© 2011 by Riverbend Designs
"MAC has brought a new level of culture to our Main Street, and it's so inspiring to see what talent we have right here in our little community!"
... Wendy
158 Main Street Newport, VT 05855 802-334-1966
"It gives all artists a feeling of accomplishment"
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. . happy49R
In January of 2007, both artists and members of the community-at-large were invited to "GOT ART", an informational / planning meeting held in the Emory Hebard State Office Building. Some skepticism still existed and several said it couldn't be done.
By this point a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation had been received and
it was decided to rent the storefront at 167 Main Street in Downtown Newport for
the site of our Center.
"The Before Party" was held on October 16th in the newly painted
Center space (with the help from our local Scout Troop 84) The walls were lined with
the needs of the Center, wine and cheese and entertainment welcomed a good-sized
group of people whose interest had been peaked with the "Coming Soon" signs in the
windows.
We continued to grow and soon wanted our own space again. In time for our 3rd anniversary, we moved into our present location, again doubling our size and being located between the new Baan Thai restaurant, Wider Than the Sky store, and Montgomery’s Cafe. Another grant from the Vermont Community Foundation and gifts from our members made the move a smooth one. It’s truly great place to be!
Our first big event was the ‘new’ annual Art In Bloom event where we welcomed 15 floral designers who chose artwork and made complementing floral arrangements, as well as the new 15 piece Newport Area Community Orchestra. Over 150 attended. What a night it was!
It looks like we’ll be ‘settled’ for awhile. We’ve just signed a new 2 year lease at our current location. It’s such a great space!
We continue to watch guest visits increase and given the economy, sales remain steady. Our events are being well attended and we look forward to new classes and workshops in 2012.
The Memphremagog Arts Collaborative began at a meeting of area artists in October of 2006 when initial plans for the Collaborative were outlined after several former groups had tried and abandoned their dream.
The Center formally opened on November 17, 2007 with Governor and Mrs. Jim Douglas cutting the ribbon along with the Board of Directors. Over 150 people attended. In April of 2009, we negotiated for a space which would double our size and give us greater Visibility and branding possibilities.
