I met this guest blogger when I was working in media relations years ago. She was a freelance producer and seriously knocked my socks off the first time I met her. She is sassy, on the ball, and can tell a story that will induce an asthma attack from laughter. I just adore her! Jill Brandt is a busy working mom of three – two girls and a boy. She is involved with her kids activities as well as some community organizations that support children and families. She hits the tennis courts in her free time.
If you haven’t visited The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington (MAC) yet, set a date for a trip. It is a wonderful place to share the joy of visual, performing, and fine art with your kids in a friendly and relaxing environment. You will be inspired to find your inner artist as soon as you enter the parking lot. Best of all, visiting is FREE!
The MAC is a contemporary facility that promotes visual, performing, and digital arts. They offer performances, exhibitions, classes and cultural opportunities that are both ticketed and free. While some are more for the adult crowd, there are plenty of fun things to do and see for kids between the ages of 4 to18.
In the next few weeks they have many wonderful kid-friendly events and classes coming up. Your calendar can be filled up from now until the New Year! If your kids like to roll up their sleeves, have fun, get dirty, and use their imagination – the MAC is the place to be. I have enjoyed taking my 8 year-old daughter through the exhibition spaces and the halls just to talk about the art and the artist inspiration; and needless to say, she is very excited to take her first studio art class in December.
Here’s a list of some of the classes the MAC is offering:
On November 14th there is a Digital Photography class for kids aged 4 to 9 with an adult. This is a one-hour class where you and your child will create a photo montage of everyday objects that resemble letters. It is a very creative way for the kids to learn how to take pictures and perhaps share the montage as a gift during the holidays.
Coming up on November 21st is the 1st Birthday Party for the MAC from 2 p.m. – 5pm. This is a free celebration for the community. There will be art to see and experience, performances and music, as well as birthday cake. It is the perfect opportunity to visit the facility with kids, and maybe sign up for a membership and 
some holiday workshops and classes. Come and bring your friends!
On December 12th there is a Holiday Art Sale where everything is $50 or less, and even more exciting that day is the Children’s Gift Making Workshop. Kids from K to 6th grade create artistic gifts to share with friends and family during the holidays. It is a FREE workshop and signing up in advance is required. It was a huge success last year and the kids had a blast! There are four one-hour sessions over the course of the afternoon beginning at Noon until 5 p.m.
During the Holiday break there will be both a Children’s 2 –Day Art Studio class and a Teen 2-Day Art Studio class. The Children’s class is for ages 6 to 12 and they will create artistic gifts and art that celebrates winter. The Teen class will focus on photography and sketching as a foundation for creating a painting. These are both half-day classes on the two Wednesdays over winter break.
This is just some of the fun the kids can have at the MAC.
There are so many more kid-friendly activities and events at the MAC, from dance to music to art. Classes go on throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for updates: www.mcconnellarts.org
777 Evening Street (at the corner of Evening Street and 161)
Worthington, OH 43085
614-431-0329
Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays, Noon – 5 p.m.
Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Admission is FREE
