Berkshire Athenaeum announces Call for Art

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Artists between the ages of 12 and 18 are welcome to submit their work between July 1 and August 24, 2024 to be displayed in the Bekshire Athenaeum.
 
The theme for the Call for Art is "empowerment."
 
"We want our teenage visitors to feel like the library is for them," said Vanessa Justice, young adult librarian. "That it is a place where they can feel empowered and see their own artwork, and themselves, reflected in a space where they can explore their interests, ask questions, and be curious."
 
On July 23, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., youth can participate in an evening of art making with local artist and arts advocate Maru Dominguez, who will guide participants in creating art based on the idea of "empowerment." Youth can submit their completed work to our Call for Art. 
 
This workshop will be available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Open to 12 – 18 year olds.
 
All artwork will be included in a showing at the Berkshire Athenaeum August 27, 2024 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Limited space is available for display in the Young Adult Department and as such, artwork not used for display will be returned to the artist. The Berkshire Athenaeum reserves the right to choose which artwork is displayed. The criteria for choosing artwork will include:
interpretation of the theme, creativity and originality, and the quality of the artwork and artistic skill demonstrated.
 

Tags: berkshire athenaeum,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories