The arts have been a cornerstone of reenergizing communities like Pittsfield and the Berkshires over the last two decades and The Berkshire Art Association has been a driving force. Board members Marybeth Eldridge and Mark Tomasi explore the positive impact of BAA over the years from Sheeptacular to the current exhibit RE:FRESH, now on view at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. We also take a deep dive into arts education, choices for young artists and expanding upon the array of career opportunities available. We also cover: the impact that high stakes standardized testing has made on arts education in the public schools, the evolution of graphic design, painting on peanuts, Storefront Artist Project, downtown and other live/work artist spaces, the legacy of Mary Rentz, and others made a series of large public art projects possible in the mid-to-late 2000s and setting the stage for a round of public arts projects in the city.

I hope you'll enjoy my conversation with MaryBeth and Mark.