Welcome to the forthcoming programme of events and activities that we have planned for Summer at MCAC! We have four fabulous exhibitions planned with a varied programme of activities surrounding each one. We are delighted to welcome artist Stephen Brandes to MCAC whose exhibition ‘The Last Travelogue of Joseph M.’ opens on the 10th June. This exhibition varies in work from the intimate to the large scale and encompasses a lexicon of styles and materials - from small scruffy paintings and collages, to vast highly detailed drawings on unexpected surfaces (like used floor vinyl or straight onto the gallery wall!). This exhibition will be accompanied by a masterclass lead by Stephen as well as through MCAc lead workshops designed to foster skills in young and old alike.

We also look forward to hosting Portadown Visual Arts Society’s annual exhibition at MCAC in June and we are delighted to continue to work with PVAS to foster and develop the skills of our local painters and provide a platform for their work.

Sport Comes to Town in June and MCAC are delighted to be involved in the weekend of sporting and cultural activities that will be taking place with events such as an evening with olympian Steve Redgrave, a multicultural music event and free arts activities.

In July, we open ‘Art in the Wetlands’, an exhibition of work created during an intergenerational project with schoolchildren from six local primary schools and six senior citizen groups from March – June 2010. Funded by South Lough Neagh Regeneration Association (SLNRA), the project connected the children with their local communities through their interaction with senior citizens and myths and legends of Lough Neagh. The results can be seen on display in Gallery Two in July.

August is Craft Month in Northern Ireland and MCAC are pleased to take part in this event by exhibiting ‘Taking Time: Craft and the Slow Revolution’, curated by respected artist Helen Carnac, the exhibition features the work of nineteen international makers and artists reflecting on the “Slow Revolution”. The exhibition features textiles, jewellery, upcycling fashion, enamelling, furniture and ceramics and will continue until September. There are many creative activites planned around the exhibition, from transforming old items into jewellery and revamping old clothes into fashionable new items.

We have a myriad of classes and activites for all ages so whatever the weather is like this summer you can guarantee a host of fun at MCAC, so come and join us and get creative!

Jackie Barker/ MCAC Arts Director