Every issue of The Creative Pulse will shine a spotlight on a specific individual, group or event that we believe enriches our community. We encourage your suggestions. Since this is our first issue, we thought we’d begin with who we are and what we do.
Monson is a great place to live. We know this is a beautiful place, a rural setting with a tremendous number of possibilities. The Monson Arts Council is here to explore those possibilities and make life just a little bit more interesting and worthwhile. As an organization, our Mission Statement reads “to discover, promote and sustain an appreciation of and an involvement in art and culture in Monson”. This serves as the cornerstone of everything we do. At its heart, this reflects our belief that art and culture are essential components of a vibrant and connected community.
Promoting art and culture goes beyond showcasing talent – it is about creating platforms where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated. We, as members of MAC, actively collaborate with artists, performers, and cultural organizations. Whether it’s through immersive theater productions, captivating musical performances, or curated exhibitions of fine art, we aim to inspire audiences and encourage meaningful engagement.
Sustaining appreciation and involvement in the arts requires a long-term commitment to nurturing both creators and audiences. By supporting emerging talents, preserving artistic traditions, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we ensure that art and culture remain a vital and thriving part of our community. Our mission is not just about celebrating what exists today but also about cultivating a legacy that will inspire future generations to acrry the torch of artistic exploration and cultural enrichment.
We Hope You Will Join Us
The Monson Arts Council is looking to enhance our ranks with volunteers who are willing to donate their time and effort of make Monson a place where the quality of life counts.
Are you an artist looking for an outlet for your creativity? We have a place for you. Or can’t draw a straight line but still love what the arts have to offer us all – We have a place for you.
Is theater your thing, but you haven’t been involved in many moons – we have a place for you. We’re looking for actors, scene painters, stage managers, ticket takers everything that makes a production run.
Are you good with computers or Social Media and would like to be more involved with your community – we have a place for you.
In fact, er are looking for volunteers at every level who believe the arts can make a difference for us all. Join us
Monson Arts Council 31st Annual Juried Spring Art Exhibition and Sale!
Over $4500 in Prizes
$1000 Best in Show
$2400 in Prizes in 4 Categories!
Weekends April 19th – May 4th
House of Art, Monson MA
Applications Open: September 1, 2024 – Deadline: October 16, 2024
Local Cultural Councils (LLC), led by municipally appointed volunteers, administers an annual grant program to individuals, groups and organizations.
The Monson Arts Council presented a special artistic award this past Holloween to the Department of Development Services Group Home at 2 Whitney Road in Monson. Contest entrants were made available thanks to Karen Jacobs Davis of TJ’s at the American Legion located on Route 32 in Monson. Although there were many very creative displays around town, the judges felt this one had a focus of intent in its depiction of a skeleton doctor in a corn field overseeing a hospital bed of body parts. It was very well conceived and ‘executed’.
The MAC craft fair was once again a successful event. Both day were filled with shoppers looking for that perfect handmade gift for christmas giving. It was a very festive weekend and adding to it a community carol sign followed by a visit from Santa, riding in on a fire engine. We look forward to sponsoring the event again next year with the possibility of expanding.
Monson Arts Council is excited to partner with a local wood carver with many years of experiences in the traditional art form of wood carving!! Using tools to shape wood into decorative or functional pieces, this group will meet monthly, focusing on tool safety, skills, techniques and more! Whether you a curious beginner, or a seasoned carver willing to share your knowledge, or somewhere in between, You Are Welcome, and all are encouraged to join us!
MAC volunteers visited all 25 participants in this year’s Annual Holiday Decorating Contest. We were tasked to choose the “Most Artistic Presentation”. It was difficult with so many well -thought-out, quality holiday displays. However, we finally narrowed it down to 12 High Street. They had a warm, coherent theme that seem to reflect Holidays of times gone by.
The Monson Arts Council has been active in the community since its inception in 1978 and today serves as a resource for local artists and art lovers alike.
Reflections of the current President, Alan Morin, on the direction of the Monson Arts Council
Change happens. In the art world change is often considered an impetus to creativity. That said, this past year gave us some definite opportunities to be creative.
From the loss of our beloved treasurer, colleague and friend, Richard Guertin, to the threat of losing the House of Art, the Monson Arts Council has had its share of change and challenge this past year.
After many years of service and decade of dedicated leadership, Peter and Chase Barnett stepped down from their duties as MAC President and Co-chair of the Craft Fair, respectively, as they sought to be closer to their children and grandchildren in Ohio. Chase took over the Treasurer’s position upon Richard’s passing. They both continue to contribute advice and website updates from afar. Reed Coles too over the Treasurer’s duties after Chase left.
The challenges we experienced through 2024 will continue into 2025, but we will meet them and continue to provide teh public with quality arts shows, theater entertainment and another wonderful craft fair. We hope you’ll join us.
Thanks to all,
Alan Morin
President, Monson Arts Council
MAC Board Members
Art Show
Committee
Theater
Committee
Craft Fair Committee
President
Alan Morin
Susan James
Amy Lake
Wendy Murakami
Vice President
Wendy Murakami
Jessica Lister
Cindy Colburn
Treasurer
Reed Coles
Emma FIsher
Betsy Rutter
Secretary
Cindy Colburn
Paul Kerness
Reed Coles
Board Member
Sharon Coles
Alan Morin
Sharon Coles
Board Member
Paul Kerness
Reed Coles
Larry Tuttle
Board Member
Bob Wilson
Sharon Coles
Chase Barnett
The Monson Arts Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is “To discover, promote and sustain an appreciation of and an involvement in art and culture in Monson.” It is run by a volunteer Board of Directors who serve three year terms, and who each year elect a slate of officers for the coming year.
Monson Arts Council
PO Box 306
Monson, MA 01057
©2025 Monson Arts Council
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