November has so much in store for the arts community in Monroe. The Monroe Arts Center is excited to announce that we will be kicking off our 28th Annual Silent Auction to help support MAC’s arts programming this month. The silent auction is a cherished event by the community and is a key fundraiser in helping to make the arts accessible to all ages in southern Wisconsin.
As I start my second year in my position as MAC’s Executive Director, it is wonderful to come full circle and be a part of the event that first showed me how much volunteers and donors mean to our organization. As I watch our Holiday Silent Auction Committee Co-Chairs Karen Fowdy and Kandace Bergstrom and their talented committee members put this incredible event together again this year, it speaks to our 51st season’s theme of getting back to our ‘roots’ at MAC. The Monroe Arts Center was built on a strong community’s belief in the importance of the arts; and, Monroe has stood by this premise for more than half a century. So, as this wonderful holiday event comes around again to shine on the importance of funding the arts, we hope everyone will stop by MAC and see the delightful and unique offerings Rudd Hall will again hold to inspire gift giving. The silent auction will open on November 15th and run through December 12th, 2025. Bidding will be open to the public until the bell rings on December 12th and MAC begins its first ever live auction of artisan-made and vintage international ornaments showcased on its holiday tree in MAC’s main lobby.
Additionally, we are energized to offer a new Gallery Store at MAC opening on November 15 at 6:30 p.m. before Sam Ness and the Natural Flavors grace our Gunderson Stiles Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m.
“Our goal with the new MAC Gallery Store is to provide a venue for artists to sell their work, while also offering a curated collection of gifts and art supplies,” says Kareesa Wilson, store manager. Wilson adds, “We’ve worked hard to select unique items that reflect our mission here at MAC to promote the arts and encourage people of all ages and skill levels to create.”
With the help of generous donors, Kareesa began her work over the summer at MAC, transforming a space that featured a few gift items a year ago into a full scale Gallery Store.
“I’m personally very excited about the store. We are carrying paints and supplies not available anywhere else in town,” Wilson notes. “They’re affordably priced and make great gifts for the artists in your life!”
Our new MAC Gallery Store really enhances the educational offerings we are developing at the arts center as our students and workshop attendees will discover artisan kits and supplies that will extend their learning experience beyond the classroom. When I started at MAC, there were 5 classes planned for the season. In my second year, we are offering 21 arts learning opportunities for students of all ages. I am so happy to know that the work we are doing can make such a difference in arts education for Monroe and the surrounding communities. The arts are so important whether one attends a performance; learns to draw, paint, sculpt or write; or finds community in other fellow arts lovers. Whatever your reason, I hope MAC makes a home in everyone’s hearts for the arts this season!
— Marie Perry is the Executive Director for the Monroe Arts Center. She can be reached at mperry@monroeartscenter.com.
