http://www.firstfridaysartswalk.com/

First Fridays Artswalk, Upstreet Cultural District, Pittsfield, MA (2026)

08/30/2026

The Berkshire Art Association will present TUNE IN, a biennial juried exhibit, at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, Friday, September 4 through Saturday, September 26.

Reception and Awards: Friday, September 4, 5 to 7 pm
Closing Reception and Artist Talks: Friday, September 25, 5 to 7 pm

The BAA invites you to probe into and explore the powerful artwork by artists of the Berkshires and the Northeast U.S. presented in their 2026 Biennial Exhibition, TUNE IN.

The concept TUNE IN is meant to challenge literal and visual conventions and will embrace the psyche of both artist and viewer. TUNE IN is a playful engagement in artistic dialogue focused on richness of meaning and evolution of meaning. TUNE IN pays attention to the world all around us, while encouraging connection with curiosity, empathy, and authentic personal realities. TUNE IN willfully calls us to traverse a broad enlightened path of openness.

Jurors for TUNE IN were Michael Boroniec, Artist, designer, and sculptor; Arthur Hillman, Professor Emeritus of Photography, Simon’s Rock College at Bard; and Mindy Hackner, Librarian, museum educator, and artist.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is open Wednesday through Friday, 11 am to 3 pm, and by appointment.

Featured: David Hinchen "Electric City"

08/28/2026

The September 4 First Fridays at Five, presented by Mill Town Foundation, will feature live music and dance, art, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

- Misty Blues
- Beer garden with Hot Plate Brewing Co.

Rain location: Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street

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South end of the road closure:

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) will offer an open-house experience featuring “What We Carry Forward: An Exploration of Art” from 5 to 7:30 pm at the South end of the road closure.

Also, near the South end of the road closure will be a 45-minute performance by Row 7 at 6 pm. Band members are Emily Rosen, Jake Conuel, Vincent Greer, and Alex Dellea.

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Palace Park, 122 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

- Art in the Park: Jill McLean draws a large ink sketch of First Friday
- Live Pottery Demo with Jim Horsford

Rain Location: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue

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Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, 5 to 8 pm

- Berkshire Art Association presents TUNE IN, a biennial juried exhibit
- Paper Blooms with Paper Petals Artist Elizabeth Nelson

Rain Location: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue

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North Street in front of Crawford Square, 137 North Street

- Free Balloon Twisting with Andrew the Balloonatic
- Fitness professional, Aimee Marshall, hosts a Free (DROP-IN) Cardio Drumming Class from 5 to 6:30 pm

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North Street:

-Makers Market at First Fridays at Five

-Food Vendors

-Family Fun Zone

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First Fridays Artswalk:

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Clock Tower Artists, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Indie Readery and Records, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Sanctum Gallery, Solarium Plant Shop, and the Soda Chef. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.

First Fridays at Five is led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and will take place in downtown Pittsfield on May 1, June 5, August 7, and September 4, 2026. A portion of North Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include AccessPlus, MountainOne, Guardian, and Mill Town Foundation.

For more information and a full event listing, visit https://lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

08/26/2026

Indie Readery and Records , 314 North Street, will feature Alcohol Ink Paintings on Yupo Paper by Marney Schorr now through October 2026. Stop by during the September 4 Artswalk from 5 to 8 pm.

Marney Schorr is an Abstract and Surrealist Artist working mainly in acrylics and gouache. Her imagery emanates from the subconscious creating abstract and surrealist scenes that inspire differing narratives for each viewer. In this series, Marney has experimented with Alcohol-based Inks on Yupo paper, a rich and smooth paper that stays wet and is specifically designed for this media. Her process involves dripping inks, sliding inks, and creating layers of inks.

To create luminosity, she removes gradations of inks with rubbing alcohol, q-tips, tissues, and sponges. She also sprays her works with rubbing alcohol to create a textural effect. The Ink paintings include ethereal and magical scenes, as well as landscapes and flowers, and under the sea paintings.

08/23/2026

Join Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk as they feature Jill McLean as the September “Art in the Park” artist. Jill will be drawing a large ink sketch of First Friday during the September 4 First Fridays at Five from 5 to 8 pm.

