"MCLA’s location provided me with endless opportunities to gain professional experience in the arts. I had a lot of fun working as a tour guide at MASS MoCA and in the education department at the Berkshire Museum, which allowed me to figure out what kinds of jobs I would like and to meet a lot of interesting arts professionals along the way. MCLA’s small size helped me develop close working relationships with my favorite professors who always took time to advise me on academic and professional concerns. I really felt like they were with me all the way."
Monica Henry ’07 Education Coordinator, Clark Art Institute
News & Press Releases
March 14, 2008
NORTH ADAMS, MA — MCLA Gallery 51 will feature an exhibit entitled “Bloom,” which will showcase work in all media that explores the concepts of renewal and revitalization, including cycles of growth and decay and the rise and fall of places, things or ideas.
An opening reception will be held in the gallery on Thursday, March 27, from 5-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
“Bloom” is being curated by the 15 students in MCLA’s museum studies course, which is part of the arts management program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). Students developed the exhibit theme and description, sent out a call for entries, and reviewed over 500 pieces of work submitted by artists from across the country before selecting more than 40 to be exhibited in the show.
The artwork, created by 24 artists, includes paintings, sculptures, photography, fiber art and video.
The exhibition also will include “Green,” a living installation in the gallery’s window space by Gallery Manager Sean Riley. A habitat for growing wheatgrass and other leafy greens, those viewing the installation may view the growth of the roots from outside of the windows.
Once the grass and greens are ready to be eaten, a portion will be bagged and available for visitors to take.
MCLA students curating the show include Kristen Banks, Alison Barker, Anna Boisvert, Halli Chamberlain, Darren Fitzgerald, Kelly Flanagan, Isabelle Holmes, Brinn Kingsley, Nicole Letourneux, Rachel Martin, Jordan Pagan, Vivian Reed, Sara Sambrook, Jessica Sweeney and Megan Tainter.
“Bloom” will run from March 27 through April 27. The exhibit is free to the public.
MCLA Gallery 51 is at 51 Main St. in North Adams. The Gallery is the result of a unique collaboration between area business and community leaders, the City of North Adams and MCLA. It is operated by MCLA and features the works of international, national and local artists, including MCLA faculty and students.
