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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Berkshire Art Center will host its 2026 Gala from 6–9 p.m. May 16 at Ventfort Hall, bringing together artists, educators, students, collectors, and community members from across the Berkshires for an evening celebrating creativity, connection, and community.
Proceeds from the gala will support the expansion of BAC’s ceramics studio, youth art camps and after-school programs, scholarships, and community arts initiatives serving children and adults throughout the region.
Held inside the historic Gilded Age mansion and gardens of Ventfort Hall, this year’s theme — “Creativity as a Radical Act of Love” — reflects BAC’s renewed focus on accessible creative spaces and community engagement.
Creativity, Community, and Connection
“Creativity is life affirming, and sharing what we create with others is an act of true love and openness,” said BAC Executive Director Laura Dickstein Thompson. “As a teaching art and cultural center, our message to students and the wider community is, ‘Your perspective matters. Your creative expression has value.’ BAC believes such encouragement is deeply loving and socially transformative.”
Collaborative Art and Community Celebration
The gala will feature artistic experiences throughout the evening, including a display of large-scale parade puppets created by students during BAC’s April Break Camp with puppeteer Eric “Homeslice” Weiss. The puppets, created collaboratively by students, are expected to appear later this year in Pittsfield’s annual Fourth of July Parade.
Berkshire multimedia artist John Clarke will also guide attendees in the creation of a collaborative artwork built around a large-scale photograph of the center’s grounds. The finished piece will be auctioned to benefit BAC scholarships and programs.
Meanwhile, Chatham-based multidisciplinary artist Wes Bruce will discuss his upcoming work as BAC’s inaugural HeartSpace Artist-in-Residence, a new initiative focused on immersive, community-centered artistic experiences.
Additional highlights include a curated wine tasting presented by South Egremont Spirit Shoppe featuring wines served in handmade ceramic vessels celebrating BAC’s ceramics program.
The evening’s live auction and paddle raise will be led by former state representative Smitty Pignatelli.
“This evening reflects the spirit and vision of Berkshire Art Center—creative, welcoming, and rooted in community,” said BAC Board Chair Mike Zippel. “Funds raised by the Gala will help strengthen our foundation, expand our offerings, and sharpen our focus on helping people of all ages explore creativity, connect with other creative people, and feel good about it.”
Event Schedule
May 16, 2026 | Ventfort Hall, Lenox | 6–9 p.m.
- 6–7:30 p.m. — Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, and collaborative art experience
- 7:30–8 p.m. — Community reflections on creativity
- 8–9 p.m. — Desserts, drinks, paddle raise, raffle, and continued celebration
About Berkshire Art Center
Berkshire Art Center is a nonprofit community arts organization serving the Berkshires through classes, workshops, camps, artist residencies, and community partnerships based in Stockbridge and at locations throughout the region. Through scholarships and accessible programming, BAC works to expand access to arts education and creative expression for people of all ages.
