Policies
Registration
Sign up for art classes, workshops, and camps online or email registration@berkshireartcenter.org. Berkshire Art Center accepts tuition payments by check, cash, or credit card.
Adult classes are open to students age 14 and older. As Berkshire Art Center’s figure drawing/painting courses, workshops and group sessions feature nude models, these classes are open to adults ages 18+ unless a student has a signed consent form from a parent or guardian allowing them to participate in the session. Please email info@berkshireartcenter.org to request the form.
Class registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. A reserved class space is guaranteed once we have received payment. Please register at least three weeks prior to the start date of the courses or workshops you wish to attend. Early registration allows us to plan appropriately and avoid last-minute cancellations. A waiting list will be created for courses that have reached maximum enrollment.
BAC will prorate students for any classes missed due to religious observation and high holidays on which classes are scheduled. Please call 413.298.5252 x100 or email info@berkshireartcenter.org.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Young Artist Summer Camps and Vacation Camps:
If you cancel 16 business days or more before the beginning of the camp, you will receive a refund, minus a $10 cancellation fee.
If you cancel 11 to 15 business days before the beginning of the camp, you will receive a 50% tuition credit.
No refunds or credits are given for cancellations 10 business days or less before the first day of camp.
All other Classes and Workshops:
If you cancel 14 days or more before the beginning of a class, you will receive a refund, minus a $10 cancellation fee.
If you cancel seven to 14 days before the beginning of the class, you will receive a 50% tuition credit.
No refunds or credits are given for cancellations six or less days before the first day of class.
This policy also applies to work exchanges and scholarship students. If it is necessary for Berkshire Art Center to cancel a class for any reason, students will be notified and offered the option of another class or a full refund. No refunds or credits are given for missed classes.
The health and safety of our students is our top priority. Berkshire Art Center reserves the right to run this class virtually in the event of COVID-19 cases rising or changes in state safety mandates. Students who are unable to provide proof of vaccination prior to the start of their course are not eligible for a refund.
Dropping In & Partial Classes
There are no refunds or credits issued for classes that were scheduled to run and not attended by the student. Students are not permitted to drop into classes a session at a time, except for classes that are structured as a “drop-in”. We do not allow students to make up missed time by attending other classes. As of March 2020, we are not offering prorated tuition for students wishing to register prior to the start date of a class.
Class Credits & Gift Certificates
Class credits will be issued in the form of a gift certificate to the email address confirmed by the student.
The gift certificate will remain active for a minimum of 7 years, is not redeemable for cash, and is not refundable.
Weather-related Program Changes & Cancellations
When weather or facility emergencies require Berkshire Art Center to cancel classes, makeup classes will be scheduled by extending the end of the term. No refunds or credits will be issued to those students unable to attend makeup sessions. Berkshire Art Center often closes when local public schools close. Our website will be updated by 8am with cancellation details. Students will be emailed within the same week with a confirmation of the scheduled make-up date. There are no refunds or credits issued for classes that were scheduled to run and not attended by the student.
Materials & Studio Fees
Studio fees cover the cost of consumables (gas, chemicals, tools, etc.) that are used by everyone in the studio. Materials fees cover the costs of materials used by individuals for their individual projects. If a materials fee is listed then most, if not all, materials will be provided. Students should expect to receive a list of any additional materials to bring with them to class once they have registered.
Several local art supply stores offer discounts to current Berkshire Art Center Members.
Note that there is sometimes a site fee associated with Berkshire Art Center classes that are located off-site.
Berkshire Art Center provides scholarships based on financial need, and opportunities for work exchange. Scholarships are also available for local arts educators, thanks to the support of generous donors. See Tuition Assistance for more information and to apply.
Disclaimer of Liability to Fire Ceramic Material Not Purchased or Provided by BERKSHIRE ART CENTER
Berkshire Art Center provides kiln firing services for local ceramic artists who do not have access to kilns of their own, with the understanding that ceramic materials that are to be fired should be rated for the kiln temperature of cone 6 or lower. If the information provided by the person or persons seeking kiln firing services from Berkshire Art Center can not provide accurate information regarding their clay and glaze materials, Berkshire Art Center will not fire work in our kilns. If the clay and glaze material provided by the person or persons seeking kiln firing services through Berkshire Art Center is incorrect and causes any damages to the kilns, said person or persons will be responsible for any replacement or repairs.
Observed Holidays
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January)
Memorial Day Weekend (May)
Juneteenth (June)
Independence Day (July)
Labor Day Weekend (September)
Indigenous Peoples' Day (October)
Veterans Day (November)
Thanksgiving Day & the Friday afterward (November)
Extended Winter Break (stay tuned for specific December/January dates)
Photography of Classes
Berkshire Art Center reserves the right to photograph classes, workshops, camps and parties for promotional use.
Non-Discrimination
PolicyBerkshire Art Center does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
Code Of Conduct
Berkshire Art Center’s shared work environment is critical to our operations and a vital resource to our community. Disruptive behavior in class or open studio, damaging, or destroying the property of Berkshire Art Center, other students, staff members or visitors is not tolerated.
Policy Changes Due to COVID-19
Read about the policy changes we have made in response to COVID-19.