Mass MoCA: Good Times at the Badlands Opening

Our friend Leslie Ferrin, the Pittsfield gallery owner, filed this report from the opening of Mass MoCA's powerful new show, Badlands: New Horizons in Landscapet. "The mood was upbeat last Saturday night. The enthusiastic audience included a lively mix of artists, curators, musuem and gallerists, patrons and public. It turned out on a beautiful evening to welcome what is sure to be a huge draw this summer in the Berkshries for anyone interested in contemporary art and the Mass MOCA experience. It makrs a return to the visually appealing mix of media, scale, content and concept with just the right edge of political and environmental commentary--sure to stimulate discussion during the election season. This show will provide the '08 cultural tourist and family visitor with an accessible contemporary art experience."

Berkshire Fine Arts blogger Charles Guiliano and Astrid Heimer.

Boreas Gallery owner Scott Langenour in one Vaughn Bell's Personal Home Biospheres, 2008, which were commissioned by MASS MoCA for this exhibition.

Georgia Berry, Fiona Berry, and their parents Monica Berry, a conservator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Ian Berry, Skidmore College TANG Museum curator, with Katherine Myers, director of Public Relations at Mass MoCA

Mass MoCA director Joe Thompson with biologist Sam Bowser; Red Lion Inn owner Nancy Fitzpatrick with Kristen Johanson, a member of MASS MoCA's Director's Advisory Council

Participating artist Leila Daw, writer Patricia Lyga, photographer Kay Canavino, & artist Naoe Suzuki

Pittsfield Cultural Development VISTA Volunteer Marla Robertson with Williams College campus life coordinator Arif Smith; Pittsfield Cultural Development Director Megan Whilden and Joan Clark with artist and Ferrin Gallery co-owner Donald Clark