As an unofficial finale to the 2026 season of the Urban Sketching Meetup, Jill will be drawing a large ink sketch of First Friday and invites viewers to come add color to the scene and enjoy how the vibrancy, liveliness, and unpredictability of watercolor paint can capture life in interesting ways.

Urban Sketching Meetup is a free gathering that Jill hosts once a month from June to September. Running every year since 2020, the meetup is an opportunity for people who want to come out and try urban sketching (sketching in public places from life) but may not want to try it alone, or simply want a casual excuse to do art together.

Each event, a downtown Pittsfield location is designated as the meet up spot and participants explore the area with their chosen art supplies. You can practice urban sketching outdoors or indoors and draw anything you see in front of you. It’s a great way to get to know your local community.

Jill McLean is an artist and Pittsfield native inspired by a wide range of local subjects, from still lifes and florals to landscapes and animals. Working in watercolor and oil, Jill’s portfolio includes everything from urban sketches and plein air paintings to planned series and formal studio pieces. Often taking her art outside of the studio, you may find her painting on local hiking trails and at community events.

“Art in the Park” is supported in part by the Feigenbaum Foundation.

“Art in the Park” is supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, and a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

08/09/2026

The First Fridays Artswalk in downtown Pittsfield concludes its 5-month season (May through September) on Friday, September 4 from 5 to 8 pm as part of the City of Pittsfield’s First Fridays at Five.

Participating venues on Friday, September 4 include Clock Tower Artists, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Indie Readery and Records, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, O.U.R Resurge (at Makers Market), Sanctum Gallery, Solarium Plant Shop, and the Soda Chef.

Download the Downtown Pittsfield App in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone.

Direct link: https://downtownpittsfield.stqry.app/list/63424

Event Highlights (South to North):

Artists at the Clock Tower, 75 South Church Street, Third Floor
Karen Carmean, Deborah H. Carter, Lucie Castaldo, Joan Palano Ciolfi, Randy Foulds, Marion Grant, Nava Grunfeld, Caroline Kelley, Mollie Kellogg, Eric Korenman, Bruce Laird, Lisa Loustaunau, Mark Mellinger, Linda Petrocine, Sally Tiska Rice, Ilene Richard, Audrey Shachnow, Stanley Singer, Ariel Smith, Sharon Walthew, Stefanie Weber, and Carmel Wilson
Open Studios: Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

Solarium Plant Shop, 46 West Street
TBD
On View: Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

North Street in the Makers Market (O.U.R Resurge)
“Awamu Artist Co-op”
Ashley Sposato, Matt Brinton, Nicole Fecteau, and Rochely DeJesus Melendez
Visit their tent: Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue
Berkshire Art Association biennial juried exhibit
TUNE IN
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 5 to 7 pm

Palace Park, 122 North Street
“Art in the Park” with Jill McLean
Drawing a large ink sketch of First Friday
Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

Sanctum Gallery, 148 North Street
“Irresistible Future”
Amy Dawn Kotel
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

Soda Chef, 161 North Street
Drift & Bloom: The art of Nicole March
Window Display

Hotel on North, 297 North Street
TBD
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

Indie Readery and Records, 314 North Street
Alcohol Ink Paintings on Yupo Paper
Marney Schorr
On View: Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., 437 North Street
Kid Artwork from Berkshire Art Center's Summer in the Studios Program
On View: Friday, September 4, 5 to 8 pm

First Fridays Artswalk and “Art in the Park” are supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, and a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

First Fridays Artswalk and “Art in the Park” are also supported in part by The Feigenbaum Foundation.

Check out all of the September 4 First Fridays at Five events at lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

08/06/2026

Solarium Plant Shop, 46 West Street, will feature “Layered”- Visionary Alchemy of Paper, Scissors & Glue by Margo Serina during the Artswalk on Friday, August 7 from 5 to 8 pm.

Margo Serina of Sacred Bridge Studio is a Berkshire native and life-long artist who explores with various mediums to create art while gravitating towards collage and watercolor as two of her favorite forms of expression. Her work features contrast, textures, and vibrant color combinations as well as the use of mixed media and elements of nature.

“Layered” - Visionary Alchemy of Paper, Scissors & Glue is a collection of collages Margo has created while exploring and allowing the paper she cuts and collects to come together organically in her creative process with both simplicity and articulation of the elements involved to create multi layered and cohesive images. She finds this process to be both meditative and highly therapeutic.

