Wander into the Light
A light-filled gallery and inviting community gathering space with a small cafe
Step into a welcoming cafe and communal space bathed in natural light. Experience a diversity of photography exhibitions around the expansive area that forms the core of this beautiful space. The atmosphere is enchanting, featuring communal tables that can be rearranged as needed, cozy couches, floor seating, and low-level seating.
Enjoy locally-sourced coffee, teas, baked goods, smoothies and juices (purchased, pre-made if can’t be made in house, at first). Additional options like kombucha on tap, batched elixirs, healing tonics, non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and wine – available in cans, jars, by the glass. Thoughtfully curated retail area with grab-and-go food and other products from local farmers and artisans.
Wander into the Dark
The first community co-op darkroom in the Berkshires, in partnership with Berkshire Art Center
Gain access to a private entrance for 24-hour access to develop film photography. Members may also access a fully-equipped digital print lab. Beyond serving the community’s photographers, we are an educational space for kids, teens, adults, and individuals with disabilities to cultivate magic, develop their skills, and find their light in the dark.
Our offerings include single-day lessons, weekend, weeklong, and multi-week photography, and darkroom workshops. Every person who practices in this sacred space keeps darkrooms from becoming endangered.
Wander into the Studio
A serene, airy studio space that invites movement and meditation
Make this space your own for movement-based practices, mindfulness sessions, and teaching/healing arts.
Practitioners and community groups may rent this private area, which adds a diverse array of collective movement experiences such as yoga, somatic movement, and dance to our community’s offerings. Additionally, it will provide a serene space for group gatherings focused on mindfulness practices, meditation, and therapeutic writing sessions, fostering moments of stillness and healing.
Wander into the Salon
A 3,000-square foot, warm and inviting community event rental venue in downtown Pittsfield for your next gathering
By evening, the entire space is yours. Rent all or a portion of WANDER. Completely customizable to your unique events needs and desires.
Jo Ann "Jay" Santangelo (they/she)
With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Jay is an advocate and curator of connection, seeking to merge their expertise in people, operations, hospitality, and community building with a profound passion for black-and-white analog storytelling and print-making.
As a trained visual storyteller, Jay has dedicated their craft to long-term, in-depth documentary projects. Focusing their lens and heart on the often unseen aspects, their work delves into the underlying pulse of communities, addressing issues of discrimination, and sexual identity, and offering an empathetic perspective on marginalized individuals and communities. Their photography serves as an exploration of humanity.
Having honed their skills at the International Center of Photography's documentary photography and photojournalism program, where they were awarded The New York Times Foundation Scholarship,
In 2016 Jay shifted away from their visual storytelling career, immersing themselves in restaurant management, they progressed to corporate executive positions and ultimately became the Director of Operations for MML Hospitality. Following their departure from MML in 2020, they transitioned into the role of the first Director of Hospitality and Culture for Preacher, an ad agency with a soul.
In July 2022, Jay and their wife and 7-year-old daughter relocated from Austin, TX, to the Berkshires, driven by a desire for a fresh start immersed in nature, to sow seeds, establish roots, and contribute to building a community. Since their move, they've embarked on a soul-searching journey, realizing that their next venture involves combining their experiences in the visual arts, storytelling, teaching, and hospitality.
