Berkshire United Way welcomes Emily Daunis as new director of development
Pittsfield– Berkshire United Way (BUW) is pleased to welcome Emily Daunis to the team as director of development.
Daunis has more than a decade of experience in all aspects of fundraising and development across the nonprofit sector, including museums, the performing arts, education, and healthcare organizations throughout the Northeast. Over the course of her career she has led major gift initiatives, directed special events and galas, developed membership programs and created successful annual appeal solicitations.
She most recently served as director of patron programs and donor engagement at the Clark Art Institute, where she managed the cultivation and stewardship of high-level donors and special events.
“I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Berkshire United Way’s staff and dynamic board of directors. Supporting our community is personally important to me and Berkshire United Way provides outsized assistance for local nonprofits,” said Daunis. “It is exciting to devote this next step of my career to increasing philanthropic engagement for such an impactful organization.”
Daunis has demonstrated effective leadership and strategic planning in prior roles, as well as helping organizations achieve and exceed fundraising goals. As senior manager of membership and special events at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, she led the team in raising $3.5 million out of $5 million annual fundraising revenue and helped close out a $100 million campaign to build endowment support.
A native of Massachusetts, Daunis graduated from Lesley University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and received a certificate in nonprofit management from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She settled in North Adams five years ago with her husband and three children. In 2020, she was elected to serve on the school committee for North Adams Public Schools. She also serves on the city’s Community and Economic Development Advisory Board.
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American Mural Project launches new professional development workshop for art educators
Winsted, Conn.— The American Mural Project (AMP) is offering a new professional development workshop for art educators on Tuesday, November 8 at 90 Whiting Street in Winsted, CT. The program is the first of several new educational offerings for teachers.
The “Recharge @AMP” event for kindergarten through grade 12 educators kicks off with an exclusive tour of AMP’s campus, with opportunities to view the massive three-dimensional mural from multiple observation levels. The collaborative mural will serve as inspiration for the hands-on art-making activities throughout the half-day session. In addition to its enrichment incentives, the workshop will foster networking opportunities for fellow art teachers to share ideas, explore new concepts, and engage with a variety of dynamic artistic mediums. Participants will take home lesson plans influenced by the immersive mural experience.
AMP’s workshops are led by teaching artists who are dynamic leaders with extensive teaching experience in schools, museums, libraries, and more.
“We’re keenly aware of what a heavy lift the work of educators has been in recent years and want AMP to be the place they come for inspiration, community, support, and to recharge their creative batteries,” said Michelle Begley, AMP’s education programs director.
Recharge @AMP is offered on Tuesday, November 8, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Cost is $75 per person. More information and registration info: americanmuralproject.org/professional-development.
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Guild of Berkshire Artists names artist Shany Porras as the new Manager of Art on Main Gallery
West Stockbridge— The Guild of Berkshire Artists has announced that Guild member Shany Porras has volunteered to serve as Gallery Manager for the Art on Main Gallery in West Stockbridge. Art on Main is a newly established art gallery for members of the Guild who are now able to sign up to curate their own show and exhibit their work with fellow member artists.
Following the success of the Guild’s annual art show “Art on Main” in July, the Art on Main Gallery was conceived when building owner, Randy Thunfors, approached the Guild with the idea. He facilitated the Guild’s use of the space at 38 Main Street to host a year-round art gallery. In August, the gallery quickly opened to host art shows curated by Guild members.
Guild member and professional artist Shany Porras, of Stockbridge, stepped up to serve, having had years of experience establishing new enterprise risk programs at global financial organizations prior to making a career move into the arts a few years ago. In addition, Porras brings a vast experience of being able to organize, coordinate, and drive results in combination with her painting practice and online gallery. Her initial focus for the gallery will be to engage members to exhibit their work and aid the participating artists in the process. Shany’s experience will ensure the Berkshire community is aware of the exceptional shows as she manages the schedule with unique offerings throughout the year. She hopes the gallery will enhance the already established arts community in the town.
For location, show schedule, and more, please visit: https://www.berkshireartists.org/gallery or https://www.facebook.com/Art-on-Main-Gallery-105090992311506
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The Dowd Agencies acquires Ideal Insurance
Holyoke– The Dowd Agencies, a leading insurance provider serving New England for over 120 years, has recently acquired Ideal Insurance, merging their operations to provide unparalleled service to their clients. Now referred to as Ideal Insurance, a member of the Dowd Agencies, LLC, the 33-year-old insurance agency will continue to serve individuals, families and businesses throughout western Massachusetts and Connecticut from its Ludlow and Chicopee offices.
“We are excited that Ideal Insurance has joined us, and we have great respect for the business that Joe & Tony and their team built from scratch,” said John E. Dowd Jr., president and CEO of The Dowd Agencies. “Their team values helping families and small businesses thrive with affordable and comprehensive insurance coverage, just like us. With a small-town feel providing big city service, we know everyone at Ideal will fit in very well with the Dowd Agencies family.”
Ideal Insurance was founded in 1989 by Joseph Chaves and Antonio Goncalves and has grown over the years into a full-service insurance agency. They currently serve the insurance needs of about 2,500 individuals and families and 500 businesses in the area.
“Just like at Dowd, one of the primary objectives at Ideal Insurance has been to offer old-fashioned service with a commitment to excellence,” added David W. Griffin Jr., vice president of The Dowd Agencies. “They treat each client’s needs as if they were their own; a distinction that will be carried on.”
Ideal Insurance at Dowd is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached by calling 413-589-0901 in Ludlow or 413-474-6281 in Chicopee.
