October 22, 5-7:30pm • Berkshire Museum

On October 22, 2026, from 5-7:30pm, Flying Cloud Institute along with the Berkshire STEM Pipeline and the Berkshire Museum, will be hosting a night of hands-on science and arts exploration for students in grades K-8! This is part of Massachusetts' annual STEM Week and will be located at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield. We'd love to have you join us!

• Underwrite the event - be a sponsor!

• Design and run a hands-on science and/or art activity as a Challenge Leader

• Volunteer to help fund an activity with one of our STEM Pipeline members

• Volunteer to run the welcome table, refreshments, or raffle tables

• Contribute raffle prizes or refreshments

• Come as a guest with your family!

Asa and Axel Clark say the camp is educational and hands-on, especially enjoying chasing and catching the rockets as they floated back to the ground.

By Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Kids had a literal blast at summer camp this week. 

On Friday, students of the Flying Cloud Institute's Future Innovators Camp launched their model rockets at Herberg Middle School after a week studying the physics of flight.

Campers raced across the field to catch the rockets as they parachuted to the ground after shooting into the air from a homemade launchpad. They spent the week at the Berkshire Innovation Center preparing for launch, taught by education coordinator Christian Drake and volunteer David Doyle. 

"Basically the kids come for a whole week of learning rocketry, different forms of physics concepts," Flying Cloud's Development Manager Stephanie DuPont said. 

"This year it was the physics of flight. Last year they did astrophysics, so each year there's a different topic." 

Asa and Axel Clark attended the camp together and found the camp to be educational and hands-on, especially enjoying chasing and catching the rockets as they float back to the ground. 

"I think this was a good start," said Axel, an aspiring engineer. "I learned a lot of new stuff, and it was really fun." 

At the culmination of a week of learning about the physics of flight and rocket engineering, participants in the Flying Cloud Institute’s Future Innovators Camp show off their handmade rockets — and a few specialty rockets supplied by instructor David Doyle — to their friends and family at Herberg Middle School on Friday.

Stephanie DuPont

Great Barrington, MA — Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) has hired Stephanie DuPont as Development Manager. In this role, Stephanie will develop and deliver on the overall fundraising strategy of the organization, creating a diverse range of sustainable funding streams to support and expand the educational work of the organization.

“As a Berkshire County resident with a deep commitment to youth education and community outreach, I have long admired Flying Cloud’s mission to merge science and art. With a unique blend of high-level operational management and a proven record of volunteer nonprofit leadership, I am prepared to help Flying Cloud diversify its funding and expand its reach,” remarks Stephanie.

Stephanie’s experience includes serving as a Member of the Board of Directors and Co-Chair of Youth Programs for the Lee Sportsmen’s Association. In these roles, she acts as a lead fundraiser and strategist, overseeing a $20,000 youth programs operating budget and spearheading community outreach campaigns. She brings additional experience in managing back-office functions as an Office Manager in the private sector, as well as nearly two decades of experience as a Learning Coach and mentor

“My experience as a Learning Coach gives me a firsthand understanding of the transformative power of the educational experiences Flying Cloud provides. I am looking forward to applying my skills to inspire curiosity and creativity in the next generation,” says Stephanie.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, with a concentration in Communication & Technology from the University of Phoenix. She lives in the Berkshires with her husband, three children, and their dog, Buzz, where her family enjoys exploring and experiencing everything the area has to offer.

“We are excited to welcome Stephanie to the FCI team. She will help us raise needed funds for our programs to inspire young people and educators with innovative science and art experiences that spark creativity,” exclaims Executive Director Maria Rundle.

Flying Cloud staff and board members (from left) Caitlin Meister, Maria Rundle, Dana Vorisek, and Sarah Reynolds North at the annual fundraiser at One Love Farm on Aug. 1.

by Robbi Hartt

With nearly half of local students in Pittsfield, Southern Berkshire, Berkshire Hills, and Lee school districts facing economic disadvantages, the need for Flying Cloud Institute’s (FCI’s) hands-on, inspiring science and art education has never been more urgent. What to do to ensure even more students can benefit next year? Hold a S•M•Arty Party!

