Cultural Pittsfield

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS AND ARTWORK

FORTY SHADES OF GREEN GROUP SHOW CELEBRATES IRELAND & IRISH CULTURE

Artists from Berkshire County and beyond are invited to submit original two and three-dimensional artwork for a group exhibit entitled Forty Shades of Green: Celebrating Ireland & Irish Culture to be held March 12-April 9, 2011, at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Named after a song written by Johnny Cash after a visit to Ireland, Forty Shades of Green is co-sponsored by the City of Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development and the Pittsfield Irish Sister City Committee. The show is open to everyone who wishes to submit artwork that is ready to hang or display and appropriate for the gallery.

"Forty Shades of Green is a wonderful community show open to everyone who wishes to be a part of it, young and old, professional or amateur, photographers, sculptors, painters and collage artists. The last two Forty Shades of Green featured over a hundred artworks each." noted Pittsfield's Cultural Development Director, Megan Whilden.

She continued, "We are especially excited to be holding it in concert with Pittsfield's 250th anniversary and welcome artwork that celebrates Pittsfield's vibrant Irish-American community."

Both contemporary and traditional artwork on the theme of Ireland & Irish-American culture are encouraged, including photography, painting, sculpture, craft, and video or sound installations. The show is open to all artists, and submissions should be brought to the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts between noon-3pm on Sunday, March 6, and Monday, March 7 in order to be included. Artists planning to submit work are encouraged to contact Max Moy-Borgen, Manager of the Lichtenstein Center, beforehand at 413-499-9348 or mmoyborgen@pittsfieldch.com

All work must be framed where appropriate and ready to hang. A maximum of three pieces may be submitted by any individual. Pasko Frame & Gift Center at 243 North Street in downtown Pittsfield is offering a 20% discount on framing for artwork for Forty Shades of Green. For more information call Judy Gallup at 442-2680.

Forty Shades of Green runs from March 9 through April 9, 2011. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5pm, and admission is free. A public reception for the show will be held Sunday, March 13 from 1pm to 4pm, featuring live Irish music and refreshments.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is a municipally-owned community arts center in downtown Pittsfield. Located at 28 Renne Avenue, off Fenn Street, it features a gallery with changing exhibits and a variety of performances, nine individual artist studios, and workshop spaces. Classes in ceramics and African drumming are offered. For more information, please call 413-499-9348 or email mmoyborgen@pittsfieldch.com.