New Programs at the MAC
Marion, MA – The Marion Art Center announces a new music program as part of its Music at the MAC series, Unplugged in the MAC Gallery, which will feature a small ensemble of musicians in the MAC’s Patsy Francis Gallery (upstairs). The first event, scheduled on Friday, April 14, will feature Matt Richard and Donn Legge. This jazz guitar and piano duo was recently formed, but Matt and Donn have known each other and collaborated in many musical events beginning at Westfield State College in the early 1980s.

There will be two separate performances during the night, and each set will last about 45 minutes. Find a spot at a cabaret table to listen to a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by both artists. Guests will enjoy a refreshing setting at this “unplugged” performance featuring mainly acoustic sound, without the volume and density of bass and drums often experienced during larger concerts in the MAC Theater. Guests may bring their own beverages and snacks to enjoy in this intimate setting. The first “seating” on 4/14 will begin at 7:30pm, while the second will begin at 8:45pm. Tickets for one set are just $12 for MAC members (on sale now) and $15 for nonmembers (on sale 2/24). Capacity is limited to approximately 25 guests per set, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Of note: guests must access the room via a staircase leading to the second floor. Learn more and purchase tickets online at marionartcenter.org/events.

(Marion, MA) – Artist and Instructor Lisa Elliott will teach a new session of Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom, this time as a two-day workshop over two full Saturdays at the Marion Art Center, April 15 and 22. The class will meet both Saturdays from 9:00am-4:00pm, with a one-hour lunch break each day. Have you ever wanted to try weaving but not sure where to begin? In justtwo all-day classesyou can learn a new fiber skill and take home your very first woven project. Students will weave one of the following: a scarf, table runner, set of placemats, or set of tea towels. Looms and weaving equipment are provided, but students will provide their own yarns. Students will meet in the downstairs MAC Studio. The cost is $150 for MAC members and $160 for nonmembers, and the class is limited to six students. Register at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

Lisa Elliott will lead the MAC’s secondTextile Tuesday gathering on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 6-8pm. Join other fiber artists in the Marion Art Center Studio the last Tuesday of each month for a textile studio session. This is not a class but an opportunity to work on your own project next to other artists, share challenges, ideas and tips, show off projects (in process or completed), or ask for feedback. Enjoy the art-making process in a social setting and get inspired! Projects may include: knitting & crochet; embroidery or hand stitching; rigid heddle loom (pre-warped) or tabletop weaving; Sashiko mending; needlepoint felting; fabric collage; spinning; small quilting projects; other handicraft projects. This program is free to attend, but the MAC gladly accepts cash donations of any size to help offset its operational costs. To learn more and to register visit marionartcenter.org/events.

The MAC Seeks ArtStart Teachers, Theater Directors and Technicians
Marion, MA –The Marion Art Center is seeking a music teacher and a theater teacher for ArtStart 2023, the summer program for kids ages 4.5-9. Teachers are expected to be available for all five weeks of the program, which runs for Mon-Fri, 9:00am-12:30pm late June through July. Some exceptions may be made for occasional days off as needed. Those interested should send a letter of interest, a resume with relevant work experience, and a list of any conflicting dates during the summer program, to info@marionartcenter.org with "ArtStart teacher application" in the subject line. The program director will reach out to potential candidates for interviews. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Learn more at marionartcenter.org/artstart.

The MAC Theater is searching for play directors and sound/lighting interns or assistants. The Marion Art Center Theater produces up to five plays each year. Productions run the gamut from poignant dramas to laugh-out-loud musicals, all made possible by volunteer performers and crews passionate about creating theater of the highest quality. The stage has a professional lighting and sound system, and the intimate 60+ person theater was recently updated. The MAC offers a wonderful local theater experience to anyone who wants to get behind the scenes and join our troop of actors and stage crew. Directors and technicians both receive a stipend for each production. Training is available for those with limited experience who are interested. The MAC is a member of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theaters (EMACT). Interested parties should send name, contact info, and a resume or list of relevant work experience to [email protected] with “MAC Theater Director” or “MAC Theater Tech” in the subject line.