The creative community turned out in force for IS183 Art School of the Berkshires’ Factory Gala on Saturday, May 20. This year’s fundraising event to celebrate and support art-making in the Berkshires was held at, fittingly, a former stationery factory in Dalton, Mass. Known for being one of the most imaginative parties of the season, the gala saw guests donning personas ranging from punk rock provocateur to Andy Warhol lookalike. Dinner was served by Chef Peter Platt of The Old Inn on the Green, and dancing was encouraged by DJ J-Wolf and the swirling projections of Joe Wheaton. The party raised a total of $65,000 that will go directly to support all that IS183 does to “inspire, educate and engage,” including Learning Through Arts, its after school, summer and residency program that uses art-making to engage children in some of the region’s lowest performing K-12 public schools to experiment, collaborate and create while helping foster conflict resolution and social-emotional skills, and reinforce academic goals. [All photos by Bill Wright and Edward Acker. Shown above, honorary committee member and Patron Star Paul Kopperl, IS183 Executive Director Hope Sullivan, and Patron Stars Marilyn and Nathan Hayward.]
Former board member and Hancock Shaker Village Executive Director Jennifer Trainer Thompson with IS183 Board Chair and Patron Star Andy Foster; Dr. Jon Gotterer, Dr. Nina Molin, Patron Star Tom Werman, and board member and Patron Star Suky Werman.
Event committee member Noel T. Henebury, Janine Strong, Reba Evenchik, and Berkshire Athenaeum Executive Director Alex Reczkowski.
Honorary committee member and Patron Star Marcia Feuer with Wendy Gordon; Shirley and Ira Yohalem.
Nancy Nogood, Oskar Hallig of Only in My Dreams Events, Boxxa Vine and Noelle Diamond; artist and Patron Star Henry Richardson and Patron Star Barrie Roman.
Honorary committee members, Patron Stars and Blue Q owners The Nash Family: Mitch, Mary, Seth, Suzanne, Caitlin, Grace Clark and Jasper.
Honorary Committee Member and Patron Star Natalie Johnsonius Neubert with honorary committee member and Patron Star Bruno Quinson; Tony Guthrie of Factory sponsor the 37 Interlaken Road Project with honorary committee member, former board member and Patron Star Vicki Bonnington.
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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
