Open houses, open hands

A dusting of clay covers every surface of the ceramics studio, multihued paint speckles banks of work tables, and legions of art books line library shelves. Throughout the year, IS183 Art School of the Berkshires is home to artists of all ages, abilities and persuasions — budding young Picassos putting their first daubs on paper, experienced potters learning a new firing technique, seniors finding time after raising a family to rekindle a passion for sculpture, homemakers taking their fabric crafts to new levels of creativity.

In the first spring event of its kind, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, the doors will be flung open wide for individuals and families to visit and see for themselves the wide variety of art classes, workshops and school vacation camps that take place year-round at this nonprofit school.

A full day of hands-on art making and demonstrations by faculty members will showcase the many different kinds of art instruction the school offers, such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, woodworking,

Children of all ages will learn how to incorporate shadows into their paintings or make a miniature mixed-media collage using fabric and found objects. Little ones can make unique and colorful prints from natural objects or build a dazzling three-dimensional "Aztec Sun" out of all kinds of materials.

The ceramics studio will be especially busy as visitors try their hand at clay throwing on a pottery wheel under the guidance of experienced instructors. Participants are also invited to add a figure or building to the communal clay "mountain village" that will take shape and grow throughout the day.

Just in time for Mother's Day, there will an opportunity to find that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for Mom at an art sale featuring works by faculty, students and members of the community, with everything at a price of $100 or less.

The entire event is free of charge and includes refreshments. As a special gift to the community, all registrations for summer camps made that day will receive a 10 percent discount. Information: (413) 298-5252, www.is183.org.

Berkshire Museum

What mother doesn't enjoy the gift of beautiful flowers on her special day?

This Sunday, treat her (or yourself) to a visit to the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, which will be filled with dozens of glorious floral arrangements throughout the galleries.

"Galleries in Bloom" is on display from Friday to Monday and features elaborate floral displays that use objects and themes from the museum collection as inspiration, such as paintings, sculpture, Native American artifacts, natural science specimens, and even living creatures and coral in the aquarium.

A special family program, "Kids in Bloom," runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mother's Day and includes flower-themed art activities in the Crane Room, where kids can make a picture frame, key chain or colorful tissue-paper bloom. In the classroom, area art educator Sasha Sicurella will lead a series of 45-minute drop-off workshops on the hour from 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 6 and up (timed tickets are required). Balloon-animal sculpting by Bowey the Clown and face painting are popular activities guaranteed to delight young visitors.

There will be two showings of the charming screen version of Frances Hodson Burnett's beloved story "The Secret Garden" at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Little Cinema auditorium. In this moving, magical tale, a young orphan girl tends a neglected garden at her uncle's estate and discovers the transformative powers of nature.

Museum admission during "Galleries in Bloom" is $13 for adults, $9 for children ($8 and $5 for members) and includes all activities. Information: (413) 443-7171, www.berkshiremuseum.org.

Youth Alive

Untold generations have looked to the past to learn valuable lessons about courage, commitment and citizenship. Tonight, for one night only, the Women of Color Giving Circle and Youth Alive! Step Dance and Drum Line Team will stage an original presentation, "Ain't I A Woman: Unsung African-American Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement," at the Masonic Temple at 116 South St., Pittsfield.

The program of music and drama features an intergenerational cast of women from across the Berkshire community and pays tribute to those women who, although not as widely known as pivotal figures such as Rosa Parks, nevertheless helped to open up opportunities for African Americans across the nation.

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $8 for children and students, and include a special dinner at 6 p.m. Information: (413) 841-8770.