Arts Education at the MAC

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Arts Education at the MAC To nurture and inspire young artists in Merced County by creating a place of artistic discovery, com In addition to operating this 28,000 sq. Main Street.

The MAC (Multicultural Arts Center) is owned by the City of Merced and managed by the Merced County Arts Council (MCAC). Incorporated in 1978, the MCAC was originally operated from a small office space on Main Street. In 1996, the City of Merced entrusted the Arts Council to manage the (MAC). foot, multipurpose arts center, the Arts Council manages ArTree, an arts-in-education program; an arts facility for adults with developmental disabilities; performances and visual/performing arts classes for children and adults; professional support for artists through fiscal sponsorship; art exhibits throughout the year; and newfound coalitions for visual and performing artists. In 1978, the Goldman Fund was left to the City of Merced in memory of Morris and Amelia Goldman. Held in trust for creation of a multi-functional arts and cultural community center, the Goldman Fund came into play as an element of the City’s 1991 Downtown Strategy to revitalize the historic core of the community. In 1994, the City of Merced’s Redevelopment Agency and the MCAC joined in partnership to renovate the once grand 28,000 square foot Montgomery Wards department store at 645 W. The MAC is a modern, open three story facility providing space and support for arts education, training, world-class performances, tours, and five galleries showcasing arts and cultural exhibits of local, regional and national importance. Included is the Arbor Gallery; a retail cooperative of over 30 regional artists.

10/13/2026

Great news! We’re extending the deadline for Merced County’s Student Art Contest!

We want to make sure all our talented student artists have the opportunity to share their creativity, so we’re giving them a little extra time to bring their masterpieces to life!

New Submission Deadline: Friday, October 30, at 5:00 PM

Whether your students are adding those final brushstrokes or just getting their creative ideas on paper, we can’t wait to see their amazing artwork!

Teachers, art instructors, and school staff: Please help spread the word by sharing this update with your art classes, department heads, and school communities.

Thank you for supporting the arts and encouraging creativity in our schools!

Have questions about the contest or submission guidelines? Email us at [email protected]

TODAY!! At the MAC from 1:00 to 3:00pm, it’s time for Kids and Family Day! We will be creating rainsticks! Come along an...
10/11/2026

TODAY!! At the MAC from 1:00 to 3:00pm, it’s time for Kids and Family Day! We will be creating rainsticks! Come along and enjoy the fun 😊. All materials are provided, no reservations needed. This is a free community event!!

TOMORROW!! On Sunday, Oct 11, from 1-3:00pm, it’s time for Kids & Family Day! We’ll be creating rain sticks and learning...
10/10/2026

TOMORROW!! On Sunday, Oct 11, from 1-3:00pm, it’s time for Kids & Family Day! We’ll be creating rain sticks and learning about how real rain sticks are made 😊. And we’ve got a real rain stick to show you! Fill your rain stick with a handful of dried beans (stronger sound) or with rice for a gentle shower. This is a free activity, no reservations are needed. Materials and instruction will be provided. Come along and enjoy the fun!

THIS SUNDAY!! It’s time for Kids & Family Day at the MAC!! On October 11th from 1:00 to 3:00pm we’ll be making rainstick...
10/09/2026

THIS SUNDAY!! It’s time for Kids & Family Day at the MAC!! On October 11th from 1:00 to 3:00pm we’ll be making rainsticks 😍. Come along and enjoy the fun! This event is free to the public and no reservations are needed. Young artists can paint with tempera paint sticks, older kids can use acrylic paint.

10/08/2026

Here is tonight's program for "The MAC at 30" exhibit opening. Also opening tonight is our annual Haunted Blacksmith Shop. Looking forward to seeing you!

10/07/2026

The Old Montgomery Ward Building was renovated and reopened as the Merced Multicultural Arts Center in 1996. Please join us this Thursday at 5 p.m. for the opening of "The MAC at 30: A Canvas of Community" exhibit.

Join us tomorrow at the Merced County Courthouse Museum!
10/07/2026

Join us tomorrow at the Merced County Courthouse Museum!

  By KATHY HANSEN Special to the Times Not long ago, the Courthouse Museum celebrated America’s 250th Anniversary with a patriotic presentation on the steps of the Old Courthouse. On Oct. 8, local groups and performers — including singer Michelle Allison, entertainer Arturo Barajas, poet Joyce ...

10/05/2026
10/01/2026

Please join us for "The MAC at 30" exhibit opening at the Merced County Courthouse Museum on October 8.

We’re excited to be on exhibit at the County Courthouse Museum!
09/29/2026

We’re excited to be on exhibit at the County Courthouse Museum!

Merced County Courthouse Museum will open “The MAC at 30: A Canvas of Community” exhibit on Thursday, October 8, at 5 p.m. The Merced Multicultural Arts Center (The MAC) is the artistic hub of Merced County. It nurtures a passion for the arts and strives to bridge cultural divides and make the arts accessible to all. The Merced County Arts Council staff and volunteers, led by Kathy Hansen, worked closely with the Courthouse Museum to present a history that honors The MAC’s 30 years of community enrichment. Showcasing The MAC’s humble beginnings and award-winning projects, this exhibit intertwines arts and history in a beautiful display. At the exhibition opening, an art and performance festival will take place in front of the Courthouse Museum at 6 p.m. Performers include Michelle Allison, Arturo Barajas, Joyce Dale, Auntie Becky and South Pacific Dance Company, Skyhawk Haynes, Niara Jones, and Merced Academy of Dance. The exhibit will run through February 14, 2027. For more information about the exhibition, please contact the Museum office at (209) 723-2401.

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645 W Main St
Merced, CA
95340

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