Pittsfield offering discounted art
Berkshire Money Management President Allen Harris unveils the Artsbucks promotion at the Lichtenstein Center.
PITTSFIELD – In an effort to stimulate more interest in the city’s growing arts community, Berkshire Money Management has announced a new initiative to spur attendance and art purchases at downtown Pittsfield’s October First Fridays Artswalk exhibitions.
“It makes art even more affordable,” said Mary McGinnis, chair of the artswalk, at a press conference Wednesday morning.
“Artsbucks” will underwrite $100 towards purchases of original art over $200 during the month of October from Artswalk partners, starting with the Oct. 5 event.
“An investment in the arts is an investment in the community, and an investment in the community turns around into an investment in our businesses,” said Allen Harris, president of Berkshire Money Management. “We need to build a larger downtown presence for the arts.”
Artsbucks will be available at Artswalk downtown business partners and will also be distributed tonight at Third Thursday.
The Artsbuck features an image of the famous portrait of Mona Lisa in the center, in place of the traditional Benjamin Franklin portrait. An actress portraying Mona Lisa was present at the Wednesday morning press conference, and she will also be dispersing the Artsbucks at Third Thursday.
In the month of October, if someone makes a purchase of an original piece of art for over $200 from one of the Artswalk partners or exhibiting artists, the customer can send in the Artsbuck with a copy of the signed receipt and receive a $100 check from Berkshire Money Management.
Only one purchase per person may be submitted. Full instructions on redeeming the Artsbucks are printed on the back.
“I hope everyone will take their Artsbucks and maybe buy that one incredible piece they may not have otherwise,” Mr. Harris said. “That’s what this is all about.”
Artswalk partners (where buyers can find the Artsbucks) include Miller Supply, Berkshire Museum, Crowne Plaza, Marketplace Café, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Pateez Boutique, Steven Valenti Clothing for Men, Berkshire Community College Intermodal Gallery, Mad Macs, Wild Sage, Y Bar, Ferrin Gallery, West Side Clock Shop and the Berkshire Medical Center.
Pittsfield Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi, who was in attendance for the Artsbucks announcement, encouraged people to take in the October artswalk.
“It is wonderful to soak in the creativity of all the different kinds of arts,” he said.
He also encouraged people to use the Artsbucks to get a jump on holiday shopping.
“It’s a great way to support the arts,” Mayor Bianchi said.
More information about the First Fridays Artwalk, email info@
Posted by Catherine M. Krummey
on September 20, 2012. Filed under Arts and Entertainment,Community News,News.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry