Arts Education at the MAC

Arts Education at the MAC To nurture and inspire young artists in Merced County by creating a place of artistic discovery, com In addition to operating this 28,000 sq. Main Street.

The MAC (Multicultural Arts Center) is owned by the City of Merced and managed by the Merced County Arts Council (MCAC). Incorporated in 1978, the MCAC was originally operated from a small office space on Main Street. In 1996, the City of Merced entrusted the Arts Council to manage the (MAC). foot, multipurpose arts center, the Arts Council manages ArTree, an arts-in-education program; an arts fac

ility for adults with developmental disabilities; performances and visual/performing arts classes for children and adults; professional support for artists through fiscal sponsorship; art exhibits throughout the year; and newfound coalitions for visual and performing artists. In 1978, the Goldman Fund was left to the City of Merced in memory of Morris and Amelia Goldman. Held in trust for creation of a multi-functional arts and cultural community center, the Goldman Fund came into play as an element of the City’s 1991 Downtown Strategy to revitalize the historic core of the community. In 1994, the City of Merced’s Redevelopment Agency and the MCAC joined in partnership to renovate the once grand 28,000 square foot Montgomery Wards department store at 645 W. The MAC is a modern, open three story facility providing space and support for arts education, training, world-class performances, tours, and five galleries showcasing arts and cultural exhibits of local, regional and national importance. Included is the Arbor Gallery; a retail cooperative of over 30 regional artists.

08/29/2026

Here's a recap of our most recent Kid's & Family Day, celebrating the Māori culture of New Zealand by painting the significant Koru symbol!🌿
Watch while MAC Education Director, Lisa Gilliland-Viney explains the importance of these events and the mission of our programs. See the link in our bio for more information on future events, programs, and more! 🎨

After School Arts at the MAC is starting soon! We will be learning all about landscape painting and drawing 😊. Room 4 (3...
08/28/2026

After School Arts at the MAC is starting soon! We will be learning all about landscape painting and drawing 😊. Room 4 (3rd floor) of the MAC.

08/27/2026

Next exhibition coming up at the MAC!

At The Garden

Wire Sculpture Art by Paul Gasaway. On view September 9th - October 25th.

Opening reception on September 9th at 6:00. Free to the public.

Don’t miss it!

Register today!
08/22/2026

Register today!

Kids After School Arts Classes! Classes begin Thursday, September 17.

Online Registration: artsmerced.org

Painting Landscapes (4:00 pm - 4:55 pm): This introductory class focuses on how to create the illusion of depth on a 2-dimensional surface. We will learn tricks that artists use when painting realistic landscapes. Using Miss Lisa’s favorite elements of line, shape and color, we will create beautiful scenes such as sunsets over the ocean, fields of corn (or cows!), and distant mountains with almond or peach orchards in the foreground. We will experiment with different painting materials such as watercolor paint, tempera paint, solid tempera paint sticks, acrylic paint, and water-soluble crayons. No experience necessary.
Drawing Landscapes (5:00 pm - 5:55 pm): This introductory class focuses on how to create the illusion of depth on a 2-dimensional surface. We will learn tricks that artists use when drawing realistic landscapes. Using Miss Lisa’s favorite elements of line, shape and color, we will create beautiful scenes such as sunsets over the ocean, fields of corn (or cows!), and distant mountains with almond or peach orchards in the foreground. We will experiment with different drawing materials such as graphite pencils, charcoal, soft pastels, oil pastels and water-soluble crayons. No experience necessary.

08/17/2026

Improv Club - Adults, want to join a group of excited improv actors in our community? Join us for our once monthly improv club and meet new people in a fun, welcoming space. For ages 18+.

August 22, 2026
2:30-4:30 pm
@ Merced Main Library

More photos of Kids and Family Day at the MAC!
08/16/2026

More photos of Kids and Family Day at the MAC!

Kids and Family Day at the MAC today was great fun 😍 We traveled to New Zealand to learn about Koru and the importance o...
08/16/2026

Kids and Family Day at the MAC today was great fun 😍 We traveled to New Zealand to learn about Koru and the importance of this symbol in Maori art. We drew and painted spirals and used iridescent paints and paint with glitter to create beautiful artwork!

08/16/2026
TODAY AT THE MAC!! Kids and Family Day from 1:00to 3:00pm! Miss Lisa will show you how to create a beautiful crayon resi...
08/16/2026

TODAY AT THE MAC!! Kids and Family Day from 1:00
to 3:00pm! Miss Lisa will show you how to create a beautiful crayon resist painting featuring Koru (spirals) as you learn about the Maori of New Zealand. We have beautiful glitter watercolor paints, and silvery iridescent paints too! You can experiment with those paints, or use our regular Crayola watercolor paints. Or mix and match the paints to make your own special work of art!

TOMORROW AT THE MAC!! KIds and Family Day from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Come join us as we learn about spirals (Koru) in Maori Ar...
08/16/2026

TOMORROW AT THE MAC!! KIds and Family Day from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Come join us as we learn about spirals (Koru) in Maori Art. Experiment with our very cool glitter watercolor paints and our iridescent watercolors too! Koru art in crayon resist - Miss Lisa will show you how!

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645 W Main St
Merced, CA
95340

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