The Arbor Gallery inside the Multicultural Arts Center (The MAC) in downtown Merced will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, March 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There will be wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres, live music, art exhibits, a fundraising drawing, and a chance to meet the local Arbor Gallery artists.
Arbor Gallery artists include: Jackie Anderson, Wendy Bright, William Cornish, Laura Eckman, Leslie Frazier, John Harrell, Tonia Hemme, Carole Kamerer, Pope Lawrence, Karen McComb, Stephanie McLeod, Lynn Hock-Napoli, Ethel Nelson, Lori Nelson, Eileen Partlow, Susan Regert, DeannaLynn Schmitz, Samuel Traina, Rose Tripp, Penny Waha and Donna Wayman-Maurer.
Back in 1981, a small group of local watercolor artists began showing their artwork together, eventually leading to the creation of Arbor Gallery to showcase their artwork and to promote art within the community. The name “Arbor Gallery” reflects the original location with the Merced County Arts Council on Arbor Way in downtown Merced.
Since then, the Arbor Gallery has moved with the Merced County Arts Council three times, finally landing at its present location within the Merced Multicultural Arts Center (MAC) building on 645 West Main Street.
More than 40 years later, the gallery is still a favorite shopping venue for purchase of original artworks including watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, fabric art, pottery, photography, alcohol ink, wood bowls, charcuterie and cutting boards, glass, jewelry, and gift cards. Additionally, ornaments and craft items are sold during the different holiday seasons.
The Arbor Gallery holds several workshops in Merced each year, including the popular “Art & Spirits” event on the third Friday of each month, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Life Drawing Class held on the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon to 2 p.m., and active events from Arbor Gallery artists, such as local studios, teaching ARTREE, painting utility boxes, food bank refrigerators, and murals on Highway 99 underpasses.
For more information, call (209) 384-8338.