Laura Dickstein Thompson Named as the New Executive Director of Berkshire Art Center
Berkshire Art Center’s Board of Directors is excited to announce art educator and visual artist Laura Dickstein Thompson as the organization’s new Executive Director. Thompson will begin in her new role at Berkshire Art Center on October 21st, 2024. She will succeed Berkshire Art Center’s former Executive Director, Lucie Castaldo, who stepped down in August 2024 after 15 years of service to the organization.
Thompson is an artist, meditation and Kundalini yoga teacher, museum curator, art educator, and professor. With three decades of experience in the arts and education fields, Thompson is dedicated to helping individuals and communities build confidence in their innate wisdom and utilize creativity as a restorative practice that fosters resilience, balance, and self-awareness.
“I am thrilled to join Berkshire Art Center, an organization that has been deeply engaged in community work. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team, as well as the artists, community partners, and individuals with whom I have established connections over the years,” said Thompson. “This is a crucial moment to enhance the center’s role in utilizing creativity as a powerful catalyst for personal healing, social connection, and community transformation.”
Photo provided by Laura Dickstein Thompson.
Her vision for Berkshire Art Center is to expand accessible programming and develop classes and spaces that invite everyone to explore their creative and expressive potential.
“I am eager to amplify the impact of BAC’s outstanding work and strengthen its position as a community anchor, providing meaningful opportunities that inspire, challenge, and promote creativity and wellbeing throughout the region and beyond,” said Thompson.
"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to give a warm welcome to our new Executive Director, Laura Dickstein Thompson! Change is unavoidable and when embraced, represents a new beginning, new vision, and exhilaration,”said Board Chair, Mike Zippel. “We are all very excited for Laura's new point of view and perspective for our beloved organization and together we shall take Berkshire Art Center into a bright and fruitful future."
From 2002 to 2023, Thompson served as the founding director of education and Kidspace gallery curator at MASS MoCA, where she designed award-winning public programs, artist residencies, and curated 30 exhibitions featuring notable artists. She holds a doctorate in education from Columbia University Teachers College and has earned a 200-hour certificate in Meditation Teaching from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, where she is a faculty member. Additionally, she holds a 200-hour certificate in Kundalini Yoga Teaching from Yoga Farm Ithaca and teaches at Berkshire Yoga, Dance, and Fitness.
As a professor, Thompson teaches innovative ways to integrate mindfulness into art education for graduate students at UMass Dartmouth and arts management students at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). She is also an independent curator; last fall, she installed an exhibition of Federico Uribe’s work at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
Thompson practices what she preaches through her personal abstract expressionist and symbolist oil paintings. She maintains an art studio at NU Arts in Pittsfield, MA, where she also leads online art and meditation classes.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura to lead our amazing team,” said Community Engagement Director, Kristin Grippo. “Her values deeply align with our mission of art for all, and her experience and commitment to fostering personal and community growth through the arts will undoubtedly propel Berkshire Art Center into its next exciting chapter.”
“With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to BAC's mission, I know Laura will support the growth of our programs, foster accessibility and collaboration, and inspire people of all backgrounds to make art with BAC,” said Program Director, Brielle Gallo. “With Laura leading the way, I look forward to strengthening our beloved BAC and continuing to create a vibrant, artful future!”
Thompson joins the team as Berkshire Art Center prepares to announce its Winter Session 1 classes starting in January 2025. To be the first to hear about new classes and events at Berkshire Art Center, visit berkshireartcenter.org to sign up for the mailing list.