Category: MAC MEMOS

We start the MAC news of the month with “Thanks” for the great generosity of all who participated in our TAG SALE on January 30 and made it such a successful fund raiser. We actually made over $1,300 ! The few items not sold were donated to local charities so everyone benefits. Our profits will go the ART PARK fund as part of Phase 2, Planning and Development. As you pass, do enjoy seeing the ART PARK in its natural beauty, sometimes even with snow. We will keep you informed of its progress and welcome anyone who would like to bring ideas and serve on the Phase 2 committee.

This month’s 4th Friday @ the Arts Cafe is on February 26, with “Celtic Melody“, an evening of Irish music and history led by Liz Raymond and her five musicians. Regardless of the weather, the warmth of the Irish will liven the Art Gallery and our audience, so do plan to attend. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30. BYOWine and settle in for a fun evening.

The very next evening, February 27, “Seat Of Our Pants” has rented MAC for a party from 7-10 p.m. to celebrate the release of their newest CD. What a delightful way to celebrate together with this beloved local group: Caroline Brodginski, Michael Frantzen, Jeff Gorman, and Mark Hall. Check the news media for details.

Now for a very special offer to our artist members: Ted Chambers of Marlborough, who has many years of experience in matting and framing art works is offering – free of charge – his services to our artists. He can be reached by telephone at (860) 836-2390 and looks forward to sharing his expertise with fellow artists. This is a very special offer indeed and we all appreciate his great generosity.

AND, for those of you who like to plan in advance, we will have two new art classes starting in March: “Digital Photography for Beginners” led by Peter Glass and “Drawing for Beginners”, led by Aldo Passarelli. These are great opportunities for the hidden artist within us ‘non-artists’ to be brought out by two wonderful and patient instructors. Check out details on our website: www.marlborougharts.org or call (860) 295-9389 and leave a message for either Peter or Aldo.

So, Happy February, our shortest month and the one whose weather is most unpredictable. What is predictable is that there will always be warmth and camaraderie at the Arts Center.

Happy New Year to all. The cold is coming and so are two events you’ll enjoy at the Arts Center. Our first 4th Friday @ the Arts Cafe of the year features Dan Stevens, internationally-known acoustical blues guitarist on January 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Charles W. Hall Art Gallery. He has just won the Connecticut Blues Challenge and will represent our state at the International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in Memphis just after playing at MAC. He’s known as a story teller and will be playing some rare primitive guitars during this fascinating evening. Full details are on our website (www.marlborougharts.org) and in various news media.

Second big event is a TAG SALE fund raiser on January 30, from 9-1 p.m. Two years ago we held our first TAG SALE that was so successful we are having another. There will be gently used household items, except for clothes and electronics. Drop off times at the lower level of MAC are on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the month: Tuesdays: 1/12, 1/19, & 1/26 from 6-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays: 1/16, 1/23 from 10-12 a..m. Bring your items to donate to the sale and then return to find bargains for yourself. Items not sold are offered to the Food Bank and the Scouts, so your contributions help MAC and the greater community too.

REMINDER: Membership letters have been sent out and we hope you renew soon for the 2016 year. Just fill out the membership form & send it and a check for your dues to 231 North Main Street, Marlborough, CT 06447. A lot has been happening at MAC, and will continue to be happening , thanks to your wonderful support.

Best wishes to each of you in this holiday month and to a very busy month at MAC.

We are having a Grand Closing Sale of everything in the Gift Shop. The Sale is on Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to buy the art and unique crafted items of our artist members, to have a piece of MAC for yourself or for those whom you are planning to give a gift. Artistic items include, but are not limited to: wreaths, jewelry, ceramic mugs/platters/vases, hand-crafted wooden bowls and walking canes, beeswax candles, decorations, paintings, prints ready for framing, and even hand-knit scarves. Each piece is unique and everyone would appreciate having such a present.

During this month the Art Gallery will be filled with light, music, and dance as we host the Marlborough Elementary School Band and 6th grade Chorus on December 3, Caroline Doctorow’s “Music Box Concert” of Christmas sing-a-long music on the 6th, and the Dance Academy of Colchester’s Annual Holiday Dance Spectacular on December 12 and 13.

Remember that we rent out our beautiful facilities for private parties and have had anniversary, shower, and even a wedding planned at MAC. Guests who visit for the first time have an universal “Wow” response to the setting and consider it a “hidden jewel”. We are delighted to bring this jewel out of hiding, so think of MAC when you plan an event. (leave a message at : 860 295-9389 and the appropriate Board Members will get back to you with details).

In the meantime, whatever holidays you celebrate: May they be Happy and filled with warmth and joy.

MAC BOARD

How did November come so quickly? But it is here. The leaves are leaving. Thanksgiving is yet to come. And MAC has a couple of special treats for you before that wonderful holiday is upon us.

TREAT 1: An “Arts Weekend”, Saturday & Sunday, November 14 & 15, 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m., when both local & regional artists and artisans will present their unique creations for sale. This is early holiday shopping at its best! The artists have priced their work to sell so everyone benefits. Whatever you can think of, we will have including ceramics, jewelry, artifacts that anyone would enjoy receiving, hand-knitted scarves in luscious colors, fine crafts, and smaller paintings. Do drop in. Sales are by cash or check.

TREAT 2: Our Annual Gail Wade Concert , Friday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. Gail Wade has devoted fans who follow her concerts and MAC is honored to have her play here every November. Admission at the door is $15/person. This is not our usual 4th Friday at the Arts Cafe evening, so please note that bringing your own wine or drinks is not allowed. Be sure to come early when the doors open at 7:00 to get a seat because Gail Wade’s music is a very special treat and not to be missed.

PEEK at early December Treat: The Elementary School Band and singers will perform at MAC on Thursday, December 3. More details to come…

Happy Novembering!

WHAT A MONTH WE HAVE IN STORE FOR EVERYONE! This is the month of the intercultural and interactive “El Dia de los Muertos” events from October 10 – November 1. This unique offering brings the Mexican Celebration of the Day of the Dead to Marlborough with art, music, crafts, classes, food and active participation by people of all ages.

The Art Gallery opens on Saturday, October 10, 1-4 p.m. and remains open every weekend day through November 1, the actual celebration of the Day of the Dead from 1-6:30 p.m.

Be sure to put on your calendars right now, and make reservations for, the ARTISTS RECEPTION and MEXICAN BUFFET on Friday, October 16, from 6-8 p.m. Admission is $10/person including meeting the artists, the delicious Mexican food served buffet style, Sangria, an outdoor candlelight procession at 7:30, and music by Rich Johnson. You will also hear an interesting overview and history of the celebration “El Dia de los Muertos” and how we in America have many ties to this day dedicated to memories of our loved ones who have died.

Make reservations early with Diane Sandler, (860) 295-8242. Seating is limited and you do not want to miss this treat!

See the details on our website www.marlborougharts.org for all the classes and weekend artistic activities.

And of course, there is our 4th Friday @ the Arts Cafe on Friday, October 23 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. The Kenn Morr Band returns by popular demand. He is an internationally known song writer and musician whose acoustic band always thrills the audience. He has a velvety baritone that makes his sings based on life experiences touch everyone. Admission is $10/person. Doors open at 7; Gift Shop will be open. BYOWine with other refreshments available.

The weather may be cool, but the action at MAC is hot . Do join in.

NOTE: We are looking for a new Director for the Gift Shop. This is an interesting opening for someone who has part-time time to give to MAC. If interested, contact Riva Clark at:

rclark@red-thread.com