ABOUT US
Board of Directors

The Sandisfield Arts Center building has a unique history; in 1839 it began an 83-year run as a Baptist Meeting House, another 75 as an Orthodox synagogue (the only known rural Orthodox synagogue on record in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts). With its classic Greek Revival style, it is the only building of its kind still standing in the town of Sandisfield. During the 1900's, it often served as a community center for events such as graduations and weddings.

In 1995, a visionary group of concerned citizens formed to save this historic building, and turn it into a community arts center. The Sandisfield Arts Center (SAC) raised over $300,000 in grants and individual donations which were used to repair the roof and belfry, the entire lower level including the original granite foundation and the addition of fire exits, handicap accessible bathrooms, and new stairs.

Over the past thirteen years, SAC has evolved into a professional non-profit organization recognized by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the National Trust and the public for our dedication to preserving this historically-important building and rehabilitating it for use as a performing arts center. Membership has grown and visitors now come from all over Berkshire, Hampden & Litchfield Counties for our unique, quality performances. The Sandisfield Arts Center has become the "best-kept secret in the Berkshires."

The small-town, grass-roots commitment that gave birth to SAC in 1995 is still present in 2008, as the organization depends entirely on volunteer staff members. These dedicated volunteers meet, administer, collate, clean, bake, paint, host, donate and perform their way through tough economic times, long, cold winters, and all the challenges that small, non-profit arts organizations face on a daily basis.

Equally impressive is the financial commitment our donors have made to saving this unique building and helping the Arts Center expand its programming each year.

Finally, the SAC has helped bring various subsections of the community together in the spirit of volunteering and in the enjoyment of the arts. Many weekend residents had owned homes in Sandisfield for over a decade without having met any of their full-time neighbors. Now, they serve side-by-side on volunteer committees. The Town of Sandisfield and all its civic groups have been very supportive and we are grateful for the variety of help we receive.

Color Photo by Richard Migot