MCLA to Host the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference

08:00AM / Wednesday, April 03, 2024Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold the 22nd annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) to recognize students for their work and dedication in producing academic projects.

This year's keynote speaker is MCLA alumnus Deven Philbrick '16 – a poet and PhD Candidate in English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. Philbrick earned his bachelor's in English/Communications & Philosophy with a double major in Literature and Writing concentrations from MCLA, then received a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Seattle-Washington in 2018. Currently, he is working on a dissertation on 20th-century innovative poetry and process philosophy.

The full-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a poster session at 11 a.m. and the keynote speaker and lunch at noon. Additional event schedules and locations are forthcoming.

"Undergraduate research is a value that underlies the mission of MCLA because it promotes excellence and innovation, creativity and critical thinking, service, and citizenship," said Graziana D'Elia-Brillante, URC chair and professor of modern languages at MCLA. "It is a transformative experience that transcends traditional classroom learning, offering students a profound journey of personal and intellectual growth going beyond textbooks, so students delve deeply into their chosen field, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and methodologies."

Students will present 15-minute talks, posters, and artistic work; the URC will also include special sessions and events focused on specific themes and performances. Members of the media are welcome to cover this MCLA community event, sit in on virtual talks, and interview students and faculty members.

"Furthermore, undergraduate research nurtures a sense of independence and self-reliance, as students take ownership of their projects from conception to completion. This autonomy not only builds confidence but also instills a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence," said D'Elia-Brillante.

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North Adams UNO Art Club Extends Into Year-Round Community Program

Staff Reports01:38PM / Tuesday, October 06, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Clark Art Institute is expanding the summer program UNO Drop-In Art Club into a weekly, 50-week program for local youth ages 8 to 19, thanks to a new two-year grant from the W.L.S. Spencer Foundation.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 7, the club reopens its doors at the UNO Community Center (157 River St., North Adams) with extended hours every week from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The UNO Art Club first took root in 2022, founded by local volunteers and supported by the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) as a safe, welcoming space for kids to explore their creativity. In 2024, nbCC sought new partners to keep the program running and joined forces with the Clark and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA).

Over the past two summers, staff from all three organizations have guided kids through hands-on projects—from clay sculpture and origami to collage and self-portraiture—often inspired by ongoing exhibitions at the museums.

Now, with leadership from the Clark, this grant will allow the program to grow, not only with expanded hours and a year-round schedule, but also to support a paid intern to lead the weekly activities.

Additional benefits of the grant: The Clark will provide rides directly from the UNO Community Center so participants can attend major community events, including First Sundays Free and the annual Community Day. Youth will also take field trips to the Clark, MASS MoCA, and neighboring arts venues across the region.

To learn more about the program or get involved: https://nbccoalition.org/uno-drop-in-art-club/ or contact nbCC at (413) 663-7588, Gabby Glasier - gglasier@nbccoalition.org, or Olivia Brandwein - obrandwein@clarkart.edu.

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