John Michael Barone is establishing a name in the Morgantown arts scene. He is the executive director of the Artist Collective West Virginia (ACWV), an organization that works closely with Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) “to build a thriving arts community in Morgantown”. His work has been featured prominently in many ACWV/MAC exhibitions including Cabal of the Hidden, an exhibition dedicated to the occult and mystical; Royal Devotions, a tribute show chronicling the career of Prince; Rebel Rebel, a thought-provoking blurring of gender lines; and For The Love of David Bowie. John Michael’s unique work is known for its incorporation of the occult, mystical and psychedelic, without losing a sense of playfulness and a love for modern pop-culture.

MAC will feature a new exhibition in its premier Benedum Gallery titled Life In The Projects, which features John Michael Barone’s most acclaimed pieces together for the first time, in addition to some new pieces. This will be available to the public from September 15 to October 28, 2017 during MAC’s operating hours.

MAC welcomes all Morgantown residents, students, faculty and tourists alike to attend the public reception, which will occur during Downtown Morgantown’s Annual ARTS Walk, Friday, September 22 from 6pm to 9pm. Refreshments and snacks will be available, and this will happen in junction with the opening reception of Transcending The Gutter in the upstairs Davis Gallery. After ARTS Walk, and the two receptions, there will be musical performances by Orville Rex and Hericide. Admission to the musical performances is $5 at the MAC Lobby Desk or online at monartscenter.com/shop. MAC is located at 107 High Street, Morgantown, WV.  Inquiries should be directed to info@monartscenter.com or 304-292-3325.

New Exhibition at MAC Promotes Mental Health Awareness

Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) will usher in the return of Different Voices and Common Experiences this Friday, August 4, at 6pm with a public opening reception. There will be a performance art viewing at 7. The exhibition will be located in the Benedum Gallery until August 26, 2017.  Different Voices and Common Experiences is presented by the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living. It is supported in part by funds from the Morgantown Knights of Columbus and private donors. Additional support is provided by community members.

Different Voices and Common Experiences was created with the intent of increasing awareness of mental health issues in the region and has become an integral part of MAC's programming. This exhibition has been assembled with the intention of both showcasing the talent of such a unique and diverse segment of our population and promoting awareness within our region of the effects of mental illness. MAC' executive director, Ro Brooks says “MAC is delighted to once again showcase the work of artists who have been touched by mental health issues. This annual exhibition has consistently been well received by gallery visitors. With each exhibit, I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the artwork and the public positive reaction. I am confident that this year’s showing will also surprise and delight viewers!”

Information was sent to a variety of local and state agencies, mailing lists and Facebook groups, as well as advertised on NWVCIL’s social media pages and website. Submissions were accepted on a first come first served basis. All participants have been affected by mental health issues, either personally or through close friends and family members. This process can be therapeutic and provides those with mental illnesses an outlet to express themselves and share their perspectives.

MAC invites all to celebrate at the Public Opening Reception on August 4, and welcomes donations. MAC is located at 107 High Street, Morgantown, WV.  Inquires should be directed to info@monartscenter.com or 304-292-3325.

MAC will unveil the 2017 Senior Showcase on July 7, sharing the work of Morgantown and North Central West Virginia’s Seniors. The exhibition, a collaboration between MAC and Community Living Initiatives Corporation (CLIC), will include pieces by a variety of artists over 50. The exhibition includes previous MAC exhibitors, such as Thompson Holmes, who contributed this year’s promotional piece.

MAC states “older adults play an important role in our community, including their ability to bring beauty, culture and meaning to our lives through their work as artists” and welcomes the community to enjoy, recognize, and celebrate the contributions of these artists. The public opening reception for the 2017 Senior Showcase will commence on July 7 at 6 pm, with a Ribbon Awards ceremony taking place at 7 pm.

MAC is located at 107 High Street, Morgantown, WV.  Inquiries should be directed to info@monartscenter.com or 304-292-3325.

Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) welcomes photographer Thompson Holmes to the Benedum Gallery for the month of May. His new exhibition is titled Americana. Holmes has created an exhibition that captures the classic American imagery of the Pacific Nortwest and Appalachia in a fresh and nuanced style. The exhibition consists of photographs, mostly monochrome and low-saturation images, that create a modern and minimalist approach to two of America’s most romaniticized regions.

This exhibition will remain on display from May 5 through June 3, 2017, in MAC’s first-floor Benedum Gallery. All are welcome to join MAC for a  Public Opening Reception on May 5, which will commence from 6 to 8 pm. A benefit concert, provided by the High Street Jazz Band, will immediately follow at 8 pm, bringing the sounds of New Orleans to the Tanner Theatre.

MAC is located at 107 High Street, Morgantown, WV.  Inquiries should be directed to info@monartscenter.com or 304-292-3325.