MASS MoCA appoints Susan Cross as Director of Curatorial Affairs
North Adams— Susan Cross has been appointed to the new position of Director of Curatorial Affairs at MASS MoCA following a nationwide search.
Cross has a longstanding history and commitment to the museum, serving as Senior Curator and recently as Interim Director of Visual Arts. Coming to MASS MoCA from The Guggenheim Museum, Susan joined MASS MoCA six years after the museum opened its doors, and is the museum’s longest-serving and senior-most curator. Having curated over 40 exhibitions at MASS MoCA, Cross is the curator of the upcoming group exhibition “Technologies of Relation” on view at MASS MoCA beginning February 21st.
Susan Cross is known for her artist-centered, collaborative curatorial practice and support for under-represented, emerging artists, as well as makers working at all stages of their careers and across all disciplines. She’s taught at Williams College and the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art, and has mentored a dozen young curators through a unique extended internship and exhibition program at MASS MoCA in collaboration with the Clark Art Institute and Williams College Graduate Program. She received an MA from Williams College and was a 2019 Fellow at the Center for Curatorial Leadership founded by Agnes Gund and Elizabeth Easton.
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Pittsfield’s The Proprietor’s Lodge restaurant to halt lunch, dinner service at the end of the month
Written by Leslee Bassman
Pittsfield— With years spent hosting many family and birthday celebrations along the shores of Pontoosac Lake, The Proprietor’s Lodge at 22 Waubeek Road, Pittsfield, will cease its lunch and dinner service on December 28.
Entrepreneur Eric Taylor, who also owns The Lakehouse Guest Cottages of the Berkshires, made the announcement in a December 1 news release.
The transition will let the business’s team concentrate on private events–weddings, galas and corporate programs–that can accommodate 25 to 250 guests, with bookings available now. The venture will also promote ticketed events, such as concerts and themed dinners. Brunch will be offered to the public on Sundays and a new concept of “lakeside days” for guests to enjoy a drink by the water will be available with advance reservation, Taylor stated in the release.
“The shift allows us to focus entirely on what we do best: hosting unforgettable events with predictable headcounts,” the release stated.
The Proprietor’s Lodge has long been touted as a premier wedding venue in the Berkshires.
No new gift cards will be available, and the statement advises recipients to redeem their gift cards before December 28. Those funds can also be applied to future Sunday brunches or public events. “Patrons are encouraged to make reservations for the final weeks of lunch and dinner service, which are expected to be busy,” the release provides.
According to Love Pittsfield which is published by The City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development, The Proprietor’s Lodge site has been in operation for more than a century. Owned by Leonora Rockwell, The Breezy Knoll Inn was popular with visitors from 1914-1954. Rockwell was the first local woman to be granted a driver’s license and the structure previously served as the headquarters of the Business Women’s Club. Although the building was torn down in 1973, its reconstruction saw new tenants, first by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (ITAM) Lodge that used the site for event service and then as The Proprietors Lodge when Taylor purchased it in 2018 for $1.15 million.
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Berkshire International Film Festival announced as inaugural U.S. festival partner for Delegation of the European Union to the United States’s newly launched Transatlantic Rising Stars Project
Great Barrington— Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF), the Delegation of the European Union to the United States has selected BIFF as the inaugural U.S. festival partner for its newly launched Transatlantic Rising Stars Project, an initiative is designed to deepen cultural connections and spark creative collaboration between the EU and the United States.
Funded by the European Union, the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project supports artists in film, visual arts, and music through immersive, on-the-ground experiences in the United States. For the first time, the program will launch at BIFF, a recognition of the festival’s two decades and reputation for intimate and world-class programming, and its long-standing commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships between filmmakers and industry professionals.
EU Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė said, “American and European artists will be working side by side, creating new pieces that connect with local communities — all the way from Alaska to Massachusetts. I hope this program will create lasting friendships and networks that not only boost the artists’ careers but also help Americans and Europeans understand each other better.”
