Pittsfield Cultural Council Seeks to Make Public Art Guide

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Cultural Council is looking to create a guide to the city's public art for locals and tourists alike. 

On Wednesday, the panel voted in favor of the project after it was suggested by member Abigail Allard. They agreed that this would be a great resource if it is feasible. 

"I think especially for people in Pittsfield that are here and just used to it don't realize how much public art is actually around them and visible," Allard said, citing the various murals, sculptures, and painted electrical boxes that can be enjoyed on the city streets. 

Based on conversations that she has had with the city's director of cultural development and the director of Downtown Pittsfield Inc., she believes that all of the information is available — just not in one place. 

This is the first project that the committee has conducted in some time and it has a budget of $9,700. The amount represents 20 percent of the council's fiscal year 2023 allocation of $48,500. 

To create the map and guide of public art in Pittsfield, the panel will need to hire a graphic designer and a printer.   

Director of Cultural Development Jen Glockner and Director of DPI Rebecca Brien will be consulted for information on the public artworks. 

Council member Kas Maroney advocated for keeping the featured works free so that they are accessible to all of the community. The council discussed highlighting art at the Berkshire Athenaeum as well. 

With this project, the hope is also to educate the community about what the cultural council does and how it funds various community projects, programs, and events. 

The city has gained a number of public art installations over the last few years including a mural titled "The Sun Will Rise" on North Street, a Ruby Bridges inspired "Walk With Her" mural below Division Street, a mural titled "Black Abundance" across from Persip Park, and a work in the west side titled "I Wish… For a Greener Future."

Pittsfield City Council Weighs in on 'Crisis' in Public Schools

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
08:59PM / Monday, December 23, 2024

A half-dozen people addressed the City Council from the floor of Monday's meeting, including Valerie Anderson, right.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After expressing anger and outrage and making numerous calls for accountability and transparency, the 11 members of the City Council on Monday voted to support the School Committee in seeking an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct by staff members at Pittsfield High School that have come to light in recent weeks.

 

At the close of a month that has seen three PHS administrators put on administrative leave, including one who was arrested on drug trafficking charges, the revelation that the district is facing a civil lawsuit over inappropriate conduct by a former teacher and that a staff member who left earlier in the year is also under investigation at his current workplace, the majority of the council felt compelled to speak up about the situation.

 

"While the City Council does not have jurisdiction over the schools … we have a duty to raise our voices and amplify your concerns and ensure this crisis is met with the urgency it demands," Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey said.

 

About two dozen community members attended the special meeting of the council, which had a single agenda item.

 

Four of the councilors precipitated the meeting with a motion that the council join the School Committee in its search for an investigation and that the council, "be included in the delivery of any disclosures, interim reports or findings submitted to the city."

 

Last week, the School Committee decided to launch that investigation. On Monday, City Council President Peter White said the School Committee has a meeting scheduled for Dec. 30 to authorize its chair to enter negotiations with the Springfield law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas to conduct that probe.

 

Ward 7 Councilor Rhonda Serre, the principal author of the motion of support, was one of several members who noted that the investigation process will take time, and she, like Kavey, acknowledged that the council has no power over the public schools beyond its approval of the annual district budget.