Created By: Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.
The Berkshire Art Center (BAC), 141 North Street, will continue to offer Free Artmaking Drop-Ins on the First Friday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, year-round. For the month of May, The Berkshire Art Center will also feature two window displays: “Same Difference” by Stephanie VanBramer (north window), a series of watercolor experiments, and “Street Manifesto: Expressions in Spray” by Ma'leek Adams-Powell (south window).
“Same Difference” by Stephanie VanBramer
Artist Statement:
As an expression of the speaker’s belief that two or more things are essentially the same, in spite of apparent differences, the term “same difference” came to mind in this exploration of watercolor from an acrylic painter’s point of view. A silly oxymoron used to say that two things are not really different in any way seemed fitting when looking at these little characters as a whole, and in comparison, to previous work I have created, despite their new medium of watercolor. This series of watercolor experiments have created their own flow and style, but still stay true to the imagery and motifs that gravitate around me.
Artist Bio:
Stephanie VanBramer is a born and raised native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Berkshires is the place she calls home and is currently where she lives and creates art today. Stephanie received her BA in Art from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA and her Master’s in Art Education from the Art of Education University. She currently works as an elementary art teacher in the Pittsfield Public Schools and as a Faculty Artist with Berkshire Art Center. Stephanie’s artwork can be seen on the streets as she has created multiple Pittsfield Paintboxes through Pittsfield’s Artscape and countless other public artworks around the Berkshires. Stephanie has a strong passion for arts education and continues to seek opportunities to promote and make stronger connections between art making and education.
“Street Manifesto: Expressions in Spray” by Ma'leek Adams-Powell
"Street Manifesto: Expressions in Spray" revolves around graffiti art, aiming to showcase the grunge and underground aspects from the artist's perspective. With a goal to transform the perception of graffiti into a positive art form, the installation will feature video footage of the artist's graffiti clean-up efforts.
Artist Bio:
Pittsfield, Massachusetts native and visionary street artist Ma’Leek Adams-Powell has a passionate voice that demands attention, showcasing a fearless exploration of emotions and experiences through the strokes of his paintbrush. Regardless of the unconventional surfaces he chooses, Adams-Powell's artistic vision never fails to captivate. His works intricately blend mixed media, seamlessly merging acrylic, oil, and spray paint. Each piece serves as a window into the artist's creative psyche, with vibrant hues boldly illuminating canvases and contemporary characters unveiling a surrealistic portrayal of everyday life.
Free Artmaking Drop-In
Friday, May 3, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Brothership Building, 141 North Street, Suite 2
BAC will offer a Free Artmaking Drop-In on the First Friday (5:30 to 7:30 pm) of every month. Each month, they will offer a creative artmaking project for families and people of all ages to participate in at their own pace, with the guidance and support of a faculty artist.
Free Artmaking Drop-Ins are open to the public and all children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required!
This point of interest is part of the tour: May 3 First Fridays Artswalk in Pittsfield, MA
Please send change requests to changerequest@pocketsights.com.