08/05/2026

CATA’s “I Am a Part of Art” will be on view at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, now through August 28, 2026. Stop by during the August 7 First Fridays at Five/ First Fridays Artswalk from 5 to 8 pm!

“I Am a Part of Art” is one of the largest annual exhibits by artists with disabilities in the country—featuring paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and more by over 250 artists with disabilities from across Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY. In their works, created in Community Access to the Arts’ year-round programs, CATA artists express their unique perspectives and draw us into their world, revealing the power of art to nurture inclusion and connection.

On view at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, now through August 28, Wednesday through Friday, 11 am to 3 pm, and by appointment.

CATA artwork is available for sale and supports CATA artists.

Community Access to the Arts

08/04/2026

The Spiritual Essence of Water
The Art of Gail Gelburd and Tenzin Wangchuk
On View at Sanctum Gallery
148 North Street in Pittsfield

Exhibition: August 6-30, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, August 7, 4 to 7 pm.
Terry Keevil will play his oboe and duduk from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

Gallery Hours:
Sunday: 1-5 pm
Monday: 1-9 pm
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 12-3 pm
Thursday: 12-3 pm
Friday: 1-5 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm
Or by appointment

Water sustains life and carries profound meaning across cultures and spiritual traditions. It can be still or forceful, solid or v***r, gentle or devastating. It nourishes, purifies, transforms, and endures - an elemental presence that speaks to both the physical world and the spiritual imagination.

The Spiritual Essence of Water, opening Friday, August 7 at Sanctum Gallery, invites visitors into an immersive exploration of water as both a natural force and a sacred symbol through the extraordinary work of acclaimed Berkshire artist Gail Gelburd and Tibetan artist Tenzin Wangchuk.

Gelburd’s work celebrates waterfalls in the Berkshires and around the world as metaphors for transformation and the journey of life. The roar, movement, mist, and continual flow of falling water become bridges between the visible and invisible worlds. Her richly layered works combine photography with encaustic painting, textiles, sculpture, illuminated installations, scrolls, and motion-activated light boxes, creating an environment that surrounds the viewer with sound, light, and movement.

Rather than simply depicting waterfalls, Gelburd invites us to recognize ourselves within them. As water continually reshapes the earth, it also mirrors the ever-changing nature of our own lives. Visitors are encouraged not only to observe, but to contemplate, meditate, and experience the exhibition as a place of reflection, renewal, and solace.

Gelburd is an internationally recognized artist, writer, curator, and educator whose work has been exhibited throughout the United States as well as in India and Greece. Holding a Ph.D. in Eastern Philosophy and Contemporary Art, she has authored more than a dozen books exploring the intersections of art, spirituality, and culture.

Complementing Gelburd’s exhibition are intimate Tibetan sand paintings by Tenzin Wangchuk. Drawing upon centuries old Buddhist traditions of ephemeral sand mandalas and ceremonial butter sculpture, Wangchuk transforms these sacred practices into enduring works of art. A former senior monk trained in the artistic traditions associated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Wangchuk has collaborated with Gelburd for nearly two decades and has lived periodically in the Berkshires. He is currently helping establish a new monastery in Nepal while generously sharing these remarkable works with the Berkshire community.

Terry Keevil is an accomplished oboist, English horn and duduk player, educator, and improviser. A longtime performer with chamber orchestras and ensembles in New York, he has recorded with acclaimed musicians and released an album of original duduk compositions. Terry taught oboe for over 40 years on Long Island, mentoring many students who went on to leading conservatories and professional orchestras. Since relocating to West Stockbridge in 2023, he has continued performing and teaching throughout the Berkshires and serves on the faculty of the Berkshire Music School.

Together, the exhibition offers a contemplative dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, inviting viewers to consider water as a universal symbol of interconnectedness, impermanence, healing, and spiritual awakening.

Throughout the exhibition, Sanctum Gallery will present public programs including artist talks, guided meditations, contemplative music, and community conversations inspired by the exhibition’s themes.

Sanctum Gallery, located at 148 North Street in downtown Pittsfield, is a program of Healing Hearts Sanctuary. Its mission is to foster community through art, reflection, creativity, and healing while presenting exhibitions that inspire meaningful dialogue and personal transformation.

