career advancement opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere!

Program Description:
Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP) is a structured summer internship course that helps to integrate theoretical concepts and real-world experience. An intensive twelve-week program, B-HIP combines an internship component with a seminar in arts management, talk backs with the area’s leading arts professionals, and full participation in cultural events throughout Berkshire County. Interns work in a multitude of administrative capacities including development, marketing, public relations and programming – as they gain hands-on experience in the field of arts management. Each internship is hand-tailored to suite each interns’ needs, interests and talents. Former interns have worked at institutions such as The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, Berkshire Living Magazine, Shakespeare and Company, and more! MCLA’s tuition rates are generally lower than those of comparable institutions; these same fees apply to the credit a B-HIP intern earns. Scholarships and tuition reductions are available on a limited basis. Interns receive a $100 weekly stipend and are provided with housing accommodations on MCLA’s campus. Click here to read posts from the B-HIP class of Summer 2009 on MCLA’s BCRC’s blog!

Qualifications:
B-HIP is a 12-credit course that is open to college students (juniors and seniors), recent graduates, and working professionals. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Nonprofit, business, and/or arts management coursework or experience in the field is helpful. Applicants should be passionate about the arts management field and be prepared for an intensive twelve weeks. Interns are required to be available for the full program (see website for dates).

How to Apply:
Application Packages should contain the following items:

1. A Fully Completed, Signed, and Dated Application: Fill out the application completely, and answer all essay questions.

2. Resume and Letters of Recommendation: In addition to your resume, you should also include two letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation should come from people who you have worked with in some capacity. Teachers, academic advisors, former supervisors, and members of organizations you’ve volunteered or worked for make great references. These letters should be from different people than those listed as references in the body of your application.

*Letters of recommendation must be sealed with reference’s signature over the seal. This letter can be mailed directly from reference to the B-HIP office.

Submitting your Application: DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: April 1, 2010

Electronic Submission: In a single e-mail, please attach your application, essays, and resume, and send with the subject: B-HIP APPLICANT: [Your Name] to Jessica.Conzo@mcla.edu*Letters of recommendation must be mailed (see above) or emailed directly from reference to B-HIP office.

Paper Submission: Send your complete application and all materials to the following address: B-HIP Berkshire Cultural Resource Center, 51 Main Street North Adams, MA 01247

Click here to learn more!

Creative Economy Career Opportunities

Creative Economy Career Opportunities

Check out these creative economy career opportunities!

Director of Development, Barrington Stage Company

In House Sales, Brazabra Corp.

Acrylic Artist, Chartpak

Embedded Software Engineer, General Dynamics

Web Developer, General Dynamics

Audience Services Coordinator, Jacob’s Pillow

Marketing and Communication Assistant, Jacob’s Pillow

Ticket Services/Group Sales Manager, Jacob’s Pillow

Ticket Services Assistant Manager, Jacob’s Pillow

Advertising Sales Account Manager, J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC

Graphic, Media, and Web Designer, Kripalu

Web Developer and Helpdesk Technician, Kripalu

Development and Office Professionals, The Mount

Database/Web Administrator, The Options Institute

CAD Operators, RTR Technologies

Research and Academic Program Associate Director, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

Web Programmer, TattooNow

Consulting Position (Architecture), Undisclosed

Freelance Writers / Photographers, Undisclosed

Hair Stylist, Undisclosed

PHP/MySQL Developer, Undisclosed

Studio Assistant, Undisclosed

Director of the Multicultural Center, Williams College

Design Traffic Coordinator, Yankee Candle Company

Senior Packaging Designer, Yankee Candle Company

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!