FCI held its annual summer fundraiser, S•M•Arty Party, this past Saturday at One Love Farm in Southfield, where hosts Lynn and Mitchell Samberg gave an enthusiastic welcome, standing beside the pool on their iconic 298-acre property. The sweeping Berkshire mountain views were enough to satisfy most people’s appetites, but Los Lopez Tacos was also on hand whipping up their popular tacos, accompanied by Harney & Sons herbal iced tea blends.

Jane Burke, FCI founder and long-time executive director, acknowledged by Maria Rundle as “the root we grew from,” received an enthusiastic round of applause. “We did some really weird stuff when we started. I wanted kids to see weird, crazy grown-ups and not be afraid to jump into the clay,” Burke says, with an unapologetic smile.

We are absolutely grateful for the response this year and can't wait to celebrate with everyone who grabbed a ticket. 

Missed Out? You Can Still Make a Difference!

While you might be missing out on the party of the summer, you don't have to miss out on supporting Flying Cloud Institute's mission. If you were planning on buying a ticket, you can still channel that enthusiasm into something incredible. Every contribution directly powers our programs, projects, and community initiatives for the coming year.

Don't Get Left Behind Next Time!

• Sign up for our emails below to get early-bird access for next year's S•M•Arty Party and other upcoming events.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch live updates and highlights!

Faith Gagliardi and Caitlin Greer Meister

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) announced that Faith Gagliardi and Caitlin Greer Meister have joined the organization's Board of Directors.

Faith Gagliardi is a business manager with nearly 20 years of hands-on work experience covering marketing, operations, analytics, and leadership. She currently serves as Account Manager at Working Planet and previously worked as the Senior Director of Owned Media at Go Fish Digital (formerly Agital/Exclusive Concepts). Gagliardi earned a Masters of Science degree in Communications from Lasell University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

"The future I want to help build is one filled with science and art, wonder and awe. I look forward to working with Flying Cloud Institute on bringing hands-on experiences to youth — helping our communities grow in return," said Faith.

Caitlin Greer Meister is a specialist in strengths-based learning, neurodiversity-affirming practices, giftedness, and executive functioning. As a parent educator, instructional leader, founder, and mom of two, Meister is Orton-Gillingham trained and holds a certificate in Instructional Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her work and words have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Parents, and more, and she provides professional development for schools, workshops for parents, and speaks for organizations and conferences in the United States and abroad.

Christian Drake

Great Barrington, MA — Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) has hired Christian Drake as Education Coordinator. In this role, Christian will work in the summer programs, vacation camps, classroom residencies, community events, and with the FCI team to inspire the next generation of artists and engineers. He brings multifaceted educational experiences to the organization as it continues to partner with local school districts to bring meaningful learning to students. Christian recently led the 2025 STEAM Challenge Night and a physics residency at Stearns Elementary School, while also offering after school S•M•Art Labs in Pittsfield and Great Barrington.

“I am an artist at heart, and I find my talents are specifically suited to interpreting science with other people. I’m really excited about hands-on, courage-building, experiential education. In Flying Cloud, I have found an organization that shares my values, in the critical habitat of ‘where science meets art,’” says Christian

Christian’s past experience includes teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) at LEAF Charter and Francis W. Parker Schools, as well as leading interactive and experiential science lessons at Nature’s Classroom. He has also served as a park interpreter for the Mohawk Trail State Forest, where he overhauled and re-invigorated programming to engage and educate visitors about the park’s unique forest ecosystems, geology and history, earning a 2023 MassDCR Excellence in Interpretation Award. 

Christian holds Massachusetts licensure to teach Middle School math and science for grades 5-8. He earned his Masters degree in education from Westfield State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampshire College. 

“We welcome Christian to the FCI team to inspire young people and educators through dynamic experiences with science and art that ignite creativity,” remarked Executive Director Maria Rundle. “We feel so lucky to have found an educator in sync with our mission!” ♥

By Breanna Steele, iberkshires staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Children and their families were able to learn from a range of science experiments last week night from Flying Clouds annual STEAM Challenge Night.

Flying Cloud, an organization that offers programs in the arts and science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) to schools and children in the area, brought together about 20 organizations at the Berkshire Innovation Center to demonstrate science-based projects.

"We believe in creative expression, as well as being an integral piece of learning science. And so we call it our STEAM Challenge. And then all the people that we get to work with all through the year, all of these different organizations and businesses, they come and offer a hands-on activity and, honestly, they just bring such creative and imaginative things," said Flying Cloud Executive Director Maria Rundle.

