January 2024

sent January 17, 2024
Hello friends!
Here are a few quick updates!

1 -- Members Show Reception -- Saturday, January 27 from 6-7:30
Please come, meet the artists, browse some great pieces, enjoy some wine and refreshments, fellowship and keep your fingers crossed that your favorites win an award!  Be sure to vote on your favorite work for the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD!!  You're invited!

2 -- EVENTS ON SATURDAY JAN 20
Guild Meeting -- Members Morning Mingle
Saturday, January 20th at 10:00am
The Guild and Membership Committees invite you to our first Members Morning Mingle. Join us to socialize and learn about member opportunities in 2024, like upcoming events & the new Members Mentorship Program. Come enjoy coffee, light snacks & most importantly fellowship! 
Please consider (not required!)  filling out this Mentorship Program Google Form before the meeting.
Please RSVP for the Mingle by emailing Juli.  See you then!!

Make a handmade mug
Saturday, Jan. 20 --- drop in from 11 - 3 to make a mug with our pottery instructor, Rebecca.  Drop in for about an hour!  No pre-registration needed.
Project: Make your own mug - lots of varied stamps to choose from!
Please note that works will be ready in TWO weeks.
Ages: ALL - littles may need help from their grown-up
Skill level: ALL
Cost: $28 includes all supplies
Fun for kids and adults!  

Old Time Music Open Jam
Drop by from 1 - 4 for some great toe-tappin' music!


3 -- Other classes are coming up!  https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/adult-classes.html

• Comic Books & Graphic Novels with Bobby Nash 
• paint pARTy with Jennifer
• Photography 101 with Gina
• The business and craft of writing with Carole
• plus our on-going, weekly classes!

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4 -- TWO FUN SPRING EVENTS!!!  SAVE THE DATE!!
A Toast to the Arts
Friday evening April 26 from 6 - 9pm 
at SPARROW GROVE MANOR
Food | Drinks | Entertainment
and
Nature Meets Art Tour of Gardens
Saturday, April 27 from 11am – 5pm 
Featuring select gardens in Monroe
Inspiration | Art Demos | Education

Our FIRST ever annual A TOAST TO THE ARTS event on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Sparrow Grove Manor in downtown Monroe -- You’ll enjoy a fun night out – wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, music and dancing, and an exclusive silent auction that raises critical money for MWCA. Join us to fundraise for the arts and enjoy one of the most memorable evenings in Monroe.       
The following day, we will host our annual NATURE MEETS ART Garden Tour, an inspiring and beautiful foray into the loveliest gardens in the area.  Art, music and a little learning, too!

How can YOU help?
We need a few more beautiful gardens to feature on our Tour (large and small -- something for everyone!) -- do you have a lovely garden or know someone who does?  

We are also seeking SILENT AUCTION ITEMS --  we will have an exclusive silent auction on Friday night to please all tastes and budgets -- see the graphic above for ideas! 

Finally, we need volunteers to help in many ways with BOTH events!

Please email [email protected] if you can help and I will connect you with our awesome committee headed by Barbara Barth and Kamden Ecker.  THANK YOU!

***
5 -- YOUR business can sponsor us!
Our 2024 Sponsor Campaign is on-going.  Please follow this link and see how your business can support local arts and make a difference!
https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/sponsorship.html

6 -- See our latest newsletter here if you missed it:  
https://mailchi.mp/836cbc2e73e5/monroewaltonartsnews-6158068

7 -- Have you seen the garden lately?!?
Thanks to a small grant and the tireless work of Juli Tredwell to head up a committee to design and work on the "new" garden, and to community input that gave us valuable input in what YOU wanted in the garden ... we are ALMOST ready to reveal the garden (a few minor touch-ups needed).  BUT ... look at the absolutely amazing Starry Night mural painted by Joe and Angela D'Ambrosio!  The carved tree by Chris Cruickshank out front is inspired -- look for the gnomes and squirrels!  Don't you love it?  Come by (when it's NOT 20 degrees out!!) and see and enjoy this new space.

YOU are appreciated!  We would not be the vibrant, involved and interesting community arts center that we are without your support in so many ways.

I'd like to end by sharing our ....
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 -- To support the vital work of local artists and craftspeople in Walton County.

See you soon! 
Art for all!
Hope Reese