Mission

IS183 is a non-profit community art school encouraging people of all ages, means and skill levels to enrich their lives through hands-on experience in the visual arts.

History

In the summer of 1991, IS183 Art School opened its doors in what continues to be its historic landmark home, Citizens Hall, in Stockbridge. Some 50 community citizens signed up for art classes that first year. Eighteen years later in the summer of 2009, IS183 Art School welcomed almost 500 students to its studios in this same facility, over a two month period.

From absolute beginners to seasoned professionals, the programs at IS183 offer a wide range of artmaking opportunities, regardless of means. Last year almost $10,000 in need-based scholarships were awarded. Further, IS183 employed over sixty five faculty artists and served over 1,200 students of all ages—children, teens and adults, from the Berkshires and beyond—in year-round classes, workshops and intensives with local, regional, national and international faculty in Ceramics, Fiber Arts, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Jewelry and Mixed Media.