FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2007

Contact: Gregory Liakos, Communications Director 617-727-3668 x343
or Rob Watson, Communications Coordinator 617-727-3668 x268
or Sean Riley, Gallery 51 413-664-8718

PAINTED VISIONS EXHIBITION TO SHOWCASE AWARD-WINNING MASSACHUSETTS ARTISTS

MCC and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Gallery 51 present
Painted Visions: Paintings by Award-Winning Massachusetts Artists
September 27 - October 21, 2007
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 27, 5 - 7 pm

The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Gallery 51 will present Painted Vision: Paintings by Award-Winning Massachusetts Artists from September 27 - October 21, 2007 at Gallery 51 in North Adams. The exhibition showcases some of the Commonwealth’s most talented painters.

Painted Visions features ten painters recognized by MCC’s FY06 Artist Fellowships program: Thaddeus Beal (Somerville), Ken Beck (Boston), William Ciccariello (Concord), Frank Egloff (Jamaica Plain), Vico Fabbris (Jamaica Plain), Masako Kamiya (Dorchester), Sandy Litchfield (Amherst), Janet Rickus (Barrington), Sarah Slavick (Jamaica Plain), and Lucy White (Springfield). These painters were selected from a pool of almost 400 applicants. The jurors included painters Eric Aho and SoHyun Bae, as well as curators Nick Capasso and Helaine Posner.

“We’re pleased to partner with Gallery 51 in order to exhibit the work of these outstanding painters,” says Anita Walker, MCC’s Executive Director. “It’s clear that painting continues to be a thriving art form here in the Commonwealth. From exquisitely executed still-lifes to delicately rendered abstraction, this exhibition showcases the range of creative thinkers we are fortunate to support.”

MCC Artist Fellowships provide direct assistance to Massachusetts artists working across a range of disciplines, to recognize exceptional work and to support the further development of their talents. Artist Fellowships give individuals the financial ability to hone and deepen their craft.

Samples of the artists’ work can be found on Gallery@MCC, the MCC’s online showcase of Artist Fellows and Finalists.

Painted Visions is free and open to the public.

The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Gallery 51
51 Main Street, North Adams, MA
Gallery hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

About Gallery 51
A unique collaboration between area businesses and community leaders, the city of North Adams and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, MCLA Gallery 51 is operated by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and features the works of international, national and local artists, including MCLA faculty and students. It is supported by the MCC.

MCLA Gallery 51 is one among many initiatives related to the College’s expansions in the arts, which include expanded arts course offerings, remodeled art lab space, and arts and arts business internships.

Since its opening on July 28, 2005, MCLA Gallery 51 has shown the work of 136 artists in 19 exhibitions. Nearly 7,000 visitors have visited the Gallery for exhibitions, musical events, lectures, workshops, and more.

The Gallery integrates MCLA students and faculty with the local artist community and the downtown, putting on nearly one exhibit per month year-round. It’s opening receptions, which generally fall on the last Thursday of each month, typically attract an average of at least 120 people.

"The Gallery helps fill a space downtown, provides room for people to gather and meet, often with a couple hundred people attending its art openings, various concerts, and talks," said Gregory J. Scheckler, MCLA art professor and chair of the fine and performing arts department. "And then there's the art – a lot of top-notch works from nationally and internationally recognized artists, faculty, and students."

About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

MCC is a state agency committed to building a central place for arts and culture in the everyday lives of communities across the Commonwealth. It pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. MCC receives an annual appropriation from the state Legislature and funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources.

## Media Note: Please contact MCC Communications Dept at 617-727-3668 x343 or greg.liakos@state.ma.us for high-resolution images, or to arrange interviews with the artists.