ArtSwitch Benefit to Raise Funds for Roots Rising

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The ArtSwitch is a live, collaborative art fundraiser benefiting Roots Rising, a Pittsfield-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and building community through food and farming.

The event brings together 10 locally known artists who create artwork live, rotating through one another's pieces when the music stops. This shared process results in a series of one-of-a-kind works that reflect collaboration, adaptability, and community—values central to Roots Rising's mission.

Community members are invited to observe the creative process, enjoy light refreshments, and participate in a silent auction featuring the newly created artworks. Proceeds from the event benefit Roots Rising.

The ArtSwitch is part of the 10x10 Upstreet Art Festival, which highlights arts-based engagement throughout downtown Pittsfield.

Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 at the door
Advance tickets: www.TheArtSwitchBenefit.eventbrite.com
Where: Dottie's Coffee Lounge, 444 North St., Pittsfield, MA
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Participating artists:

  • Anastasia Drayton
  • Bruce Laird
  • Deb Carter
  • Diane Firtell
  • Joanie Ciolfi
  • Katie Malone-Smith
  • Marion Grant
  • Mark Mellinger
  • Mike Carty
  • Shany Porras
  • Amy Attias (Music)

Dottie's  and M. Deres are sponsors.

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

Wixsom Leads Force 12U Softball Team in Tourney Opener

iBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Emma Wixsom struck out eight of the nine batters she faced in Friday’s opener of the Berkshire Fall Frenzy as the host Force 12-and-under travel softball team beat the Greylock Thunder, 14-0, in three innings.
 
Wixsom was credited with a perfect game in the contest, which was ended by the tournament’s run rule.
 
McKinley Bushika led the Force’s offense, going 3-for-3 with a pair of RBIs. Charlotte Kotski tripled, and Lilly Tuohy doubled in a nine-hit attack.
 
In its second game in the six-team tournament on Friday evening, the Force beat the East Greenbush, N.Y., Xpress Crushers, 5-3.
 
Peyton Demary went 3 and two-thirds innings in the circle before giving the ball to Wixsom. Demary struck out eight while allowing two earned runs.
 
Kotski was a difference maker at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI in a six-hit attack for the Force.
 
Berkshire Saturday starts its day against the 413 Panthers out of Hampden at the Doyle Complex.
 
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