Organizations and businesses, including Bottomless Bricks, BeatNest, MassAudobon, Latinas413, Mount Everett Robotics, and more were interacting with students Thursday night.

Boyd BioMedical, a manufacturer in Lee, came to the challenge night for the first time and was demonstrating different materials and what they looked like at 100x magnification.

"It's just a way to stimulate the minds of the young kids and get them interested in science," said Director of Quality Dan DeFranco. "I have kids of my own. I love the fact that they like getting into the experiments and doing these fun things. So the more you can encourage it, the better off they are." 

By Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Learners had a literal blast this week during Flying Cloud Institute's Rocket Camp.

During a four-day workshop, students collaborated with volunteer David Doyle and education coordinator Christian Drake to explore scientific concepts and, of course, build rockets.

In three days, the students learned about the engineering behind rockets, propulsion, aerodynamics, space, and more.

"I believe rocketry is an excellent way to teach kids about basic physics and aerodynamics. Our goal this year was to have teams of two build seven very different rockets, and think about and discuss how their different shapes, sizes and weights contribute to different flight characteristics," Doyle said.

"They learn about basic forces, such as gravity, drag, rotation and thrust; they learn about the basic tools and materials typically used to build model rockets."

by GILLIAN HECK, THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE

Kids made rockets and launched them as part of a weeklong camp at Herbert Middle School in Pittsfield.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute has received an $8,000 Matching Challenge Gift from a summer camp family. 

This will allow donations received by Flying Cloud on Giving Tuesday, which is December 3, 2024, to be doubled, up to $8,000.

The funds raised will enable Flying Cloud to run its innovative science and art programs at two local Berkshire County schools, offering in-school science residencies and after school workshops to area youth. 

Bottomless Bricks owner and Lego Master Erin Laundry with participant.

by Monica Bliss

Pittsfield— On Tuesday, October 22nd from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the culmination of their 40th Anniversary events, Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) will lead a free, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) community event for students in grades K-8 and their families at Hancock Shaker Village.

Students and their families will spend the evening problem-solving together in ways that involve exploring, tinkering, and creating. In addition to creative science and art projects with Flying Cloud educators, several local experts and organizations will participate. Staff members from Berkshire Museum will explore how a physics zipline works and Mt. Everett teachers will lead a Robotics challenge. BeatNest School will demonstrate electro music stations and Berkshire Design will host a design challenge. Participants will learn about the sonification of plants from professors at Berkshire Community College and explore 3-D scanning and printing with Berkshire Innovation Center representatives. Bottomless Bricks will help students design and build derby cars using LEGO elements, and Mass Audubon will lead a printing activity. Staff from Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing, Greenagers, and Hancock Shaker Village will also be leading kid-centered challenge activities.

The free event is on Tuesday, October 22nd from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hancock Shaker Village at 1843 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online. 

In accordance with their unique mission of arts as activism WAM Theatre has announced that a portion of the box office for their Fall production of Galileo's Daughter will be donated to the Flying Cloud Institute.

The production will run at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA from October 18 - November 3, 2024, and before transferring to Central Square Theater in Cambridge, MA.

Tickets for the Berkshire run are on sale now, and a portion of box office sales goes to funding the Girls Science After School Programs run by Flying Cloud Institute in Berkshire County.

"Flying Cloud is honored and excited to partner with WAM Theatre to support the young scientists and artists in our community!” said Executive Director Maria Rundle. “WAM and Flying Cloud have a shared mission to amplify the voices of female and non-binary-identified youth in our community and to give them the space and support to discover the creative, curious, and capable people they are: as actors, writers, scientists, engineers, and artists!"

Flying Cloud is proud to be advancing gender, racial diversity and leadership in STEM, with support from the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts. Read about our work in The Greenfield Recorder: "Recognizing the societal barriers for women in STEM, Flying Cloud Institute focuses on female-identifying students in rural Berkshire County and urban Pittsfield, offering engaging activities that support students’ interest in STEAM subjects and opportunities to interact with women STEM professionals."

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Summer camps held on Berkshire Community College's (BCC) main campus include Barrington Stage Company's Kids Act! and TeensAct! camps; Berkshire Family YMCA Summer camp; United Soccer Group Summer Camp; Flying Cloud Institute's Young Women in Science camp; and the Berkshire collaborative STEAM Team camp. 

