Monroeville Arts Council News
Time Travel
A look into the History of Monroeville Arts Council
BY NANCY DALVERNY
It ’ s hard to imagine a time when there were no summer concerts , arts events for children and adults , or support for local artists — before Monroeville Arts Council ( MAC ) was an integral part of the Monroeville community .
That ’ s when Mel Pollock stepped up to the fore in 1981 to establish a designated organization that would bring creative enjoyment to the Monroeville area and “ promote arts in the community .” At that time , Monroeville Arts Council was founded in cooperation with the Community College of Allegheny County , Boyce Campus , the Municipality of Monroeville and the Monroeville Convention and Visitors Bureau . Without the cooperation of these organizations , MAC would never have been possible .
A barrage of creative activities then burst upon the scene , as the first Pops in the Parks was held in 1981 and the Monroeville Arts Festival kicked off in 1988 with live outdoor concerts . The Arts Festival week featured juried art shows at CCAC Boyce Campus and a children ’ s art
show showcasing young artists from schools in the area whose work was later displayed at Miracle Mile and then Monroeville Mall .
In more recent years came scholarship awards , indoor concerts at Boyce Campus , and collaborations with Monroeville Public Library offering free art classes with guest artist demos and craft activities for adults , including a Holiday Craft event . More community offerings include Children ’ s Art in the Park — now in conjunction with Monroeville Community Day — children and family events at Monroeville Public Library ’ s FunFest , support of the annual Fourth of July Parade , scholarship awards for Gateway High School seniors , support of Sunrise School students , and a variety of other community outreach activities that support all ages .
This amazing range of free art and musical activities has all been accomplished with a small group of local volunteers who are always receptive to new ideas and ready to receive support of any kind . As the year begins , and with your help , we can explore the arts in any direction possible . There are myriad possibilities yet to be imagined with your support !
Consider some way you can encourage this nonprofit organization along with your membership in MAC . Call Vera , council president , or Nancy , MAC recording secretary , at 412.373.0711 , check out MAC on Facebook , or visit monroevilleartscouncil . org for further information and to discuss and answer any questions you may have . We would love to speak with you !
Call 412.373.0711 or 412.856.8180 , or email trw . 69 @ hotmail . com .
monroevilleartscouncil . org or MAC ’ s Facebook page Monroeville Arts Council is a 501 ( c )( 3 ) organization .
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