MCLA's Gallery 51 to open illustrators' show

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' Gallery 51 will open its latest exhibition, "North Adams Illustrators" next week in the downtown.

The exhibition will showcase the original work of three professional illustrators who reside in North Adams.
Howard Cruse, Emily Daunis and John Shamburger all are trained illustrators who have had their work featured in national publications.

MCLA will host an opening reception the gallery at 51 Main St. on Thursday, March 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. The community is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served and the artists will be available to discuss their work.
Cruse has had a long career in illustration, publishing his work in magazines and comic books. His award-winning graphic novel "Stuck Rubber Baby" has been translated into several languages throughout the world.
Artforum International says of Cruse's novel, "(Stuck Rubber Baby) is bravura storytelling ... made specific, pungent, and singular by its setting in the Movement-era South" and it was named one of "The Best 100 Comics of the Century" by Comics Journal.

Daunis graduated with a major in illustration from the Art Institute of Boston. Since then she has lived in Boston and New York City focusing on her freelance illustration career until recently moving to North Adams to manage Papyri Books on Main Street.

Her most recent illustration assignment was for Peter Post's book "Essential Manners for Couples." For this exhibition, Daunis has created a series of illustrations based on her impressions of North Adams.
Shamburger holds two degrees in scenography, the study of painting theatrical scenery. He has also produced illustrations for a number of magazines, book covers and posters. Shamburger uses paint to create his colorful illustrations that depict a surreal and fantastical view of the human condition.

"North Adams Illustrators" will run from March 2 to April 23. The gallery is open from Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, (413) 662-5543.