NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MCLA is significantly enhancing its arts curriculum by developing a new teaching center through a gift from artist and author Carolyn Mary Campagna Kleefeld.

 

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President James Birge informed Tuesday's opening breakfast for the second semester that Campagna Kleefeld will fund the construction of the center on Porter Street and fund its operation for three years. The announcement prompted a wave of applause.

 

"Sometimes it seems to me like society has forgotten the value of a liberal arts education," he said. "Our work here, that of the faculty, staff and the administration, can seem lonely at times, but there are those wonderful moments in our lives when we're reminded of just how important our work is and that we are, in fact, not alone in our belief that liberal arts improves the world."

 

Work is expected to start immediately at 94 and 100 Porter St. with construction slated to begin in the fall. A public session to inform neighbors about the project will be held Jan. 30. The college will also offer updates on the project on its website.

 

Birge did not give a cost for the project but had told the Board of Trustees last year that the gift could be up to $10 million. 

 

The Campagna Kleefeld Center for Creativity in the Arts will support the college's programs by providing opportunities for students to engage with artists, their work, and the community. Located between the science center and the Church Street Center, it will be the primary gallery and arts programming space on campus.

 

College officials say it will serve as a "dynamic and flexible space" for faculty engagement and curricular innovation, fostering meaningful interactions with a rotating array of exhibits and programs.