Berkshire Museum Announces New Chief Curator

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Museum welcomes Jesse Kowalski as Chief Curator. 
 
As Chief Curator, Kowalski will serve as a member of the Museum's senior leadership team, overseeing the exhibition, public program, collection, and education departments. Kowalski will be charged with developing exhibitions along with educational programming in tandem with the Museum's mission to bring people together for experiences that spark creativity and innovative thinking by making inspiring educational connections among art, history, and natural science.  
 
"I am thrilled to be joining the historic Berkshire Museum at such a formative time. Witnessing the enthusiasm and creative vision of Kim Bush Tomio and her team has been inspiring. Working alongside the board and staff, I look forward to reimagining the Museum's expansive collection of art and artifacts to build on what has become a vital cultural center for the Berkshire community." said Kowalski.   
  
Kowalski comes to Berkshire Museum with experience in exhibition curation and coordination – having served as Exhibition Coordinator and Director of Exhibitions for 18 years at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Penn. prior to becoming Curator of Exhibitions at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge for the last 8 years. He brings knowledge in art handling practice and procedure, having planned and installed numerous exhibitions throughout his career. In addition, Kowalski has authored museum publications, created touring exhibitions, and developed lecture and film series to complement exhibitions.                                                 
 
"I join the staff and board of trustees in welcoming Jesse to our team. He has a track record of stellar achievements in conceptualizing, organizing, and presenting exciting and unique exhibitions and educational programs," Berkshire Museum's Executive Director Kim Bush Tomio said. "His future contributions to the Museum will further enhance the ways in which we fulfill our mission. I look forward to working with Jesse as we develop inspiring and meaningful experiences for our diverse audiences -- from the Berkshires and beyond."  

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ServiceNet Warming Center Hosted 126 People This Winter

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

ServiceNet manages the warming shelter next to the church. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — ServiceNet's warming center has provided more than heat to unhoused individuals over the last four months and will run to the end of April.

It opened on Dec. 1 in the First United Methodist Church's dining area, next to ServiceNet's 40-bed shelter The Pearl. The agency has seen 126 individuals utilize the warming center and provided some case management to regulars.

While this winter was a success, they are already considering next winter.

"I've been on this committee many years now. There's probably only a few months out of the year that I don't talk about winter, so I'm always trying to plan for next winter," Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday.

"We are in this winter and I'm already thinking what's going to happen next winter because I want to be really clear, winter shelter is never a given. We don't have this built into the state budget. It's not built into our budget, so there is always trying to figure out where we get money, and then where do we go with winter shelter."

She pointed out that warming centers are "very different" from shelters, which have a bed. The warming center is set up like a dining room, open from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and folks are welcome to stay for breakfast.

"We are asking people to come in, get warm, be out of the elements," Forbush explained.

The warming center will close on April 30.

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