"BerkShares and Artistic Community"

October 6, 2006

BerkShares Inc. and the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce are pleased
to announce that the official launch of BerkShares, the new local currency
of the Berkshire region, has been a great success, thanks in part to the
support and participation of the dynamic artistic community of the
Berkshires.

On Friday, Sept. 29, the Chamber of Commerce hosted an energetic celebration
of BerkShares at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, emceed by Master of
Ceremonies, State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli. Over 400
people were brought to their feet by a diverse and talented range of local
dancers and musicians including Berkshire Pulse, the Barrington Jazz
Quartet, Martina Laska and Mountain Spirit Revival, the HooDoo Rythym Dogs,
and Vikki True.

Some of the local artists whose work is featured on BerkShares also
displayed artwork in the lobby of the theater. “The involvement of local
artists is part of what makes BerkShares so special.” says Louann Harvey,
Vice President of BerkShares and President of the Southern Berkshire Chamber
of Commerce. “BerkShares are works of art in and of themselves,” she states,
“and pay tribute to artists of all disciplines who make up the world-class
Berkshire arts community.”

The design of BerkShares include: “Reflected Connections,” a tranquil
landscape by Bart Elsbach; “Bash Bish Gap” by Morgan Bulkeley, Jr., from the
collection of Bobbie Hallig, depicting local wildlife of the region; the
lively and colorful still life “Turnips on Table,” by Janet Rickus; “June”
by Warner Friedman, featuring Friedman’s unique combination of landscape
with geometric architectural form; and the warmly lit and richly colored
“Green Shopfront” by Joan Griswold. Each denomination of BerkShares also
features a scratchboard drawing of downtown Great Barrington by Michael
McCurdy, and McCurdy’s “Revitalized Provence” is featured in the BerkShares
logo.

During the launch week, over 63,000 BerkShares were placed into circulation
by participating banks, and to date, over 150 local businesses have signed
up to accept BerkShares, with more signing on every day. Businesses wishing
to be added to the growing list may use the online form at
http://www.berkshares.org.  Ms. Harvey says that much of the enthusiasm
about BerkShares throughout launch week centered on the uniquely beautiful
look of our new local currency, attributed to their professional design and
the inclusion of local artwork on the bills.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this project,” says Joan Griswold. “Having a
sense of connection and responsibility to a community, whatever the size,
makes it a more rewarding place to live,” adds Janet Rickus.
Designed with great care and attention to detail by renowned local graphic
artist John Isaacs, and printed by Excelsior Printers, a division of Crane
and Co., BerkShares have the high quality look and feel of any national
currency, and many of the security features as well. “The BerkShares concept
does to a considerable extent bring together many of the basic elements
found on dollar bills,” says Mr. Isaacs. “It was essentially an exercise in
building resonance and elegance from furnished images, and text, typography,
and color.” Many local business-owners have remarked that BerkShares convey
a sense of value which instills trust in the local currency.

Each denomination of BerkShares also honors those who built our community by
featuring prominent local figures from our region’s rich history; the
Mohicans of Stockbridge, Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, Robyn Van En, Herman Melville
and Norman Rockwell.  “The historical figure on one side of a bill and the
artwork on the other is a subtle invitation to see broader connections
between our personal choices and the world we help create,” says Bart
Elsbach.

Warner Friedman, whose artwork is featured on the 20 BerkShare bill says he
is “very pleased to see what a beautiful and tasteful job the designer of
the bills had done, and to be paired with Herman Melville was indeed an
honor. The whole experience has given me a greater sense of community.”

Michael McCurdy adds that BerkShares, “is truly an important undertaking
that should serve not only our own region economically, but serve as a
paradigm for other communities both far and wide as well.”

BerkShares will continue to circulate throughout the Berkshire region for
one year, at which time, with the input of all sectors of the local
community, reissue will be assessed. “Given the enthusiastic response to
BerkShares already,” says Ms. Harvey, “we feel confident that BerkShares
will become a vital tool for local economic renewal for years to come.”

The E. F. Schumacher Society is proud to join with other Berkshire
businesses in accepting BerkShares.

Sincerely,
Susan Witt
E. F. Schumacher Society
140 Jug End Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413) 528-1737
www.smallisbeautiful.org

 

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