For more than two decades, Tyler and Chris Weld have been deeply connected to CATA—as parents, advocates, local business owners, and dedicated supporters. As founders and owners of Berkshire Mountain Distillers and Tyler’s design practice, they believe passionately about making their community a better place for everyone.
We spoke with Tyler about her and Chris’ long involvement with CATA and why CATA matters so deeply to them.
How did you first get involved with CATA?
We were introduced to Community Access to the Arts twenty years ago through my childhood friend Janet Reich Elsbach (a CATA faculty artist who leads the CATA Writers’ Workshop). We wanted to find a supportive community where our daughter Lily, who has special needs, could thrive—and where our growing family could find a sense of belonging.
Fast forward to today, CATA is such an important part of our lives. Every week, Lily is drumming, singing, and expressing herself. CATA is helping Lily have such a full life. It’s what we had always hoped for her.
Having CATA as a resource for our family has been such a gift. And it’s been a privilege to give back in so many ways. Over the years, I’ve served on CATA’s board and helped plan the annual Gala several times.
“Every week, Lily is drumming, singing, and expressing herself. CATA’s helping Lily have such a full life.”
How have you seen CATA making a difference in our community?
CATA’s impact really does ripple out and make our community better. As a parent of a young adult with special needs, I know how isolating that journey can feel. CATA is a vital hub where friends, parents, siblings, and caregivers come together to connect, share resources, and celebrate our loved ones. The friendships I formed through CATA twenty years ago are still strong today, and those friends remain trusted resources for me. In turn, I’ve been able to support other families navigating similar paths. We learn from each other as we move through different life stages together.
My friends throughout the community benefit, too. Everyone I bring to the Annual Performance has a life-changing experience. Watching others discover and connect with the talents of CATA artists reveals how deeply this work matters.
Hou (Blue Q) poses with his sculpture in a CATA art exhibit.
Why is CATA’s work so vital right now?
CATA is an essential part of the Berkshires. This is a community of support and inclusion that just doesn’t exist everywhere. Wherever we go in the Berkshires, we run into people who are part of CATA and it makes us feel more connected to each other. It’s really beautiful.
Why do you choose to give to CATA—and why do you hope others will, too?
We couldn’t imagine our lives without CATA, and we want to give back in any way we can. We’re especially proud to support the CATA Gala & Annual Performance every year. CATA relies on donations from people and businesses across our community to do their work. We want to keep CATA going for years to come. Giving to CATA is a great way to make a difference for people and families right here where we live.
Join Tyler and Chris Weld — make a gift to support artists with disabilities:
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