Scholarships

Arts Within Reach Scholarships

Berkshire Art Center offers needs-based scholarships for interested students of all ages who are unable to pay the cost of tuition. Scholarships may be awarded under the specific funds below or through regional funds made possible by Berkshire County Local Cultural Councils.

Please fill out the application below to apply for tuition reduction (up to 100% off) for studio classes, camps, and ARTcentric after-school programs.

Arline Shalan Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Arline Shalan Memorial Scholarship Fund is a needs-based scholarship that enables children ages 3–14 to attend Berkshire Art Center's Summer Camp Program. Arline was an accomplished artisan who worked with fiber and clay, at times combining the two to create finished work that was both functional and decorative. She was a former faculty member at The Art School at Old Church, Demarest, NJ, and an active volunteer at Berkshire Art Center for many years (formerly IS183 Art School). She is remembered fondly by the students, faculty, and staff at Berkshire Art Center and wished to provide scholarships for young artists to attend Berkshire Art Center's Summer Camps. Preference is given to students enrolled in Berkshire Art Center's Learning Through Arts and/or STEAM Team Programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Pops Peterson Scholarship Fund

The Pops Peterson Scholarship Fund enables young students to empower the magic in their own hearts through visual arts. Eligible recipients must be ages 5–19 with demonstrated financial need. Scholarships may be applied to year-round programming, including adult studio classes (open to artists ages 14+). A Berkshire-based artist and public speaker, Pops Peterson's canvases reimagine iconic Norman Rockwell masterpieces, celebrating America’s rich diversity and embracing Rockwell’s sense of humanity. Peterson's artworks and speeches envision social progress and express his desire for a positive, inclusive, and just world.

Professional Development Scholarships

Berkshire Art Center grants scholarships to local pre-K through 12th grade educators annually through grant funding provided by Massachusetts Local Cultural Councils. From February 2021 through September 2021, BAC will be offering the following opportunities:

Great Barrington Educators

With grant support from the Great Barrington Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Berkshire Art Center is able to provide full and partial scholarships for professional development to educators within the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. Scholarships are first come, first serve and recipients will be expected to provide a short report of how they will use their learning back in the classroom following their class.

Northern Berkshire Educators

With grant support from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Berkshire Art Center is able to provide full and partial scholarships for professional development to educators who serve the following communities: Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, Hancock, Lanesborough, New Ashford, North Adams, Monroe, Savoy & Williamstown. Scholarships are first come, first serve and recipients will be expected to provide a short report of how they will use their learning back in the classroom following their class.

Other Ways to Save

Our membership program is also a great way to save, especially for families. Members receive discounted rates on class and camp tuition.

Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have about scholarship availability or membership!

*Tuition assistance programs do not cover materials fees.