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, BIFF is stepping confidently into its next chapter. Our partnership with the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project not only elevates emerging voices, but it also reinforces the Berkshires as a vibrant crossroads for global storytelling. We’re honored to help open new doors for creative talent while marking a milestone year for the festival.” said Kelley Vickery, Founder and Artistic Director at BIFF.
The first call for EU film directors to apply for the 2026 cohort is open. The selected directors will participate in BIFF’s 20th Anniversary festival, running May 28th to 31st.
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Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires addresses unmet needs
Berkshires— For the past 16 years, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires (JWF) has pooled resources from its members, now totaling nearly 200 women, to assist local efforts that improve the lives of Berkshire County’s most vulnerable. Through grant funding and social action, JWF members support local nonprofits in their efforts to address basic needs, promote self-sufficiency, and youth empowerment. This year’s applications saw a 20% increase, with a 40% increase in grant funding.
Unfortunately, despite the significant increase in funding, not every grant request could be supported. The JWF grants committee, including more than 40 women, carefully reviewed all the requests. As a result, a total of $145,000 in grant funding will be provided to the following 28 local agencies this fall:
Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Center for Justice, Berkshire Community Diaper Project, Berkshire County Head Start, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, Berkshire Grown, Berkshire Horseworks, Berkshire Immigrant Center, Berkshire Music School, Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Blue Rider Stables, Inc., Community Legal Aid, Inc., Construct Inc., 18 Degrees, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Inc., Flying Cloud Institute, Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, Greenagers Inc., Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County, Pediatric Development Center, Railroad Street Youth Project, Roots & Dreams & Mustard Seeds, Roots Rising, South Community Food Pantry, The Guthrie Center, The People’s Pantry, UCP of Western Massachusetts, and Volunteers in Medicine.
Along with its support to local Berkshire nonprofits, JWF provides additional funds through the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires for local, national, and international Jewish organizations and programs. JWF additionally provides its local communities grantees with assistance through a number of volunteer efforts, matching members’ interests and abilities, both on an individual and group basis.
JWF brings the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, “Repairing the World” to life in the work that it does and the support it provides to the broader Berkshire community. Its tagline “Moving forward by giving back” is integrated into every aspect of its work. Carol Striker, JWF co-president noted “Through grantmaking, social and volunteer activities, we have created a collective sisterhood of women who have formed lasting friendships while engaging in activities that build bridges into the community, addressing the unmet needs in our county.”
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires and Jewish Women’s Foundation allocate $31,000 in emergency food and fuel assistance funding
Pittsfield— Responding to the needs of the nearly 20 percent of our Berkshire neighbors who may face food and fuel insecurity this winter, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires has approved emergency allocations of $11,000 to support food assistance and $10,000 for fuel assistance to help our neighbors across Berkshire County. The Jewish Women’s Foundation of Berkshire County has also approved an emergency allocation of $10,000 to support local food pantries.
Together, these allocations represent a $31,000 commitment from the local Berkshire Jewish community to help ensure that our neighbors have access to food and warmth during this critical time.
Additionally, the Federation offers affordable kosher meals for adults age 60 and above, which are available for pickup on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays at Knesset Israel in Pittsfield through the winter months. Contact the kitchen reservation line at 413-442-2200 up to 24 hours in advance to reserve a meal for pickup.
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Arace & Rice, PC, a full-service certified public accounting firm, has announced its opening in Pittsfield
Pittsfield— Arace & Rice, PC, a full-service certified public accounting firm, has announced its opening in Pittsfield.
Arace & Rice, CPA is an independent, veteran and woman-owned accounting firm, specializing in tax, accounting, financial advisory, and consulting services for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits.
Seasoned CPAs Adam Rice and Christine Arace, former partners at Killeen, Arace & Quinn, CPA have joined forces to create a practice rooted in integrity, trust, dedication, and personalized client care. With over 35 years of combined experience in the industry, Rice and Arace bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their clients, reflecting their shared values of integrity, professionalism, and community engagement.
Arace & Rice, CPA is committed to serving the local community, offering accessible, professional, and reliable services to meet the unique needs of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. The firm leverages modern technology and national best practices to ensure clients benefit from a wide range of resources and expertise.
