Julia Morgan-Leamon

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Local artist Julia Morgan-Leamon joined Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' Gallery 51 as the new manager.

 

Morgan-Leamon, an adjunct art teacher for Williams College and IS183, is working with students on the upcoming show, "99 and NINE: We Are Mused," set to open on Thursday, Dec. 5.

 

"I'm jumping right in with the '99 cents' show and am already getting to know about 30 different artists to bring that together," Morgan-Leamon said. "I'm really interested in helping the students who work here to feel a sense of ownership and get excited about the work that we're showing so they can transmit their enthusiasm to the public. Right now, the students are helping install the show with the theme of the 'muse.'"

 

In the gallery, nine MCLA students are creating larger-than-life silhouettes of themselves to be displayed throughout the exhibition.

 

"People find inspiration in different places. These will stand-in for our muses, who will be present at the show," Morgan-Leamon said.

 

During the exhibition, the students will be present to help gallery visitors and answer any questions they may have at this annual, affordable art show and exhibit, which will feature artwork in a range of styles and mediums from nearly 30 local and national artists. All pieces are priced to sell from 99 cents to $99.99.

 

Morgan-Leamon is both a painter who works primarily with watercolor and oil, and a video artist with experience in experimental and installation work. She has created documentary videos, as well as a series for public television called "Conversations in the Studio" where she interviewed a number of local artists who have exhibited their work in MCLA Gallery 51.

 

"I've been involved in the arts in a number of ways, from youth and museum education to teaching, to being an artist myself and leading art trips overseas," she said. "A piece that I felt I'd been missing is working with artists in the community and helping to curate shows and bring together interesting concepts in exhibitions."

 

As an adjunct instructor at Williams, Morgan-Leamon teaches winter study classes and has taken three groups to Egypt over past four years to study contemporary art. This January she will co-lead another group to Southern India.

 

At MCLA Gallery 51, she plans to expand the range of artists from throughout the region and New England to exhibit their work in the gallery.

 

An opening reception for "99 and NINE: We Are Mused" will be held Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. The show will be open every day through the end of December, with all art to be sold on a "cash and carry" basis. Gift wrapping will be available.

 

Morgan-Leamon lives in Williamstown with her husband and their 17-year-old triplets.

 

For more information, go to www.mcla.edu/gallery51.