Berkshire Art Center’s Party Returns with Metallic Couture Disco on April 1
Berkshire Art Center, formerly IS183 Art School, is thrilled to announce its 2023 annual benefit, Metallic Couture Disco, will take place on Saturday, April 1st, at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.
Celebrating two creative icons, Vicki Bonnington and Joe Wheaton, who have made distinct contributions to the cultural landscape of our region, this event - sponsored by Berkshire Bank - will be filled with one-of-a-kind sights and sounds including performances by Brita Filter, a New York City drag performer recently featured on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12, and projections by Joe Wheaton.
Berkshire Art Center’s ephemeral, large-scale participatory art events have been on hiatus since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this April they are back and better than ever. Harkening back to the many dance parties held before (with creative themes like, Radioactive Bodega, Camp Kitchy Kinky, Versace Tchotchke Expo, and Hair Ball) this event will feature a retrospective exhibit of Vicki Bonnington’s elaborate, handmade costumes over the last 15 years.
“My very first introduction to BAC was through one of their legendary parties many, many years ago,” said Event Chair, Mike Zippel. “Now, as board and event chair, I am ecstatic to continue that tradition with ‘Metallic Couture Disco’, especially after the long pandemic-related hiatus.”
The grand setting of the Colonial Theatre will be host to an evening of Studio 54-esque festivities. At 5pm, Platinum guests will be transported through food and decor, beginning the evening with a celebration of the impact of art-making on the Berkshire community, with cocktails, small plates, and dessert in the Colonial’s Garage. From 6-7pm, Gold and Silver guests will join in for an exclusive performance by Brita Filter accompanied by hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and open bar.
The dance party kicks off in the theater at 7pm for all guests, including Bronze ticket-holders, with DJ Ryan Brown spinning vinyl and projections by Joe Wheaton lighting up the stage. Partygoers are already devising their costumes as they creatively combine mirrored disco balls and Gautier couture. Just like in their art programs - there is no right or wrong way to express your creative self here! Think Vivienne Westwood with welding gear. Disco ball skirts and mylar jackets. Gucci chic made of paperclips.
Tickets are now available for purchase through the Berkshire Theatre Group. VIP and dance ticket prices include Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Pre-show meal tickets include the Platinum and Aww, Sooky Sooky levels. Benefits for each ticket level are listed below.
$5,000 Aww, Sooky Sooky
Includes a reserved table for 8 with all benefits below.
$500 Platinum
Includes a 5pm pre-show meal with honorees plus all benefits below.
$350 Gold
Includes a 6pm special reception & photo opp with Brita Filter, access to VIP Lounge, open bar, & dessert buffet all night long, plus all benefits below.
$125 Silver
Includes 6pm hor d’oeuvres, one complimentary drink ticket, & special performance by Brita Filter, plus all benefits below.
$32 Bronze
Celebrate 32 years of making art in the Berkshires and dance the night away starting at 7pm!
For more information, costume inspiration, and to purchase tickets, visit berkshireartcenter.org/benefit and follow @metalliccouturedisco on Instagram.