Pittsfield Inaugural Artist-In-Residence at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts' inaugural Artist-in-Residence program offers an opportunity for an artist to gain creative space and exposure while engaging with the local arts community.

The program not only provides a free 6-month studio space starting in April 2025, but also includes a culminating group exhibition in October 2025, giving the resident artist a platform to showcase their work alongside the other artists at the Lichtenstein.

This residency is designed to foster artistic development and collaboration, allowing the artist to focus on creating new work or refining existing pieces while interacting with arts professionals, stated a press release.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is a hub for creativity and community in Pittsfield. The historic building and its location in the Upstreet Cultural District make it an ideal setting for artistic development and public engagement. Here's a quick overview:

• Art Gallery & Performance Area
• Artist Studios: Nine individual studios providing artists with the space to create.
• Ceramic Studio: A specialized studio for working with ceramics.
• Cultural Development Office: Central to supporting the arts in Pittsfield.

Named after Kitty Lichtenstein, the arts benefactor who donated the building, the center stands as a tribute to her commitment to the arts in Pittsfield and beyond. The facility itself serves as a testament to the positive impact of supporting local artists and fostering an arts scene. The Lichtenstein Center is a key resource for both emerging and established artists.

Eligibility

• Full-time residents of Pittsfield
• Open to both emerging and experienced artists aged 21 and up
• Artists must have prior experience exhibiting their work

Selection Process

• Submit a portfolio with a minimum of 5 images, which can be shared via website, social media, or email
• Participate in an in-person meet and greet with the Cultural Development office the week of March 24

Benefits

• Free studio space at the Lichtenstein Center for Arts from April to October
• Opportunity to exhibit in the OUT OF THE STUDIOS group show in October 2025
• 100 percent of sales proceeds from artwork sold at the group show
• $200 stipend for being featured in Palace Park during one First Fridays at Five, where you can showcase your work and/or perform live demonstrations
• Interaction and collaboration with other artists at the Lichtenstein
• Promotion via LovePittsfield.com's social media platforms

To apply please email: cultural.development@cityofpittsfield.org.

The deadline to apply is March 19.

Pittsfield Celebrates Century-Old Red Oak on Arbor Day

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:13PM / Thursday, April 24, 2025

The Rev. Michael Denton says the world needs more 'rootedness' and that the oak has provided shade for many in need over the years. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city celebrated Arbor Day with a birthday party for a 100-year-old red oak tree outside United Church of Christ.

This included a cake and singing "Happy Birthday" to the stately organism that challenges the height of the adjacent buildings.

"The thing that always amazes me about trees is that when you look at the network of branches above it, that same thing is mimicked in the ground underneath it. When I think about that, it amazes me," the Rev. Miichael Denton said to a crowd in the church's yard.

"So when you look up at this, underneath us are even more intricate weavings of branches and roots that support what this tree does. As we look at these times and these days, we recognize that this world needs more of that rootedness. It needs to recognize those things that happen above and those things that happen below as we work in concert with each other, recognize that this planet that we live on is fragile, recognize that the planet that we live on needs our help, and by helping out this planet, we help out ourselves."

Most of the buildings at 110 South St. are more than 100 years old, and the tree was likely planted as a celebration of that work. It now stands about 75 feet tall.

"We don't know for sure, but what we do know is that this shade, this tree, has given shade to many of those who needed it," Denton said.

"This tree has given a quiet place for people to sit. This tree has helped keep this section of South Street green and beautiful."

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Program Manager James McGrath explained that while the city didn't plant a tree for Arbor Day, which is Friday, "We are doing a heck of a lot of tree planting." 

In the coming weeks, there will be 40 trees planted in a neighborhood off Elm Street, and additional trees will be planted as part of a volunteer effort with students from Wahconah Regional High School.