MCLA, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA. - 2007-2008 Handmade: A Look at Contemporary Crafts

"I received a great education from MCLA that laid the groundwork for me to succeed at law school. I use the skills I learned at MCLA, especially in the area of research and writing, on a daily basis and still speak with many of my former professors. It is not every school where you can create such a lasting bond with the professors and community. The strong community bond found at MCLA was a factor in my husband (Scott Lord ’98) and my decision to attend MCLA and our desire to remain involved with MCLA after graduation."

Buffy D. Lord ’98
Attorney, Donovan & O’Connor, LLP

Handmade: A Look at Contemporary Crafts

Jan. 31 – Feb. 24, 2008

An exhibition of contemporary craftwork of all types from weaving, leatherwork, pottery and beyond. Featuring the work of local, regional and nationally known artisans.

CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS THE FOCUS OF

NEW MCLA GALLERY 51 EXHIBITION

NORTH ADAMS, MA – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ MCLA Gallery 51 presents “Handmade: A Look at Contemporary Crafts,” an exhibition of local and regional crafters, beginning Jan. 31.

The public is invited to attend a free opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery, in downtown North Adams.

Featured artisans in “Handmade: A Look at Contemporary Crafts,” are from North Adams, Williamstown as well as Vermont, Rhode Island, California, and Rome, Italy.

According to MCLA Gallery 51 Manager Sean Riley, this group of crafters is united by their commitment to both quality and creativity. Many of the artisans have shown and sold their work – which ranges from the functional to experimental pieces – across the country and the world.

“This is an exciting show for Gallery 51,” Riley said. “We are exhibiting a whole new group of artists, or in this case, artisans, and I hope to attract a new audience to the Gallery. I knew that there were a lot of well established crafts-people in the area that I wanted to represent at MCLA Gallery 51, so I decided that we needed a crafts exhibit.

Participating artisans include Jackie Abrams with baskets and wall hangings; Chris Bowman with furniture; Ann Brauer with quilts; Ray Bub with ceramics; Peter Crellin with furniture; Mary Lou Dewitt with weaving; Annie Gerrity with ceramics; Judith Hoyt with jewelry; Brian Jewett with baskets; Studio Cochineal with furniture; Zalud Saddlery with leather works; and more.

The exhibition was organized by Riley with help by Brian Jewett and Alicia Zaludova of Zalud Saddlery.

The exhibition will run through Feb. 24. MCLA Gallery 51 is at 51 Main St., North Adams. The Gallery is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, 413-664-8718, or go to www.mcla.edu/Gallery51 .