(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – Luminous, vibrant landscapes by Berkshire-based artist Jim Schantz are on view at Berkshire Museum now through Sunday, May 10, 2015, the first exhibition in a new series to be mounted in the Museum’s Crane Room. Titled “Into the Light,” the exhibition is curated by Maria Mingalone, the museum’s director of interpretation. An artist’s reception will be held on Thursday, April 2, from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

Known for his spectacular depictions of the Berkshire Hills, the Housatonic River, and other compelling outdoor scenes from farther afield, Jim Schantz finds inspiration for his paintings and pastels in nature. “It is this place, the land we inhabit that offers us our sanctuary, inspiration, and transformation. As an artist it has become ever more important that I continue to capture our natural world in this time, in this light,” says Schantz. “These paintings serve as reminders of transformative moments found with the spiritual guidance of nature. These works are moments caught in time. The landscape itself transcends time.”

Recent renovations to the museum’s Ellen Crane Memorial Room, from replacing the glass in the skylight with new translucent patterned panels to greatly improved lighting and a fresh, new wall color, have transformed the space into a desirable gallery. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to show these paintings as the first show in the newly refurbished Crane Room,” says Mingalone. “With such a large space, visitors can view the works from many vantage points, and with the natural light coming in through the skylight, the paintings can be seen to great advantage. Jim’s landscapes are a wonderful beginning for the new series of artists we intend to showcase in the Crane Room.”

Works by artist Jim Schantz are in numerous public collections, including the Center for Spiritual Life at Emerson College; Lowe Art Museum, Syracuse University; the Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, Massachusetts; Nelson Museum, U.C. Davis; Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University; Skidmore College; Simon’s Rock of Bard College, and University of Massachusetts. Jim has had six solo exhibitions at Pucker Gallery in Boston and a solo exhibition at Harrison Gallery in Williamstown. His work has been featured in exhibitions at the Springfield Museum of Fine Arts; the Fuller Museum of Art, Brockton; the Albany Institute of Art; and the Brooklyn Museum. He received his Master’s degree in painting at University of California, Davis and his BFA at Syracuse University. He also studied at the Hornsey School of Art, London, and at the Skowhegan School in Maine.

Located in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, at 39 South St., the Berkshire Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $13 adult, $6 child; Museum members and children age 3 and under enjoy free admission. For more information, visit Berkshire Museum or call 413.443.7171.

In association with the Smithsonian since 2013, Berkshire Museum is part of a select group of museums, cultural, educational, and arts organizations that share the Smithsonian’s resources with the nation.

Established by Zenas Crane in 1903, Berkshire Museum integrates art, history, and natural science in a wide range of programs and exhibitions that inspire educational connections between the disciplines. If/Then is on view January 24 through May 3, 2015. Objectify: A Look into the Permanent Collection is currently on view. Little Cinema is open year-round. Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, Worlds in Miniature, Aquarium, and other exhibits are ongoing.