Metallic Disco Couture: A Shimmering Comeback For Berkshire Art Center's Costume Gala

Thanks (but not really) to a virus that shall not be named, the Berkshires lost three years of the area’s most anticipated dance and costume party of the year. But it came back last week, all sparkly and shiny with the theme of Metallic Disco Couture. It was the first such event under the nonprofit's new name — Berkshire Art Center, formerly IS183 Art School. On Saturday, April 1, much mylar, sequins and go-go boots in all colors filled the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield for an evening of hors d’oeuvres and desserts from KJ Nosh, and dancing, with music courtesy of DJ Ryan Brown. The event’s co-honoree, fashionista Vicki Bonnington, was again queen of the costumes in silvery splendor, the garment and headpiece as magnificent as the fanciful costumes brought back to the party on mannequins in a 15-year retrospective.of her themed ensembles. The other honoree, artist Joe Wheaton, provided the light and video projections throughout the lobby and on the stage, where Brita Filter, a New York City drag performer who was recently featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race, entertained the crowd before and during the dance party. The event, as always, was a benefit to support growing and sustaining visual artists in Berkshire County.