image description

Mass MoCA Welcomes New Tenant, Hosts Route 2 Study Reveal

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Commission approved a new tenant Monday for the third floor of Building 1, above Bright Ideas Brewery.
 
Gianne Inc. uses recycled materials to create funcational art. 
 
"They are corporation that recycles textiles into functional handmade home art pieces such as quilts and rugs, promoting sustainability through creative design," said Jason Ahuja, senior manager of public initiatives.
 
According to Ahuja, the company is a mother and son duo who will be producing their work in the 400 square foot space.
 
Their lease will be two years long and started on Oct. 1. 
 
Director of Public Initiatives & Real Estate Morgan Everett updated the commission on an upcoming exhibition, "Race/Hustle" by Zora J Murff. The exhibit will be on view starting Dec. 6.
 
The exhibit features many different types of works "that examine physical, psychic, and political violence, the rhythms and resonances of oppression throughout history and into the present, and the harmful desires that our visual culture cultivates," according to the Mass MoCA website.
 
Also upcoming on Thursday, Dec. 11, is a new dance work by choreographer Deborah Hay called "Short-Sighted" that will feature three of her dancers offering a unique and deep understanding into Hay's work across four decades.
 
Everett also noted that the museum will host the recommendations for the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the surrounding area. This will be on Friday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. in the swing space and is open to the public.
 
"We are really excited to be collaborating with the city to host a community celebration for the Reconnecting Communities project and all the community collaboration that's gone into that Reconnecting Communities, the Route 2 overpass study," he said.

Tags: mass moca,   route 2,   

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

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Monday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories