Artwork by students at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will be showcased in "Stories of North Adams: MCLA Student Art Show 2008," April 24 through May 25, in MCLA Gallery 51.

The exhibit will begin with an opening reception on Thursday, April 24, 5-7 p.m., in the Main Street gallery. The event is free and open to the public. It will include a performance by MCLA music professor Christine Condaris' New Music Consort, which will perform four original student compositions.

Although throughout the year, MCLA Gallery 51 exhibits works by artists from around the world, once a year, the College is delighted to showcase our own students, said Jonathan Secor, director of special programs at MCLA.

Coordinated by MCLA faculty, staff, and students, the exhibition will includes works from the advanced art lab courses, including artworks from the "People Project" by graduating seniors Alyssa Weissblatt, Anne Krivoshey, Aaron Andrews, plus meditations on nature in the Berkshires including paintings by Haley Waugh, Shanna Mezcywor and Sylvia Birns-Swindlehurst.

The show also will include numerous artworks from students across campus, as they reveal their own stories of North Adams.

"Each year, students from across campus create visual artworks of all types from gutsy photography, to subtle paintings and collage experiments. In previous years we've had about 100 students submit work for the show – this year is sure to be exceptional with many great visual surprises for all to enjoy," said Gregory Scheckler, MCLA art professor.

"Stories of North Adams: MCLA Student Art Show 2008" will run through May 25. MCLA Gallery 51 is at 51 Main St., North Adams. The Gallery is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, 413-664-8718.