ABOUT | Middletown Arts Center
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PROMOTING ART IN THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1957

OUR HISTORY

Middletown Arts Center was founded in 1957 by the Art Committee of the Federation of Women's Clubs of Middletown. It was originally known as Middletown Fine Arts Center and  located in the basement of the American Legion. When starting out, the Fine Arts Department  at Miami University in Oxford sold stools, easels and lockers to the Arts Center for the total sum of $1.00. Thanks to this generous sale, the Arts Center was well on its way and thrived in this location for many years.

 

In 1965, the Middletown Fine Arts Center became part of Arts in Middletown, better known as AIM. It moved to its current location at 130 N. Verity Pkwy in 1975. Middletown Fine Arts Center, Middletown Lyric Theater, and Middletown Symphony Orchestra were all operated by AIM. In 2002, AIM ceased as an operating organization. Middletown Fine Arts Center bought the building from AIM and took over the operation of the building. Around that time, they re-branded as Middletown Arts Center (MAC) and have done business under that name ever since.

 

  • MAC has an average of 160-175 classes offered during the year to students of all ages and experience levels

  • Enrollment for the classes and workshops averages 1,200 - 1,400 annually.​

  • Our gallery (front lobby) features 8-10 exhibits annually

  • We curate 8-10 satellite exhibits annually at the Atrium Medical Center in Middletown

  • We feature 8 large exhibits annually in our Exhibit Hall including an Area Art Show, a Student Show,  and Tomorrows Artist Today for students ages 13-18

What We Do

Art Education

​Classes and workshops in Ceramics, Drawing, Fiber Arts, Glass, Jewelry, Oil and Acrylic Painting, Photography, Enameling, Watercolor, and more for all ages and abilities

Art Exhibits

MAC hosts a dynamic Exhibition Season featuring diverse visual arts media providing FREE, family-friendly, equitable access to arts and cultural experiences in the heart of our community.

Community Outreach

We nurture artistic opportunities within our community through our outreach programming. Offering unique creative experiences to those within underserved populations is vital to our mission of providing art education for all.

Youth + Teen Programs

In 2021 the MAC increased Youth + Teen Programming offerings by 65%, filling a community need while many area youth were struggling with virtual learning and isolation, seeking hands-on, in-person, creative experiences.

Artist Support

The MAC provides a variety of ways that artists can be active in our creative community. Learning opportunities, juried shows, retail sales, and more.

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