our mission and vision
|
Mission Statement:
To support local artists, writers, and musicians and to create a thriving arts community by providing opportunities to experience art through a local artist market as well as gallery shows, classes, workshops, and special events. Vision Statement: To create a transformational arts community that promotes "Art for All" by delivering the aesthetic and healing benefits of the arts. Everything we do at MWCA is centered around these goals: 1 -- To bring the beauty, vibrancy and healing nature of art to our entire community 2 -- Support the vital work of local artists and crafts people in Walton County. |
a quick overview of MWCA
WHY ART?
A strong arts presence brings visitors to our city plus enriches the lives of our residents. The Arts gives a city its identity and anchors our history. It provides community, welcoming, belonging and FuN! It’s more than “just” beauty … the arts satisfies the universal need to create, to preserve, to inspire (and aspire!), to speak and to be understood without words. |
Since 1993, MWCA has evolved and kept pace with our growing and changing region. As we continue to welcome thousands every year to our art center, we have many opportunities to serve our neighbors through our core values of: 1) sharing,2) caring and 3) teaching. We are intent on continuing to build a foundation of sustainable growth and increased relevance to our community. We believe in “Art for All,” meaning that art should be accessible to all – to learn and to enjoy – not to just a select few. Art elevates our spirits, feeds our souls, and is physically healing. We hope that you’ll join MWCA in supporting the arts across Monroe, Walton County, and neighboring counties to ensure a rich and vibrant future for all.
Located in downtown Monroe, MWCA was originally founded in 1993 as a visual arts center and guild, and has since grown into a community-based art center inclusive of all residents and visitors and all artistic disciplines. We are the only art center in Walton County and never charge admission to the gallery. Proudly serving artists, students, the elderly, and a significant special needs population in Walton County and the surrounding area, we currently have over 300 members and serve thousands of individuals who are not members. The center continues to lead in community activities such as seasonal festivals, while also providing a center for art expertise. In 2021, MWCA was awarded the Community Partner Award of Excellence (a state-wide award) by the Georgia Downtown Association, having been nominated by the Monroe Downtown Development Association. MWCA enhances every downtown event providing workshops, scavenger hunts, and free art activities. The Monroe Walton Center for the Arts provides traditional art programs including free gallery exhibitions, a gift shop for artisans, monthly Walton Writers meetings for local authors and writers, free weekly “let’s create” classes, after school programs, summer camps for kids, and classes on photography, painting, drawing, pottery, and fiber arts. Additionally, we emphasize the healing aspects of art and stand out in the community as a safe and inclusive place for people with a variety of needs and creative pursuits. This is accomplished through our Healing Arts program that provides free and low-fee classes for differently-abled students from Georgia’s Exceptional Services program, Walton County Schools special education students, and students from The Bridge of Georgia. Our new Artistic Shelter class for those suffering loss has experienced a positive response from the community, resulting in a waiting list. |
