MACAAssociation
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WHAT IS MACA

MACA is short for McDowell Arts Council Association. We are an independent nonprofit, founded by 52 community members in 1972, right here in McDowell County. Originally named McDowell Arts And Crafts Association, we became a partner of the statewide network of arts councils to better serve our communities. 

50 years later we exist to promote and preserve cultural life in McDowell County, NC. 
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WHAT IS AN ART COUNCIL?

The North Carolina Arts Council is an agency of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. MACA is a member of this state-wide network of resources, grants, and county partners. Arts Councils vary by county and no two look the same, but we all share the same core values: the arts are essential to the growth and well-being of our communities.
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OUR VALUES 
  • ​The arts are for all people
  • To provide resources for arts development that are fair, transparent and accountable.
  • Helping our youth succeed through creative approaches to education in and beyond the classroom
  • Undertaking local initiatives to enhance our economy, education, and the well-being of our community
  • Work to ensure that meaningful arts experiences are accessible to all McDowell County residents including people with disabilities, caregivers, and aging adults ​​​​

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our logo
MACA Logo, 1979
​Designed by Don Balke of Nebo, McDowell County, NC

Internationally known wildlife artist and McDowell County resident Don Balke created MACA’s logo shortly after moving to the area in 1979. The logo design depicts a dancer whose form flows like the gentleness of the Appalachian Mountains. 
The figure is painted in the restful colors of the mountains and the sky in shades of blue, purple, and magenta. This figure wraps itself around a magenta sun, Balke’s favorite color to incorporate into his paintings. This beautiful logo has become a recognized symbol of the arts in McDowell County, and the colors for “Handcrafted” were drawn from the original image of the Balke logo and incorporated into the quilt block.
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Our Quilt Block "Handcrafted" Block Number 8

The "Handcrafted" quilt block can be found above the entrance of the McDowell Arts Council (MACA) at 50 South Main Street in Marion. 

​More info here


​

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Susan Pyatt-Baker
Executive Director
susanmcdowellarts@gmail.com 
828-652-8610
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Anna Branam
Assistant Director
mcdowellarts@gmail.com
828-652-8610 
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Biscuit the Cat
Official Greeter, head of security

MACA Board of Directors

Treavor Gouge
President
Lece Rose Mainer
Vice President
Phyllis Mckesson
Secretary

~
Joey Hill
Andy Ferguson
Pam Forshey
Maria Preswood
Harriet Rockett

Megan Mace



Directions

McDowell Arts Council Association

The arts are for everyone. 

MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL ASSOCIATION
Street Address: 50 S MAIN ST MARION NC
Mailing Address: PO BOX 1387

Phone Number: 828-652-8610
Text Accessible Google Number: 828-559-1404 

Contact Us

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  • home
  • events calendar
  • gallery
  • donate ❤️
  • programs
  • access
  • about
  • news
  • Sponsorship
  • Art Club at Marion Library