Madison Area Arts Council President Chris Francis stands with MAAC treasurer Amy Woolston.
The Madison Area Arts Council is working toward establishing a Community Arts Center in Madison.
The MAAC plans to locate the center at 106 SE 2nd Street (around the corner from Always Tan on S. Egan Avenue). MAAC President Chris Francis said the building will allow for a place for the organization to establish a meeting place, a classroom and a consignment art gallery.
The Madison Area Arts Council has gone by several names since its establishment in the 1930s when it was among the first arts councils to be established. Until now, Francis said, the organization has also been an entity without a place.
Today the MAAC is a co-sponsor for the artists who come to Madison schools for the Artist in Residence program. The group has also sponsored a local Chautauqua program since June that showcases various artists.
Prior to the classroom and gallery opening to the public, however, Francis said, fund-raising will have to take place to make improvements to the space.
"This month we will launch a fund-raising campaign," he said indicating his hope for completion by spring 2010.
Francis said the goal of the consignment gallery is to provide a place for Lake County artists to showcase their artwork. Not only will it be open to paintings, prints and sculptures, Francis said, but it will also be available for other unique homemade items as well.
"It will serve to bring the artists together," he said. "This puts Madison in the upper tier with other communities that have arts centers."
Those interested in more information on the Community Arts Center can contact Francis through the organization's Web site: www.madisonareaartscouncil.org.
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