MCLA’s Gallery 51 Opens New Exhibition

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Howard Cruse - Stuck Rubber Baby
North Adams - MCLA’s Gallery 51 will host the Opening Reception for its latest exhibition, North Adams Illustrators on Thursday, March 2, 2006 from 5-7 p.m. This exhibition will showcase the work of three professional illustrators who reside in North Adams. Howard Cruse, Emily Daunis and John Shamburger are all trained illustrators who have had their work featured in national publications. The exhibition will feature original illustrations, both drawn and painted. Cruse has had a long career in illustration, publishing his work in many magazines and comic books. His award winning graphic novel, Stuck Rubber Baby has been translated into several languages throughout the world. Artforum International says of Cruse’s novel; “[Stuck Rubber Baby] is bravura storytelling...made specific, pungent, and singular by its setting in the Movement-era South” and it was named one of “The Best 100 Comics of the Century” by the Comics Journal. Cruse’s work can be characterized by its wit, social commentary, and attention to detail. Daunis graduated with a major in illustration from the Art Institute of Boston. Since then she has lived in Boston and New York City focusing on her freelance illustration career until recently moving to North Adams to manage Papyri Books on Main St. Her most recent illustration assignment was for author, Peter Post's book "Essential Manners for Couples" with Harper Collins publisher. For this exhibition Daunis has created a series of illustrations based on her impressions of North Adams. Shamburger holds two degrees in Scenography, the study of painting theatrical scenery. He has also produced illustrations for a number of magazines, book covers and posters. Shamburger uses paint to create his colorful illustrations that depict a surreal and fantastical view of the human condition. His painting can be described as both whimsical and haunting. The community is invited to attend the opening reception at MCLA’s Gallery 51 on 51 Main St in North Adams. Refreshments will be served and the artists will be available to discuss their work. The exhibition will run from March 2 to April 23 and the Gallery is open from Thursday through Sunday, 11am – 6pm. For more information, call 413-662-5543.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
 
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center. 
 
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents. 
 
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager. 
 
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
 
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
 
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event. 
 
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