Monongalia Arts Center facts for kids
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| Established | 1976 (opened 1978) |
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| Location | Morgantown, West Virginia |
| Type | Art museum (fine arts, applied arts, modern art), Theatre |
The Monongalia Arts Center, also known as the MAC, is a special place for art and culture in Morgantown, West Virginia. It is located close to West Virginia University. The MAC first opened its doors in 1978. It is a non-profit center, meaning it focuses on helping the community rather than making money.
The MAC's main goal is to be a home for all kinds of art. It shows off the work of artists who create visual art, like paintings, and performing artists, like actors or musicians. The center also helps people learn more about art through different classes and programs. Inside the building, you'll find two art galleries and a theatre for live performances. The building itself is very old and important, so it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of the MAC Building
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Old Morgantown Post Office
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 107 High St., Morgantown, West Virginia |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Wenderoth, Oscar |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002593 |
| Added to NRHP | March 28, 1979 |
The beautiful building where the Monongalia Arts Center is located was built in 1913. It was owned by the government for many years. In September 1975, the Louis F. Tanner family bought the building. It was designed by an architect named Oscar Wenderoth. The building's style is called Classical Revival. For a long time, it served as the main post office for Morgantown. It was known as the Old Morgantown Post Office.
Mabel Tanner was a very important person in the Morgantown art scene. She founded the Morgantown Players and wrote about art for over 40 years. She dreamed of a place that would have a theatre, art galleries, classrooms, and workshops. This place would be a central spot to support and grow the arts in the community. After she passed away in 1974, her family bought the old post office building.
In 1976, Mabel's family started the Monongalia County Arts Association, Inc.. Their goal was to create the community arts center that Mabel had imagined. After two years of planning, the Mon. County Arts Association officially opened the MAC to the public in 1978.
In 1979, the MAC building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed as the "Old Morgantown Post Office." It is also part of the Downtown Morgantown Historic District, which was listed in 1996.
Art Galleries and Theatre
Benedum Gallery
The Benedum Gallery is on the first floor of the MAC. It was created in 1979 with help from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. This gallery features new art exhibits every month. These exhibits show art from many different cultures and artistic styles. The gallery is easy to access for everyone and is open on weekdays and Saturday afternoons. You can find out what's currently showing by visiting the center or checking their website.
Robert M. Davis Gallery
The Robert M. Davis Gallery is the MAC's second art gallery. It is located on the second floor. This gallery was started in 2004 by local artists and community members. It was created to show off new and exciting art forms and artists who are just starting out. In 2007 and 2008, the gallery was made much bigger and improved. This was possible thanks to a grant from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and many community volunteers. The Robert M. Davis Gallery has a special hanging system for art and covers over 800 square feet of space.
Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre
The Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre was named in 1981. This room is the MAC's main space for performing arts. Over the years, many different types of shows have been held here. These include plays, classic theatre productions, and even unique music performances. The theatre can also be rented by the public for events like wedding receptions or private parties. Since 2008, the MAC has regularly hosted local and touring bands for concerts in this space.
Classes and Workshops
The MAC offers many different classes and workshops for people of all ages. Some of the popular classes include Zumba, yoga, and Kindermusik. The center also has two free groups for people who enjoy sewing and knitting, called Sew What?! and MACKnitters. Artists can also join ongoing studio sessions to practice figure drawing throughout the year. The MAC also provides some of the most affordable private music and art lessons in the area. Another fun program is MAC Improv, which meets every Tuesday evening.
See also
- List of United States post offices
