“The Art of Resistance—Creative Action by Greylock Together” at MCLA’s Gallery 51
September 14, 2026
Gallery 51 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will exhibit “The Art of
Resistance—Creative Action by Greylock Together.” The exhibition opens October 2 and
runs through December 11, 2026, with an opening reception Friday, Oct. 2 from 5-7
p.m. and First Friday events in November and December. Gallery 51 is located at 51
Main St. in North Adams. All events are free and open to the public.
The exhibition will feature resistance art, buttons, signs, films, music, and more.
Motivated by the wide spectrum of events and issues with which the country has been
consumed, Greylock Together has worked in the local community on numerous and varied pro-democracy fronts. All
have involved creative expression of one sort or another, and this exhibit has been
curated to present some of that incredible output. Contributions come from those who
have participated in Greylock Together, North Adams weekly standouts organized by
Eileen for Justice, Indivisible Pittsfield’s weekly standout, and Stand Up, Berkshires!
No Kings Rallies in Pittsfield.
Through open gallery hours and special events, the public is invited to take the time
to explore and celebrate the effort and creativity that has gone into this ongoing
fight for democracy.
From the curators: What is the significance of art when we think of political resistance?
“The Art of Resistance” brings together a wide range of artists, do-it-yourselfers,
and other politically engaged people working in various media to show the many ways
in which concerned citizens make their voices heard. These voices may be loud or subtle,
heard in protest marches and standouts, or expressed in quieter ways. This exhibit
reminds us that we are not alone in confronting threats to democracy. We invite you
to contemplate your own expression of protest to share with others and thereby create
a sense of community.
To be silent is to be complicit—art makes dissent visible. At a time of unprecedented
corruption in American politics, and with an administration that actively subverts
and suppresses voices of resistance, creative expression builds a permanent record
that cannot be erased. “The Art of Resistance” highlights the diverse work of local
activists who challenge the harms of the current political regime. Our art brings
to life the human spirit that cannot be crushed by force or intimidation.
We can all find ways to show up. Together, in this community. The exhibit and its
related programming are intended to inspire action. Everyone can contribute toward
positive change: call your representatives, use the 5Calls app, phone bank for battleground
races, write postcards, join a grassroots group. Anger, joy, community, and compassion
all offer deep wells for inspiration and action.
Special events connected to the exhibition include:
Opening Reception: Meet the Artists
Oct. 2, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.
Artists featured in the exhibit and members of Greylock Together and Eileen for Justice
will join visitors for refreshments. The event will be filled with fun. Music will
be provided by the Good Trouble String Band. Enjoy surprises, information, and more.
Zine-Making Workshop with Berkshires DSA
Nov. 6, 2026, from 6-8 p.m.
Maro Elliott, of the Berkshires Democratic Socialists of America, will lead a zine-making
workshop. Participants are invited to join this hands-on experience in a creative
form of communication and expression. Zines are a wonderful way to share ideas and
tell stories of all kinds.
Protest Open Mic
Nov. 18, 2026, from 6-8 p.m.
Let’s build community! Come out and share your thoughts. Bring music, poetry, spoken
word, or other type of performance piece. All are welcome. Everyone has a voice. Featured
performer TBA.
“An Artist Responds to War: Peter Schumann and the Bread and Puppet Theater,” a New
Film by Robbie Leppzer
Dec. 4, 2026, from 6-8 p.m.
Join filmmaker Robbie Leppzer for a special screening of his new film about the lifelong
activism of artist Peter Schumann, founder of the renowned Bread and Puppet Theater
in Glover, Vermont.
For more information: lnk.mcla.edu/artofresistance
About Greylock Together
Greylock Together is a grassroots Indivisible group serving Northern Berkshire County.
Since 2016, Greylock Together has worked in the local community on a thousand different
pro-democracy fronts. Our Action Teams are nimble with our organizing strategies,
and we encourage your ideas and leadership as we work to make our world more just,
equitable, and responsive. Greylock Together works on: rallies and protests, letter
and postcard-writing, phone banking, congressional office outreach and visits, book
discussion groups, campaign support and canvassing for progressive candidates, artivism,
guest speaker events, bus trips to marches, and direct support of local groups and
impacted neighbors who need us most. For more information: greylocktogether.org
About MCLA
At MCLA, we're here for all—and focused on each—of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed
to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered
to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 132-year commitment to
public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for
11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts
Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic
prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings
measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants