Pastels class, French Family concert, and receipt of a Challenge Grant

Possibilities in Pastel

We are super excited to host our first pastels class this month. Possibilities in Pastel will feature visiting artist/instructor Micah Goguen. Students will explore the fundamentals of pastels with an immersive experience of practical application. All materials are included (students only need to bring paper towels and an apron). No previous experience is required. The class will be held in one of the classrooms at Moon Lake Village on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuition is 5 and limited to 10 students. Call 256-674-3366 to register.

Our first Possibilities in Pastel workshop with Michah Goguen, is July 20 – 21.

Class Description: This two-day workshop will cover mark making, color blending, and layering, followed by putting it all together to create your own landscape. Day one will focus on a series of small exercises to create samples while learning technique. The class will experiment with different surfaces and grounds that can be used as substrates. Students will learn about the different types of pastels, including soft, semi-soft, and hard pastels, and when to use each one. We will also have an exercise with PanPastels to learn how they can be used, as well as mixed media. Day two will focus on creating a landscape using the techniques learned. Framing and sealing the work, as well as how to adapt the pastel techniques to match your own personal style, will conclude the class.

About the Instructor: Micah Goguen grew up in central Georgia and obtained his bachelor’s in art and master’s in art therapy from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville. Residing currently in Atlanta, he focuses primarily on bringing art to the community and using art as a form of communication for those struggling to understand and cope with life situations. Goguen produces work while teaching art to both adults and children. He also volunteers time at the local community center and works with adults in alcohol and substance recovery, as well as uprooted and traumatized children. Using mural work, art for entertainment, and art therapy for healing, Goguen collaborates with school systems, local shops, and nonprofits to help unify and most importantly “spread a message.”

His own artwork conveys his interest in people, as he uses mixed media techniques to show the blending of cultural and societal consciousness. Goguen loves connecting artists and working with local community venues to promote the arts. The overall focus is to rededicate efforts toward a “buy local, shop local” mentality that strengthens community through unity and purpose.

French Family Band to perform on Friday, July 26.

The French Family Band to Perform

We welcome The French Family Band on Friday, July 26, for an exciting show from 7 p.m.-9 p.m., featuring Stuie, Camille, and Sonny French. The show is sold out, but we do have a waiting list in case of late cancellations. Please see MACC contact info below to be added to the waiting list. The French Family Band is originally from Australia, but they now live in Nashville. They rose in popularity by performing live shows on Facebook from their home during the pandemic and have now appeared multiple times on the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, check out their website at thefrenchfamilyband.com.

MACC Receives Challenge Grant

The Daniel Foundation recently awarded the arts center a $20,000 Challenge Grant, an operational support grant for 2024 operating expenses. The foundation will match dollar for dollar all donations up to $20,000. Tax-deductible donations in the form of checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 515, Mentone AL 35984 or by credit/debit card by clicking on the support tab at mentoneartscenter.org.

For additional information about any of our events or to register for a class, please see contact info below.

For additional information about any of our events or to register for a class, please contact Randy Grider. He is the executive director
of the nonprofit Mentone Arts and Cultural Center, and can be reached at mentoneartscenter@gmail.com or at 256-674-3366.