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, or MAC, is a special place in Morgantown, West Virginia. It's located near the campus of West Virginia University. The MAC opened its doors in 1978. It is a non-profit center for arts and culture. This means it focuses on art, not on making money.
The MAC's goal is to be a home for the arts. It shows the work of artists. It also helps people learn about art through different programs. The building has two art galleries and a theater for shows. It's even working on new projects. These include an online radio station. The MAC building is also recognized as a historic place.
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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 that houses the Monongalia Arts Center was built in 1913. It has a style called Classical Revival. A person named Oscar Wenderoth designed it. For many years, it was a post office. People knew it as the Old Morgantown Post Office. The government owned it until 1975.
In 1975, the Louis F. Tanner family bought the building. Mabel Tanner, a local art critic, had a dream. She wanted a place for all kinds of art. This included a theater, art galleries, and classrooms. She wanted a central spot to help art grow. After she passed away in 1974, her family made her dream come true.
In 1976, the family started the Monongalia County Arts Association, Inc.. Their goal was to create a community arts center. After two years of planning, the MAC officially opened in 1978. In 1979, the MAC building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It's part of the Downtown Morgantown Historic District.
Art Galleries and Theater
The MAC has special areas for showing art and performances. These areas help artists share their work with the community.
Benedum Gallery
The Benedum Gallery is on the first floor of the MAC. It was created in 1979. This gallery shows new art exhibits every month. The art comes from many different cultures and styles. The gallery is easy to access for everyone. It is open on weekdays and Saturday afternoons. You can find out what's currently showing at the MAC or on their website.
Robert M. Davis Gallery
The Robert M. Davis Gallery is on the second floor. It was started in 2004 by local people. This gallery is a place for new artists to show their unique art. In 2007 and 2008, the gallery got bigger and better. It now covers over 800 square feet. This was possible thanks to a grant and community volunteers.
Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre
The Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre was named in 1981. This room is the MAC's space for performing arts. Over the years, many different shows have been held here. These include plays, classic theater, and music performances. The theater can also be rented for events. People use it for things like wedding receptions. Since 2008, the MAC has also hosted local and touring bands here.
Classes and Workshops
The MAC offers many classes and workshops for people of all ages. You can learn different skills here.
Some popular classes include Zumba, yoga, and Kindermusik. The center also has two free sewing groups. They are called Sew What?! and MACKnitters. Artists can also join ongoing studio sessions for figure drawing. The MAC offers music and art lessons at a very good price. Another fun program is MAC Improv. This group meets every Tuesday evening.
See also
- List of United States post offices
