About BAC
For 35 years, Berkshire Art Center has brought people together to make, learn, and create.
Housed in historic Citizens’ Hall in Stockbridge, our light-filled studios offer an inspiring place to explore creativity.
Our exceptional ceramics program welcomes beginners and experienced artists with wheel throwing, handbuilding, workshops, private lessons, and open studios.
Young artists thrive through after-school programs, summer camps, and hands-on experiences that build skills, confidence, and imagination.
BAC also offers customized Art Parties for children and adults, private creative experiences, and team-building workshops — a fun way to gather, connect, and make something together.
We believe art belongs to everyone, creativity is lifelong, and creativity connects us.
Come create with us!
Citizens’ Hall, Stockbridge
History
Berkshire Art Center is a not-for-profit community arts organization serving the Berkshires with studios in Stockbridge and partnerships across the region. For decades, we have expanded access to artist-led experiences for children, teens, and adults.
Founded in 1991 by Sam Kasten as the Interlaken School of Art, the organization became IS183 Art School in 2002. In 2022, we adopted the name Berkshire Art Center, reflecting our commitment to being more than a school — a welcoming, inclusive center for creativity, artistic development, and community connection.
Our home is historic Citizens’ Hall in Stockbridge, a Second Empire building designed in 1870 by Charles T. Rathbun as a district schoolhouse and public meeting hall. After the district schools were consolidated, the building continued to serve as a community gathering place. In the 1970s, Old Curtisville, Inc. led efforts to preserve and restore the building, securing support from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Berkshire Art Center acquired Citizens’ Hall in 2005 and undertook significant renovations to preserve its historic character and create welcoming art studios.
Today, BAC continues to bring people together through studio classes, exhibitions, events, and community partnerships. Rooted in our history and looking toward the future, we believe that art belongs to everyone, creativity is lifelong, and creativity connects us.