Tenth Year of Berkshire Pottery Tour

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Berkshire Pottery Tour which highlights potters in their studios.
 
The Berkshire Pottery Tour was founded by a group of pottery friends who met at the Berkshire Art Center (then IS 183) in 2013.
 
"Berkshire Pottery Tour offers a glimpse into each potter's creative process and an intimate time to understand the work behind the final product," said Lucie Castaldo, executive director of the Berkshire Art Center.
 
Visitors will be invited to look inside seven very different working pottery studios with a wide range of price points for those interested in purchasing pieces. 
 
Lorimer Burns (a founding member) will be rejoining the Tour as the seventh stop, along with nine guest potters, to create a wider variety than ever of ceramic art, technique, and ideas. 
 
A short preview video of the main potters and studios is available on the Berkshire Pottery Tour website. 
 
"For some the experience of holding a piece of pottery is made more precious by meeting the artist where the work is made and gaining some understanding of the intricacies required to bring that piece to life." wrote studio host Linda Skipper.
 
The self guided tour is designed in a geographic loop and participants can start at any studio.  Visitors will find a detailed map and can see a preview of each studio via a short film at the Berkshire Pottery Tour website. Maps will be available at each studio as well. Look for the Orange and White Berkshire Pottery Tour road signs at key turns on the weekend of the event.
 
"We created the tour with the idea of bringing the community into our studios. It has an opportunity for everyone... ceramic enthusiasts, neighbors, community members, to come by and see what we've been up to, to see where we work.  We're very thankful for the Berkshires and the support of our community," said Ben Evans, host studio and founding member of the Berkshire Pottery Tour.
 
The Host Studio stops and their guests:
  • Ben Evans Ceramics, Richmond (new location)
  • Paula Shalan Ceramics, Stockbridge, guest; Rie McCarthy
  • Berkshire Art Center, Stockbridge guests; Mariana Vasquez-Crede and Hunter Cody
  • Lorimer Burns Ceramics,Houatonic, guest; Sarah Hazelke
  • Dan Bellow Pottery, Great Barrington, guests; Mark Rowntree, Ingrid Raab, Sidney Schatzky
  • Grenadier Pottery, Monterey, guests; Connie Talbot, Michael Mc Carthy
  • Linda Skipper Pottery,  New Marlborough

Tags: Berkshire Pottery Tour,   

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Love of T Showcases Community at Gala

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

The event featured dining, raffles and an auction. Some $35,000 was raised to aid the peer-mentoring organization. See more photos here.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The non-profit Love of T celebrated its ever-growing community and raised funds to continue its mission during its "Dance the Blues Away" gala on Saturday. 
 
The organization works to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts lead beautiful and fulfilling lives. 
 
Over the years, it has established a community of people who understand each other's struggles and support one another, Love of T staff and participants said. 
 
This year, it has served more than 245 individuals and provided over 440 hours of peer support, and it hopes to keep growing, said board Chair Paul Farella.
 
"We achieve so much, and none of this happens without the collective effort of everyone in this room. Your support changes lives. It strengthens our community and helps to build a better future," he said. 
 
The event raised more than $35,000 from the seats, donations, and live auction. The event was sold out within three weeks of going on sale, Love of T founder Luke Fitzgerald said. 
 
"I want to thank everyone at a time where most organizations are in fear of having to pull back and cut services, Love of T is expanding," Fitzgerald said. 
 
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