The Berkshires Arts Festival Returns to Ski Butternut for Its 26th Year

"The flying painter" Michael Indorato. Photo courtesy of the Berkshire Arts Festival.

Friday–Sunday, July 3–5 | Great Barrington, MA | $16 adults, $20 weekend pass, $8 students, under 10 free | Cash only at gate

The Berkshires Arts Festival opened its doors for the first time twenty-six years ago at Ski Butternut and held its breath as the first cars rolled in. By day's end, thousands of art enthusiasts had shown up to buy—and the show has been a Fourth of July weekend anchor in the region ever since. Produced by Richard and Joanna Rothbard of An American Craftsman Galleries, the 2026 edition brings 165 juried artists from across the United States and Canada to the slopes of Ski Butternut, with work spanning ceramics, furniture, glass, fiber, jewelry, leather, metalwork, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, and woodworking.

The artists were selected from a field of over 300 applicants, and new exhibitors this year are making the trip from as far as Maine and Florida alongside many returning favorites.

Richard Rothbard, who works in wood himself under the Boxology name, describes the clientele the show has built over the decades as people who are engaged and willing to fully immerse themselves in the experience of the art. "The artists at the festival all tell us that the people who attend are all so great to talk to because they are all engaged," he says.

Notable names presenting this year include Rothbard's own Boxology at Booth 1—handcrafted wooden boxes the program describes as "poetry, psychology, and philosophy in wood"—alongside Nathan and Elizabeth Hoogs's blown glass at Booth 111, Frann Addison's Jewish ritual metalwork in silver and gold at Booth 127, and Dan Bellows working live at the potter's wheel outside the Lower Lodge, where visitors can watch the full process in real time.

"The flying painter" Michael Indorato, does his aerial painting performance outside the Upper Lodge, with kids invited to participate. The festival also features a special solo exhibit in Booth 209A of the Upper Lodge, a tradition that gives a single artist expanded visibility within the broader show.

The ceramics section runs more than a dozen artists, from Andrea Brown's Fire Garden Pottery to Nicole Jurain's functional stoneware and Matin Malikzada's Malikzada Pottery.

The furniture makers include Hazem Bakir's sculptural woodworks, Peter Handler's studio pieces, and Karl Recknagel's work in KMRwerkes. Jewelry covers over thirty makers working in gold, silver, gemstones, enamel, and mixed metals. Photography ranges from Ian Clark's Upper Valley landscape prints to James Rodewald's fine art photography.

Live music runs daily: the John Myers Trio plays cool jazz noon to 3pm on Friday and Saturday; the Mark Phillips Acoustic Jazz Trio takes two sets on Sunday. Dion Zust runs a puppeteer performance all three days.

Food options include Jungle Juicy, Berkshire Mountain Gourmet, Autumn's Bistro, Greek Gyros, Highlow Farm VT, Bittersweet Herb Farm, and Best Damm Espresso, among others. The Upper Lodge is air-conditioned with additional artists and restrooms; free camping is available on site. No pets; service dogs welcome.

Ski Butternut, 380 State Road (Rt. 23), Great Barrington, MA. Tickets at americanartmarketing.com or 845-661-1221.