Mendocino Art Center Update

July 5, 2023

What we are doing to put MAC on course to being restored as a vital, valued, and
sustainable asset to the community

MAC is reconnecting with a community that is increasingly realizing that there must be increased involvement with our organization to continue to provide the benefits of bringing artists and artwork to our rural community while supporting the artists that live here. 

MAC is cultivating new members and creating connections with other arts organizations. The Mendocino Theater Company used the Stevenson Studio for rehearsals for their production of Woody Guthrie’s American Song. Figure Drawing, Frame Drumming & Jewelry Open studios are in progress, as well as ongoing Ceramics and Youth classes. Quality exhibitions are continuing in our galleries, which are free to the public and open every day, 11-4. 

In August, the Members’ Juried Show will feature a theme of “Glorious Gardens” and landscape architect Board member Todd Cole will unveil his fantastic master plan for the campus at the reception on Second Saturday, August 12th. We are planning our biggest fundraiser, the Mendocino Open Paint Out for September 17-24. The Native American Expo is planned for the end of October. 

We have been working with a new group of artists, Mendo Art Co-lab, that understand the importance of the arts for the healing and integrity of our local population, as well as the need to connect with visitors in this unique way through exhibitions and events. 

Strategic Planning

The MAC Board voted for Scenario #4 (1+2=4): Teaching Artist in Residence & Cultural Hub (including a Professional Workshop program). MAC leadership is finishing the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan based on this Scenario created during workshops with our consultant, Kay Sprinkel Grace. Now we are developing a new business plan & budget to finalize the plan. Outreach for substantial support will be targeted on the new plan goals. The Community Foundation of Mendocino through the Jack & Chatter Bishoff Fund have been supporting this effort and we all hope that the new plan will bring sustainability and stability to this vital organization. 

Leadership

Welcome Seth Charles as our new Interim Executive Director. Seth has been our Ceramics/AIRs coordinator for almost a year and is now a member of our community. 

The focus of our implementation of our new Strategic Plan will be on hiring the right qualified people who care about Mendocino and the impact of art on everyone’s lives. Good leadership is essential. 

Board

Our full mission statement is: Communities thrive when those who create and support the arts come together to share the joy of creative flow. For more than 60 years, the Mendocino Art Center has been the artistic heart of the North Coast, the place where art happens.

It is time to reach out to the community to ask who feels led to step up for Board service at the MAC. We have a core group of Board members that have been carrying the load of service for many years, and it is time to pass the torch to those who are motivated to help our community thrive through the rewarding work of leading this organization. Please reach out to a Board member or Board President Debra Lennox if you are interested. 

Fundraising

Thanks to so many that stepped up to donate and help us realize our Matching Grant Challenge. The grant was awarded at $50k, the MAC Board raised $50K and the Community contributed $50K. This show of support encourages us to find more ways to be the “place where art happens”. These funds are what have been keeping MAC alive and continuously being “the place where art happens”. Please consider making a donation today, or joining if you are not a current member. In order to keep our quality exhibitions and events available to the public, we need your support.