An Artful Response to COVID-19

We continue to update this page as we learn more about COVID-19 developments and requirements.

Following the mandate issued by Governor Baker and recommendations from the CDC to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19, IS183 Art School will be suspending in-person programming until further notice.

We'll announce new online courses on our website and through our eblasts (sign up!). The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are our first priority. We will continue to make any adjustments necessary to programming as information about COVID-19 develops. Please see our COVID Safety Plan.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and adaptability! We can’t wait to be back in the studios with you!

What if the class I was in had scheduled make-up dates during this time?

All students who were enrolled in classes with make-up dates will receive course credits for each class missed that can be used towards any future classes for the next 2 years. Registered students will be receiving an email directly in the next few weeks with a gift certificate attached.* 

The class I registered for has been cancelled. Will I receive studio credit? 

Absolutely! Students enrolled in any classes or events that have been cancelled by IS183 will receive course credits for the total amount paid. Registered students will be receiving an email directly in the next few weeks with a gift certificate attached.* 

I love making art at IS183! How can I sign up for future classes? 

We are offering Online Studio Classes, some outdoor art classes, and limited access to our ceramics studio. You can sign up with many of your favorite faculty artists and transform your home into a studio.  

2020 Summer Art Camp Cancellation

Every summer, our faculty artists and staff look forward to the creative bustle of young artists in our studios. Unfortunately, given the continued concern around COVID-19, we’ve made the very difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Summer Art Camps.

With great deliberation, we considered the shared classroom spaces and art materials, close proximity, and continued concerns over the peak of COVID-19 in Berkshire County. The wellbeing of our students comes first and foremost and we feel it would be irresponsible to move forward in this traditional camp format. Depending on how our workforce reopens and what childcare opportunities will be available, we want to ensure that our families have ample time to adjust their summer plans. If we see a dramatic change in the medical landscape, we will work quickly to announce any changes in our ability to provide in-person programming.

We notified pre-registered families earlier this week via a personal email. If you registered for a summer camp but did not receive an email, please reach out to me directly at lucie@is183.org.

This national crisis has changed the way we look at the world and how we are able to operate as an organization. At this point, we are still moving forward with programming for adults this summer. In-person classes and registration options will be announced soon.

While I am deeply disappointed that we are unable to provide the creative haven that our students look forward to, I am ever grateful to our summer families and Berkshire community for prioritizing the arts for your children. I look forward to seeing them, and you, back in our studios soon.

2020 Annual Benefit Cancellation

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to cancel IS183's 2020 benefit — Cerulean. While this was a difficult decision, the safety of our guests and staff is priority, and we look forward to celebrating with you next year! 

IS183’s benefit is our largest fundraiser of the year. If you have already purchased a ticket, please consider transferring your ticket purchase into an IS183 donation, so we can continue to provide creative opportunities through our online classes! Please contact Michele Bastow should you have any questions.

Lucie Castaldo
Executive Director

* Please note that emails will be coming as soon as we have our student database up and running. Our staff does not have remote access and currently do not have any access due to a server malfunction. If you have any questions prior to getting your email, please contact the appropriate IS183 staff member using the email addresses found here.