For Immediate Release
August 21, 2023
Contact
Amanda Powers
2nd Street
(518) 928-9888
[email protected]
Cody Baffuto
Berkshire Museum
(413) 443-7171 ext. 380
[email protected]
Insight Out presents work of presently and formerly incarcerated individuals
PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Museum announces Insight Out, an exhibition of visual art created by presently and formerly incarcerated individuals in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in partnership with Second Street Second Chances, Inc. (known as 2nd Street). The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, September 2 and remains on view through Sunday, October 1.
Artists whose work is included in the exhibition will receive a cash award of $200, provided by 2nd Street, and a family membership to Berkshire Museum.
If the artists choose, their works may be purchased by members of the public following the closing of the exhibition. In addition, 2nd Street has established a fund to acquire works for installation in its program space, located at 264 Second Street in Pittsfield.
“Berkshire Museum is honored to collaborate with 2nd Street on this important exhibition. We are proud to bring focus to the many talented individuals in our community who often do not have opportunities to exhibit their artwork in a museum,” said Jesse Kowalski, Berkshire Museum’s Chief Curator.
“At 2nd Street, we strive to not only provide essential services for our clients, but also to encourage them to express their creativity,” said Jason Cuyler, 2nd Street Executive Director. “We thank Berkshire Museum for generously supporting and hosting this important exhibition.”
Insight Out is a companion initiative to Release, which engages presently and formerly incarcerated individuals in the creation of a live, full-length show integrating their real-life stories and experiences. Release will be presented at 7 pm on September 20 and 23 and at 2 pm on September 26 at the Koussevitzky Theatre at Berkshire Community College. The performance is free and open to the public.
Financial and in-kind support for Insight Out is generously provided by Berkshire Museum; Becky and Doug Crane; Josie Greene and Glenn Asch; David Crane and Ruth Blodgett; and Pittsfield Cultural Council (a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council).
About 2nd Street
Second Street Second Chances, Inc., better known as 2nd Street, supports formerly incarcerated persons in Berkshire County and connects them with the tools, programs and support they need to successfully reenter their community. 2nd Street is committed to treating formerly incarcerated individuals with respect and encouragement; providing them with job readiness skills and access to employment opportunities; preparing them to become productive and contributing citizens; and educating and advocating for communities to embrace them as such. Services and referrals include medical and mental health resources, substance use disorder services, financial resources and literacy, transportation, family reunification, housing, job training and employment, and legal services. Visit 2nd Street at www.2nd-street.org.
About Berkshire Museum
Located at 39 South Street in downtown Pittsfield, MA, Berkshire Museum combines art, science, and history to create thought-provoking experiences for the whole family through interactive programs and interdisciplinary exhibitions. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students; $8 for youth 4-18; free admission for children 3 and under, Museum members, and EBT cardholders. For more information, visit www.berkshiremuseum.org