official press release about my art

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WINNERS OF ‘HAIRY ART’ CONTEST ANNOUNCED, WORKS TO BE DISPLAYED IN MCLA GALLERY 51

NORTH ADAMS, MA – Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (NBCC) has announced the winners of its “Hairy Chest Artwork Exhibition” contest, whose artwork will be on display in MCLA Gallery 51 beginning Thursday, Nov. 29, alongside “The MySpace Show.”
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) student Jordan Pagan’s “Finally Five O’Clock,” along with “Untitled” and “Hairy Chest Art,” by local artists Erin Ko and Jaye Fox, respectively, were selected as the top three works among the 22 entries submitted. The entries initially were displayed at the 2007 Neighborhood EXPO, where those in attendance voted for their three favorites.
The three pieces will be on view at the opening reception for MCLA Gallery 51’s “The MySpace Show” on Thursday, Nov. 29, 5-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The “Hairy Chest Artwork Exhibition” came about after writer Joe Manning heard about a local man who worked at the former Strong-Hewat Mill in the 1950s. North Adams resident Carl Robare told Manning how he worked with a hairy-chested man who would remove his shirt in the heat. The man’s chest would turn the color of the blue or green dye being used in the textile factory because the wool particles would stick to him.
Manning came up with the idea of an art contest and, with the support of the NBCC, contacted MCLA Gallery 51 Manager Sean Riley, who organized the event.
“The MySpace Show” features the work of more than 40 “virtual friends” of MCLA Gallery 51’s MySpace page. The show will remain in the gallery through Jan. 27, 2008. MCLA Gallery 51 is at 51 Main St. in North Adams.

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, or go to www.mcla.edu/Gallery51 or www.myspace.com/mcla_gallery51 .