Holidays at the MAC

If you have not yet been to the Peggy McConnell Arts Center (MAC), which is now in its third year of operation, the holidays are a perfect time for your first visit. This contemporary arts center is teeming with opportunities for the entire community--and that includes every member of your family. With a host of events, classes and exhibits, the MAC is a community showcase for the visual and performing arts. Executive Director Jon Cook recently shared some information about these holiday events you won't want to miss. Wrap-It Up at the MAC

December 9; 1 to 4 p.m.

This event features a holiday art sale with original works by local artists, along with an opportunity for kids to create their own holiday gifts, watch a holiday film and dance with BalletMet. This is a great first experience for young people who may discover they want to explore the arts further. Fortunately, the MAC offers a host of opportunities, including a lineup of art classes for both kids and adults.

The MAC's Old-Fashioned Holiday Sing-Along

December 19; 6 to 9 p.m.

Join Bradley Sowash and Susan Hadley for this popular, old-fashioned holiday sing-along.  Sowash, a well-known jazz musician whose compositions are performed by symphonies across and country, and Hadley, a dancer who has performed all over the world, lead members of the community in this old-style sing-along of holiday carols. The event, which started in the couple's home with friends and relatives, quickly grew too big for their residence. Now they pack 'em in at the MAC instead. Join the fun--and bring a canned good for the Worthington Food Pantry.

In addition to these upcoming events, the MAC offers a full lineup of exhibits, classes, events, concerts and more throughout the year. Not only are many of the events free, but the building and parking couldn't be more accessible. The 20,000-square-foot facility includes a 213-seat theatre, an exhibition gallery, four classrooms, a digital imaging studio, a dance studio and rotating exhibitions sprinkled throughout the facility.

"The MAC is really about using the arts as a vehicle for getting people together," Cook said. "We have the artists and musicians available. And we want people to know that we can make things happen."

For more information about events at the MAC, visit: http://visitworthingtonohio.com/calendar/ or http://www.mcconnellarts.org.