18 MCC Business Directory and Resource Guide
Anderson Symphony Orchestra
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ASO COURTESY OF DALE PICKETT PHOTOGRAPHY
DOWNTOWN COMES ALIVE
Vibrant arts scene keeps visitors coming back to Anderson
BY ANDY KNIGHT
Advocates point to a diverse range of talent and passions among the members of the local arts community as a key ingredient in the downtown Anderson ’ s redevelopment .
Whether it ’ s a production at the Mainstage Theatre – featuring the city ’ s longestrunning theater troupe – or a special exhibit at the art museum , or a yoga class at A Town Center , there ’ s no shortage of activities that showcase abilities across a wide range of artistic disciplines . “ I think we all have a niche and we all complement each other ,” notes Levi Rinker , co-founder and artistic director at A Town Center , which offers free studio space for artists in return for their participation in community projects .
“ You look at the relationship between the Alley Theatre and Mainstage Theatre … during their offseasons , you still have overlap between the performers . They ’ re filling a void that is needed at that time in the community .”
Mandee Mikulski , the Anderson Museum of Art ’ s new executive director , was immediately energized when she took the position .
“ I saw a big group of people that are really invested in the arts in downtown ,” Mikulski says .
“ I ’ ve seen a lot of people supporting the downtown growing in general , and because there are so many arts organizations downtown , there ’ s been a big focus ( on the arts ) for lots of folks , including business owners , individuals , philanthropists . That ’ s been really exciting to see .”
An infusion of new leadership , new ideas