Flying Cloud Institute's Young Women in Science summer sessions are week-long explorations in a college laboratory setting where youth engage in hands-on science and engineering investigations alongside female peers. Together, girls engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics with guidance from practicing, female STEM professionals. At this year's camp at BCC, campers presented their work in building boat houses, displaying how sound works, creating origami and making hand sanitizer from scratch.  

Development Manager Amy Traux at the Bernay Fine Art Gallery with a T-shirt designed by a participant

by Shaw Israel Izikson

Great Barrington — Flying Cloud Institute celebrated art in the downtown area on Tuesday, August 20, with its art crawl event, co-organized with Bernay Fine Art.

According to its website, the institute was founded in New Marlborough in 1984 by Jane and Lawrence Burke and David Schwarz. The organization, which moved its operating offices in 2017 to Great Barrington, operates multiple youth programs in the Berkshire County region relating to dynamic science and art experiences. “This art crawl is part of a series of events for our 40th anniversary,” Flying Cloud Institute Development Manager Amy Traux told The Berkshire Edge. “For 40 years, Flying Cloud has been bringing scientists and artists together to work with the youth in the Berkshire County area. I have heard from some of our former Flying Cloud students, who are now fully grown adults, telling me that these programs were all very important to them in their development as artists. Flying Cloud is very important to all of them.”

As part of the art crawl, the institute hosted a youth art show at At Bernay Fine Art.

Explore downtown GB in a new way - with art and activities by Flying Cloud youth, alums, teaching artists, and families on Tuesday, August 20th. Free and fun for all ages! Visit all businesses and be awarded a Flying Cloud silk-screened T-shirt.

1. Bernay Fine Art

2. One Mercantile/ Sett

3. Bear Butter

4. Hart GB

5. Bon Dimanche

6. JWS Art Supplies

7. Crystal Essence

8. SoCo Creamery

9. Moon Cloud

This Month’s Featured Article

By Mary B. O’Neill

This year, Flying Cloud Institute, based in Great Barrington, MA, turns 40. For decades, Flying Cloud has been inspiring young people and educators through dynamic science and art experiences that ignite creativity. Main Street Magazine sat down with executive director Maria Rundle to find out more about the organization’s history and programs. 

What is Flying Cloud, and how did you find your way to becoming the executive director of the organization?

My background in in education and labor rights. My children were going to a local public school, and it had an amazing half-day robotics program. I knew that one of my children had a special drive and curiosity for science that wasn’t necessarily being met during the school day.  

So we sent her to Flying Cloud Camp, and she came back saying, “This was the best day of my life,” having done chemistry, ceramics, and engineering design. And this was as a six-year-old!  

What impressed me most was how committed Flying Cloud was to treating young people, even six-year-olds, as interesting, creative, curious scientists and artists and working alongside them to answer their questions, solve problems, and make art – and that is a very appealing approach. 

Flying Cloud plays a very important role right now in holding space in our school system for creative learning and in igniting a passion for science and art. But I also see Flying Cloud as a model for how we need to shift public education away from the high-stakes, standardized testing model.  

The nonprofit is celebrating 40 years of inspiring young people and educators through dynamic science and art experiences.

By Robbi Hartt

With an ambitious strategic plan and 40 years of successful programming under its belt, Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) continues to inspire young people and educators and ignite creativity while increasing access to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning through school residencies, after-school MakerSpaces, S•M•Art Labs and Girls Science Clubs, and summer, winter, and spring break programs. Founded in 1984 by Jane and Larry Burke and David Schwartz, the unique “Science Meets Art” approach has developed into STEAM programming that serves roughly 2,500 youth and educators in five school districts across Berkshire County and Region One in Connecticut annually. (Click here for an in-depth exploration of Flying Cloud’s history.)

To celebrate this important milestone, Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) has planned a series of 40th-anniversary celebration events (sponsored by Webster Landscape, Elyse Harney Real Estate, Onyx Specialty Papers, and Warrior Trading). They include: A silkscreening evening at Bon Dimanche with owner and FCI alum Molly de St. Andre this spring; the Flying Cloud Institute Great Barrington Art Crawl featuring a youth art show at Bernay Art Gallery on August 20; the Alumni Weekend at the home of co-founders Jane and Larry Burke in late summer (date still TBD); and the STEAM Challenge Night at Hancock Shaker Village on October 16.