Featured image: Gail Gelburd, Her Majesty

08/02/2026

O.U.R. Resurge, 119 Fenn Street, will feature the “Awamu Artist Co-op” with artists Ashley Sposato, Matt Brinton, Nicole Fecteau, and Rochely DeJesus Melendez. “Awamu” means “Let's go together" in Luganda!

There will be a reception with the artists on Friday, August 7, 5 to 8 pm, including a poetry reading by Ashley Sposato, a book signing with Matthew Brinton, a meal, and a table for kids to make art.

07/31/2026

The August 7 First Fridays at Five, presented by Guardian, will feature live music and dance, art, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs so they can sit and enjoy a variety of food, beverages, and entertainment.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Sample The Cat
– Beer garden with Hot Plate Brewing Co.
– Local food vendors

Rain location: Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street

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North Street, near Hot Harry’s at 37 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Split Senses band

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North Street near the Center Island across from the Beacon Cinema, 6 AND 7 pm

– Youth Alive Step, Dance, and Drumline perform at 6 pm and 7 pm

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Corner of North and Park Square at 24 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– The “Resurrection Off-road Team” will host a “Touch an ATV” event.

– Ronnie’s Harley-Davidson will host a “Touch an ATV and UTV” event.

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Dunham Mall, 100 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Campers from BeatNest’s summer Spin Club series will be DJing in a variety of music styles

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AdLib building at 215 North Street, 5 pm

– Unveiling and Ribbon Cutting for the Let It Shine Community Mural on the AdLib building at 5 pm

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Palace Park, 122 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Art in the Park: Maru Domínguez presents “Faces of Pittsfield Community Art Experience”
– Live Pottery Demo with Jim Horsford

Rain Location: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renee Avenue

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North Street in front of Crawford Square, 137 North Street

– Free Balloon Twisting with Bowey the Clown

– Fitness professional, Aimee Marshall, hosts a Free (DROP-IN) Cardio Drumming Class from 5 to 6:30 pm

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North Street

Makers Market:

The Makers Market at First Fridays at Five will feature over a dozen local vendors selling handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets. Makers include ATK Customs, Auntie Kat’s Gift Shop, Baked! Pastries & More, Berkshire Henna, BerkshireSci Biscuits LLC, Black Bear 3D, Braidy Bunch, Cookie’s Cupcakes, Glimmerhold Artistry & Tiffs Trinkets, Hilltown Hemlock Studio, Leann’s Lovies, Leo’s Bargain Boutique, little country gifts, Lovies Bakery, ManiSetGo, Mindset Personalized, Mountain Roots Artistry, Paparazzi Accessories, Pearls & Pillows, Plushy Pals, LLC, Poison Apple Gifts, Photography by Cam, Sisterhood of the Traveling Crafts, Sunshine Jewelry, The Mastheads, Troll Art, and Truffles by Tarah.

Food Vendors:

Check out a variety of food vendors including Alchemy Events Mobile Bar, BB’s Hot Spot, Berkshire Kettle Creations and Lemonade, Best Damn Espresso, Cocineras Latinas LLC Coop, D’s Island Food Truck, Full Belly FEWD TRUCK, La Chalupa & La Enchilada, and Williams Street Market and Deli.

Family Fun Zone:

The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including arts & crafts, games, and more.

Participating organizations include 18 Degrees Inc., 914 LOCK INC, ALZ.0rg, Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Su***de Prevention, Berkshire County Football Officials Association, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit Council, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Woodworkers Guild, BRPC/ SPARK – BE3C Coalitions, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Child Care of the Berkshires, Department of Children and Families, Dream Center, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Gandara Center, Mass Audubon, Mental Health Support for Families, NBT Bank, The Great Josh Billings RunAground, VFW Post 448, and Western Mass Labor Action.

First Fridays Artswalk:

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Clock Tower Artists, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Indie Readery and Records, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, O.U.R Resurge, Sanctum Gallery, Solarium Plant Shop, and the Soda Chef. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.

First Fridays at Five is led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and will take place in downtown Pittsfield on May 1, June 5, August 7, and September 4, 2026. A portion of North Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include AccessPlus, MountainOne, Guardian, and Mill Town Foundation.

For up to date information, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/event/august-7-first-fridays-at-five ❤

First Fridays Artswalk

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