Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will feature a brand-new “Let It Shine! Artist Exhibition” featuring 4 local artists at 437 North Street.

Featured artists are Carly Holmes, Riley Wilde, Jesus Alicea, and Kenny Davis. There will be an opening reception with the artists during the August 1st First Fridays Artswalk from 5 to 8 pm. The exhibition will be on view Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 2 pm, August 1 through August 25, by visiting the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. offices at 431 North Street.

Carly Holmes is a lifelong resident of Pittsfield and describes herself as an emerging artist with a passion for creating art. “I have always loved creating art,” Carly says. “As a child, I was constantly drawing and crafting. I have explored drawing, ceramics, and 3-dimensional design. But painting with acrylics is where my true passion lies. I view my work as a reflection of my ever-evolving interests, and as a personal outlet for self-expression.”

The Pittsfield Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership has selected Carly to co-create a new mural to be located at the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Intermodal Center alongside mentor artist, Jesse Tobin McCauley. The mural will debut at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this summer. Carly is also the City of Pittsfield’s inaugural artist-in-residence, and she is currently working out of studio space in the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts.

Riley Wilde’s journey as an aspiring visual artist began in 2021 and has become vital in expressing herself in ways that words can’t anymore. Each painting is led by intuition and always with a new approach to create a vibrant and intriguing piece of work.

“Sustainability is key to my process, as it doesn’t feel right unless I’m practicing with a considerate mindset,” says Riley. “Using recycled bottles for paint, repurposing old canvases, and catching excess drips to create new pieces is the only way I practice. Trying not to waste anything — creatively or emotionally.”

“In the last year, I’ve been expanding my practice while in collaboration with my partner and fellow artist, Daniel Stone, on some very large pieces. He has also challenged me to consider working with new surfaces, styles, and methods. Such as, creating reliefs, mosaics, illustrating figures, and using acrylic and wood surfaces. This has been rewarding and valuable in my growth as an artist and has made me feel seen. I’m looking forward to what my work continues to evolve into. Sometimes it’s messy and weird, but also alive. A reflection of everything I’ve survived and everything I’ve yet to bloom into.”

Jesus Alicea is a multidisciplinary artist driven by a deep love for language and visual storytelling. His work explores the relationship between words and images—through logo design, poster art, cartoons, poetry, and creative writing.

Jesus creates playful yet purposeful visuals, often using illustrated characters to deliver promotional messages in ways that text or live action can’t. “My design work focuses on clarity and meaning, whether I’m crafting a logo or composing a visual narrative,” says Jesus.

“Storytelling is at the core of my practice. Through poetry and media projects, I aim to connect with audiences in ways that are both creative and accessible. I’m always open to feedback, collaboration, and new creative challenges.”

Kenny Davis is a lifelong resident of Pittsfield who has worked on several murals around the city. “In my senior year at Pittsfield High School, I both experimented with my 2D style and created 3D works to tell my unique story,” says Kenny. “Now that I am eighteen years old, I am working on developing a vibrant style that makes me proud!”

For more information, visit downtownpittsfield.com or call Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. at 413-443-6501.

The gallery at Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is funded in part by a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council; a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.