In 2002, artist Maggie Mailer founded the Storefront Artist Project in downtown Pittsfield with three goals: to provide non-traditional, visually accessible studio space for artists; to present innovative exhibitions and installations; and to bring artists and art-making to under-served communities. On Saturday May 31, hundreds of the organization's supporters attended the Art Circus gala in a raw loft near City Hall that had been gaily decorated by volunteers. In keeping with the theme, many guests dressed like clowns and a makeup artist was on hand to do on-the-spot makeovers for those who hadn't. The eclectic entertainment included rare and moving performance by jazz singer Carol Stevens (photo), Maggie Mailer's mother (who was writer Norman Mailer's fifth wife.)
Artist and jewelry designer Stephen Lussier with artist Gail Downey.
Leslie Ferrin, Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto, and Carolyn Padwa; Vicki Bonnington and David Schecker
Anne Fredericks and Marc Fasteau
Darcy Stall and Alex Pizarro; Anne Undelamo and Javier Dominguez (aka Rock 'n Rollo)
Bruce Shenker and Elizabeth Field
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
