MCLA Art Exhibition: 'Stigmas and Stories: Changing the Narrative'

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' (MCLA) Gallery 51 will host "Stigmas and Stories: Changing the Narrative," featuring artwork from students in the Classes of 2020, 2021, 2022, with an in-person opening reception at the gallery from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022.  
 
This event free and is open to the public, and refreshments will be served.  
 
This exhibition will feature three graduating senior artists: Kennedy Sobon, Nhi Lam, and Ana Sheehy, all from the Class of 2022, as well as the work from from the 2020 and 2021 classes.  
 
According to a press release, the artists explore how art can re-tell and re-shape common narratives. From mental illness to fairytales and culture, this exhibition shows how artists use their mediums to explore the different facets of storytelling by telling their own personal stories or the stories from their cultures.  
 
About the Artists 
 
Kennedy Sobon '22 is an artist who uses fashion as a vehicle to explore her relationship with mental illness and self-love. She states that "my artwork is an extension of myself. It gives meaning to what my words cannot." 
 
Nhi Lam '22 works primarily in digital art, and through her large poster illustrations she explores her Vietnamese culture and the experiences that come from growing up with both American and Vietnamese influences.  
 
Ana Sheehy '22 uses an array of traditional mediums. Through the image of the unicorn, they explore how different mediums affect the ways that we experience art, stating that "every medium has its own baggage that comes from the social biases we impose on it, and we cannot look at a piece of art without acknowledging that social baggage."   
 
This exhibition will also serve as a celebration of returning to in-person exhibitions. 
 
"The past two years have really taken a toll on our art students. It's hard to make art in a remote situation! As a result, the class of '22 will be inviting alumni from the past two years to join the show to re-exhibit their student artwork, or some of their most recent endeavors," said Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski, advisor to art students, along with Professor of Art Greg Scheckler.   
 
For additional information on "Stigmas and Stories: Changing the Narrative" contact (413) 662-5324 or go to https://www.mcla.edu/mcla-in-the-community/bcrc/mcla-gallery-51/index.php

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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