The Macomb Arts Center is ready to show off improvements to its first-floor gallery space.
“We’re so excited for people to see it,” said MAC Board President Heidi Clemmens.
The MAC, 25 East Side Square in downtown Macomb, shut down in mid-December so that the group’s board members and other volunteers could complete the project.
Clemmens said it takes a lot of effort to keep the arts center going, but she considers it a labor of love.
“All of the work that we’ve done on the renovation, all of the events that we host, everything that happens is all volunteer,” she said.
Funding for the MAC is also driven by the generosity of others through memberships, donations, and grants.
The renovation project included installation of new flooring on the first floor, replacing carpeting that was at least 40 years old.
Clemmens says they’ve also made other improvements, which will be unveiled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, during a reception for members, donors, and volunteers.
The general public can see the renovations starting next week when a new art exhibit opens. It features the works of local students. An opening reception and awards ceremony for “Young Artists I: Middle, Junior High, & High School” will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7.
Other exhibits this spring include:
- Macomb Fiberarts Guild, March 18 to April 12
- Young Arts II: Elementary School, April 15 to 26
- Members & Friends + Macomb Artisans Guild; May 6 to 31
- James Walker Henry & John Carlson; June 3 to 28
Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Clemmens called the MAC a community space that displays art through much of the year, hosts a children’s theater program in the summer, features music and dance performances, and holds other events as well.
“There is so much joy to be had here when people gather, and there is so much learning to be had here,” Clemmens said.
“It’s been a really wonderful space and it’s an even better space now.”
She said Saturday’s event will also be a Sweet 16 celebration because the organization bought the building 16 years ago.
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