Create Change with BAC:

Supporting Art, Community, and Access for All

Dear Friends & Community,

I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible team at Berkshire Art Center! This is such an exciting time to build on the important work we do here.

I want to share my vision of creating programs and spaces that invite everyone to explore their creative expression, fostering self-awareness and transformation. I believe art can bridge diverse backgrounds, sparking meaningful conversations and stronger relationships. At BAC, I hope we can show how creativity can be a powerful tool for personal growth and community building, helping us all work towards a better world.

I know these ideas may seem ambitious, but with my years of experience as a curator, educator, artist, and meditation practitioner, I’m confident we can make them a reality. To help BAC reach its full potential, I’d love for you to consider supporting our annual appeal. If you resonate with our mission and my vision for creativity as a restorative practice—something I demonstrated in my previous role at MASS MoCA and currently at Kripalu—I invite you to contribute. Your support will help us maintain our beautiful home in Stockbridge and make our programs accessible to even more community members.

Here’s a brief overview of our top three priorities:

Priority #1: Care for Citizens’ Hall in Stockbridge

Our historic 19th-century building is a vibrant hub of creativity. To continue offering meaningful experiences, we need to make necessary repairs, such as preventing flooding in the ceramics studio and ensuring our bathrooms are fully functional. Plus, we’re excited to share that we only owe $12,000 on our mortgage!

Citizens’ Hall Care Fund: $40,000.

 

Priority #2: Expand Art Education Programming

While we’re known for our dynamic art classes and workshops, we want to broaden our definition of art education. With my mindfulness-based art education vision, we’ll create programs that invite everyone to explore their creative language. We plan to invest in our Pittsfield space to develop an interactive artist-designed installation featuring free drop-in activities that combine creativity and mindfulness, welcoming families, tourists, and local community groups.

Mindfulness-based Art Education Fund: $50,000.

 

Priority #3: Remove Barriers to Engagement

Last year, we provided free art programming to over 800 people, yet only 45% of our tuition fees cover operational costs of these and other programs. We’re committed to removing barriers to participation, especially transportation and cost. We aim to expand our scholarship offerings and provide transportation allowances. We’ll also increase partnerships with local organizations who work with communities with financial needs to ensure our programs are accessible and beneficial to all.

Art-Centricity Fund: $50,000.

 

Join us in reaching our $140,000 goal by taking action today—whether through a donation or monthly giving. Together, we can create a meaningful impact!

With gratitude,

 

Laura Thompson, Ed.D.

BAC Executive Director

Questions about your gift? Feel free to contact Laura Thompson, Executive Director.

 

Three ways to donate:

  1. MAIL: Send a check payable to:

    Berkshire Art Center

    Box 1400, 13 Willard Hill Road

    Stockbridge, MA 01262

  2. ONLINE: Make a one time or recurring donation by clicking the button below.

  3. MATCHES: If your company will match your donation, please contact laura@berkshireartcenter.org

Donation Tier Levels

$75.00 – Support the Vision
Your gift helps us continue to offer affordable arts programming, ensuring everyone has access to creative opportunities.
$150.00 – Sustain Citizens’ Hall
Your contribution helps care for our vibrant hub of creativity, preserving a welcoming space for community expression and learning.
$250.00 – Invest in People
Your support sustains BAC’s dedicated staff and talented faculty artists, enabling us to attract and retain the individuals who shape our inspiring programs.
$500.00 – Foster Creativity
Your gift strengthens BAC’s scholarship and discount programs, making artistic resources accessible to all who wish to explore their creativity.
$1,000.00 – Champion Growth
Support an expanded model of art education that integrates mindfulness and creativity, enhancing individual well-being through innovative arts programming.
$5,000.00 – Steady the Foundation
At this generous level, you are investing in the stability of our operations and programming, allowing BAC to flourish and serve the community sustainably.
$10,000.00 – Invest in the Future
Your extraordinary support advances BAC’s future as we build new partnerships, expand accessible programming, and create dynamic spaces for artistic engagement and exploration.

Watch a special video message from our new Executive Director, Laura Thompson, below!