'Bill of Rights' Poster Contest Open to Berkshire Students

11:08AM / Friday, April 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Office of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is inviting local high school students to participate in its Law Day 2026 Poster Contest.

This year's theme focuses on the Bill of Rights and its role in protecting equal justice and human dignity.

Law Day, observed annually on May 1st, serves as a time to reflect on the legal foundations of American liberty. CPCS, which provides legal representation for Massachusetts residents who cannot afford an attorney, is hosting this contest to encourage young people to think critically about constitutional protections like due process, fair treatment, and the right to counsel.

"Public defenders work every day to ensure that the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights apply to everyone, regardless of their background," said Veronica J. Fenton, Attorney at CPCS. "We want to see how Berkshire County students interpret these essential rights in today's world through their own creative lens."

Contest Eligibility and Guidelines The contest is open to all high school students (grades 9–12)

residing in Berkshire County. Submissions must be individual entries and original works.

Theme: Artwork must be inspired by one or more amendments in the Bill of Rights.
Medium: Any visual art medium is welcome, including drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, or digital art (printed).
Size: Maximum size is 18" x 24".
Deadline: All entries must be submitted by April 17, 2026.

Prizes and Recognition Awards will be provided in the form of gift cards:

First Place: $250.00
Second Place: $100.00
• Third Place: $50.00

Selected posters will be displayed publicly on or about Law Day, May 1, 2026 (location to be announced). Winning students will be recognized by the Berkshire County Office of CPCS and select works may be framed for display at the CPCS offices.

How to Submit Each entry must include the student's name, grade, school, and contact information. Submissions will be judged on their connection to the theme, creativity, clarity of

message, and artistic effort.

For more information on submission drop-off or contest rules, please contact Veronica J. Fenton

at 413-449-5508 or vfenton@publiccounsel.net.

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Berkshire Museum Explores Ancient Egypt With ‘Soulful Creatures’

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
11:33AM / Friday, October 09, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Following its multimillion-dollar renovation, the Berkshire Museum is welcoming an exhibition unlike any it has been able to host before.

Marking the museum's first major exhibition since its renovation, "Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt," opening Saturday, Oct. 10, thins the veil between the ever-evolving history of Egyptian culture and society and modern day people.

"The most important thing about history is recognizing people from the past as actual people. Ancient Egyptians are no different than us," said William Dore, the museum's chief curator. "They have different cultures and beliefs and different viewpoints, but you can say the same thing about people today."

When audiences experience the exhibit, they will see the humanity in the people of the past, which in turn helps them connect with different views and perspectives around the world today, he said.

Combining archeology with modern scientific imaging, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Museum curators Yekaterina Barbash and Edward Bleiberg designed an exhibit that works to uncover the mysteries behind these objects and the beliefs and rituals that surround them.

"I think something that people kind of misunderstand about history is none of it's ever settled. ... History is a science that is constantly questioned,” Dore said. "It only works if everyone's constantly rethinking things, learning new things ... which is for me super exciting because as much as we know a lot about the ancient Egyptians, there's a lot we don't know.”

The installation features dozens of artifacts on loan from the Brooklyn Museum that explores the practice of animal mummification and the role animals played in ancient Egyptian religion.

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