STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Berkshire Art Center (BAC) invites the community to the Artful Pause—a new series of short, creative workshops launching this spring and continuing through summer 2026.

 

These accessible programs offer creative experiences in just a few hours. Participants can paint, collage, explore photography, or get their hands in clay. The workshops are open to individuals and families. Dogs are able to attend some workshops.

 

The series begins this spring at BAC at Wander in Pittsfield, a welcoming café and community space. Held on the second Saturday of each month, these two-hour sessions invite participants to sketch, experiment with watercolor, and explore visual journaling—no long-term commitment required. 

 

The May 9 workshop will be Botanical Watercolor Resist, led by Faculty Artist Johanna Merfeld and the June 13 workshop will be Visual Journaling, led by Faculty Artist Kaily Ritz.

 

Outdoor enthusiasts can join Faculty Artist Thad Kubis for photography workshops at scenic Berkshire locations, including Spring Photo Refresh at Benedict Pond, The Art of the Dog Walk at Kennedy Park (dogs welcome), and Into the Woods: A Mindful Photo Journey at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

Additional June workshops at Citizens' Hall include Joyful Collaborative Collage with Kim Waterman; Improvisational Painting Laboratory with Regan Halas; and Intro to Gel Plate Printmaking with Jody King Camarra.

 

The series continues at Chesterwood in Stockbridge, where participants can engage with the landscape through Discovering the Landscape through Pastel with Jim Schantz and Watercolor Plein Air with Jill McLean.

 

Families can also take part in multigenerational offerings, including Creative Calm: Family Breathing Board Workshop with Kaily Ritz and a Botanical Weaving (Multigenerational) Workshop at Chesterwood, where participants create nature-based weavings using foraged materials.

 

In July, BAC will host a special Member Appreciation Night: Family + Dog Art Play at The Drifting Studio, led by Executive Director and Faculty Artist Laura Thompson.

 

For more information and to register, visit berkshireartcenter.org/artful-pause