Machias Arts Council empowers creativity, connection, and cultural resilience in Downeast Maine by supporting regional artists, providing inclusive access to the arts, and fostering community through collaboration, education, and sustainable practices. Founded in 2021, the Machias Arts Council fosters creativity, economic vitality and cultural engagement through artist advocacy and distinctive events that celebrate vibrancy of the Arts. For general organization information, visit www.Facebook.com/MachiasArts. To become a member, email to MachiasArtsCouncil [at] gmail [dot] com. Based in Machias, Maine, the Machias Arts Council (MAC) are volunteers and Champions of the Arts. To further our efforts and add to our collective creativity, the MAC is seeking new member-volunteers, whether creatives themselves, or those who simply appreciate a Community of Creativity and wish to make it happen! Council meetings are brief and take place monthly, primarily via Zoom. You do not need to be an artist or in any creative profession to become a member. While Machias, Maine has had various societies or groups supporting the Arts over the years, the Machias Arts Council was organized in 2021 to meet the creative needs of Machias and surrounding communities and beyond, with its first meeting hosted by then-Executive Director of the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Machias Arts Council member-volunteer, Sharon Mack; this inaugural meeting was held on Monday, October 4, 2021 at the Chamber of Commerce building, the 1898 Train Station at 2 Kilton Lane in Machias, Maine, 04654. The first MAC event showcased public art in its "Love Locks" display at Bad Little Falls Park in Machias on November 27, 2021. On May 17, 2022, local Author, Artist and Poet, Loretta McClellan, became the first official Chairperson of the all-volunteer MAC. On March 13, 2023, McClellan was succeeded by Tim Markley. As support from membership has grown, events have been planned and offered. Partnering with other organizations for events and cultural alliance is a highlight. Advocacy and support for local creatives is a primary focus.
“To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage.” —Georgia O’Keeffe
For more information, email: MachiasArtsCouncil [at] gmail [dot] com
