November Members' Memo

This was mailed to members on November 20, 2025

​Dear members - 
We are so grateful for you!
Your membership keeps art alive in our community — and your involvement makes all the difference, especially during this joyful (and wonderfully busy!) holiday season.

As we head into November and December, please note that a few of our weekly teachers will be taking some well-deserved time off. Be sure to check with your instructor for any schedule changes.

This season brings some of our most magical events of the year:

* Mistletoe in Monroe Christmas Tour of Homes -- tickets are selling fast!
* Little Shoppers’ Wonderland -- a sweet, kid-friendly "Secret Santa" shopping experience on Nov 22 & Dec 6. We ask that you make an appointment to help us prepare, but we will be able to take walk-in's too.  Learn more in the link!

And of course… our Christmas Gift Shop is sparkling and fully stocked with thousands of handmade items from 80+ local artists. We’ll even be open late on select Thursdays until 8 PM — perfect for sipping cider, strolling Monroe, and finding one-of-a-kind gifts.

If you want to support us in simple but meaningful ways this season:

• Like & share our posts on Facebook/Instagram
• Invite a friend to a class or event
• Tell neighbors about our gift shop & gallery
• Volunteer an hour or two when you can

These small acts ripple outward and strengthen our creative community in big ways.
Thank you for being part of the MWCA family.

~~~
***Annual MEMBERS MEETING (free!)***
In accordance with our by-laws, we are holding our Annual Members Meeting -- 
Sunday, December 7 • Tea at 2 PM • Meeting at 2:30 PM

Join us for a delightful twist on our annual members meeting — a Tea Party with the Board! This once-a-year gathering is your chance to enjoy delicious teas, meet our board members, hear what’s ahead, and cast your vote on the 2025 Executive Committee roster.

Arrive at 2 PM, if you'd like, for a warm cup of tea lovingly prepared by member Lisa Gail Daniel, who will also host a charming pop-up tea shop. Our Board of Directors is providing some goodies and treats for you to enjoy as we mingle and connect.

At 2:30 PM, we’ll hold a brief members meeting that includes:
• A vote on the slate of officers presented by our nominating committee (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer)
• A presentation of our 2025 budget
• A short Q&A session with our board

Come learn how MWCA works, share your ideas, and get inspired about what’s ahead in the coming year!

Please RSVP by 12/6 to our Membership Chair, Kamden  - [email protected]

Your voice matters — and we can’t wait to see you there!
~~~

2026 Sponsorships Are Now Open!

Art for All: Powered by Partners

Do you own or work for a local business? MWCA’s 2026 Business Sponsorship Campaign is officially underway! When businesses partner with us, they’re not just sponsoring art — they’re strengthening our community, supporting healing arts programs, and helping creativity flourish for all ages.

Sponsorship is meaningful and smart: it connects local businesses with thousands of residents, families, and visitors who love to shop local and support organizations that make Monroe shine.

Invite your workplace to become a Partner in Creativity for 2026 — together, we can make art happen for everyone.
>>>  Learn more HERE

~~~
Coming Up:

* Friday Night Art Party with Donna - Nov 21
* Paper Quilled Snowflake - Nov 29
* Swedish Star Ornament - Nov 29
* Drop-In Santa Pottery Project - Nov 29

AT RUST AND DUST ANTIQUES (155 Etten Dr)
* Paint a cute Christmas Gnome - drop in from 11 - 3 - Nov 22
please note - our artists are taking a break for the holidays.  Our Rust and Dust classes will start back up in January!

~~~
HOLIDAY HOURS

• Closed Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve: 11 - 2
• Closed Christmas Day
• Closed New Years Eve and New Years Day

~~~
Black Friday & Shop Small Saturday at MWCA!
Friday & Saturday, November 28–29
Celebrate creativity and community this holiday season by shopping local at the Monroe–Walton Center for the Arts!

We’ll be open both days with beautiful, handmade gifts from 80+ local artists — pottery, jewelry, ornaments, paintings, candles, and more. Some artists will even be offering special deals just for the weekend!

Saturday Highlights – Nov 29
Make it a festive, creative day downtown!

Drop-In Pottery Project: Hand-build a cheerful clay Santa in our pottery studio — fun for ages 9+! ($35)
Two special workshops -- Go HERE for details
Sip, Stroll & Shop: Enjoy hot spiced apple cider and homemade cookies while you browse the gallery and gift shop!

Support local artists, find one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy a cozy, creative kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

~~~~
Art for Everyone: Empowering Joy through Art Reach

Every Tuesday, our ArtReach classroom fills with joy.
Young adults with special needs come together to paint, create, and laugh — building friendships, confidence, and creative expression.

Each student pays a small, reduced rate for these classes. MWCA covers the rest and supply costs through our ArtReach Scholarship Fund, ensuring that every participant can attend, no matter their circumstances.

Your donation makes this possible.
You can learn more here about Art Reach.
You can GIVE HERE.
THANK YOU!

~~~
VOLUNTEER -- email [email protected] if you'd like more information about volunteering
~~~
Thank you for being part of MWCA — together we are building beauty, connection, and joy for our whole community.

Happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Hope and the MWCA Team

P.S. -- QUICK LINKS:
Learn more about ...
Our September calendar -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/calendar.html
How to give, volunteer, support MWCA -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/volunteer--donate.html
Adult Classes -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/adult-classes.html
Kids Classes -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/kids-classes.html
Special Needs Classes -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/x-tra-special-art.html
Literary Events -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/for-writers--readers.html
Our HEALING ARTS programs -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/healing-arts--art-for-all.html
What's in the gallery? And what's coming up in 2026? Find out -- https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/call-for-entries.html