April '25 News Blog
News briefs from the HCC campus and beyond
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Courtyard Murmuration
In the world of birding, “murmuration” describes the synchronous, swarming movements of a giant flock of starlings as they twist and turn together in the sky. Inspired by that ornithological phenomenon, liberal arts major Alison Smythe ’25 created “Murmurations,” an improvisational music and dance performance that she led for one hour in the HCC Courtyard on a recent Wednesday. “So, we have five musicians who are basing the music they’re playing on the movements of seven dancers,” she explained, “and then the dancers are basing their movements on what they’re hearing from the musicians. It’s kind of this big, feedback loop.” Smythe developed “Murmurations” as an honors project for “Be the Change: The World Needs You,” an honors colloquium taught by professors Vanessa Martinez and Adina Giannelli. “My central theme with this project is interconnection and how we affect one another,” Smythe said. “I’m looking at how humans work better when we work together, instead of just on our own, individually. This is an artistic representation of that idea.” PHOTO: Alison Smythe, right, performs “Murmurations” with her troupe of dancers and musicians in the HCC Courtyard.
Visual Art Awards
The Visual Art department recognized 12 outstanding students with awards during an April 17 reception opening the 2025 Student Art Exhibition in the Taber Art Gallery. Prizes for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Art were awarded to McKallum Malanowski of Chicopee and Christina Ruggiero-Corliss of Northampton. Seven students received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Visual Art: Grace Vo of Amherst, Kelechi Ibiam of Randolph, Sarah Sabo of Easthampton, Midaz Campbell of South Hadley, Stephen Walbridge of Westfield, Enely Bonilla of Holyoke, and Amber Patruno of South Hadley. Valentina Vinces of Westfield, Nikki Recchia of Hadley, and Sarah Carragher of South Hadley received the Pulp City Art Editor Award. PHOTO: First-year Visual Art student Ariana Jones tours the Taber Art Gallery during the 2025 Student Art Exhibition.
