Artist’s Residency at IS183: Thad Kubis
Photographer Thad Kubis is embarking on a two-month long artistic exploration of IS183 Art School’s historic Citizens’ Hall in Stockbridge, MA.
“I borrow light, light that has journeyed from the sun to bathe our world in endless and ever-changing beauty. Light of the day, light of night, light borrowed from all times of the day, frozen in time, onto pixels or grains of silver, by the click of a shutter to never be seen exactly as it has just been visualized,” says Thad Kubis.
From October to January, Kubis is invited to create work, both on site and off, using IS183 Art School as his studio and inspiration for the entirety of the residency. “Borrowing light” from the rich history of IS183’s historic 1870 building, Citizens’ Hall, Kubis looks forward to connecting the present with the past in a visual exploration of the school’s students, classes, studios, and architecture.
Kubis has begun his residency in the history archives of the Boston Public Library, New York Public Library, the Stockbridge Historical Society, and area libraries and historical organizations to dive deep into the mind of the architect of Citizens’ Hall, Charles T. Rathbun. An investigation into Rathbun’s artistic vision for IS183’s Citizens’ Hall has led Kubis to explore several of the other prominent Berkshire County buildings he designed (from First Church in Pittsfield to Memorial Hall in Lee to Hoosac Street School in Adams).
“The parallels between Rathbun’s cross-county presence and IS183’s robust Berkshire County programming are just outstanding!” says Lucie Castaldo, IS183’s Executive Director. “This residency project echoes IS183’s values across centuries — we are excited to support the talent of a local artist, Thad Kubis, while celebrating the vision of an artist from the past. I like to think Rathbun would appreciate the current use of Citizens’ Hall — a dedicated community space to make and appreciate art.”
A former Town Hall and schoolhouse, Citizens’ Hall has been home to IS183 Art School of the Berkshires since 1991. IS183 Art School employs over 75 local artists a year and engages over 2,000 residents and visitors in hands-on, studio-based, visual arts.
Thad Kubis is a current faculty artist at IS183 Art School; teaching classes like “Smartphone Photography,” “Why Film?” and “Focal Point: Photography for Beginners,” IS183’s collaboration with the Tanglewood Learning Institute. Kubis’ photo series of Coney Island can be viewed this November during Downtown Pittsfield’s Artswalk at IS183’s Gallery window of the Brothership Building (141 North Street, Pittsfield).
Public events surrounding the residency will consist of artist talks, classes, and an unveiling celebration of his work in January.
Thad Kubis has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of photography — stock, travel, fine art, and commercial, and works with nearly every format, including instant, pin-hole, 4x5 field camera/film systems, 35mm film, 120 film and the latest in digital equipment, including smartphone and tablet photography.