“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off of our souls.”
Pablo Picasso
Picture a world without art. Imagine that there is no creative effort to take our minds off of our daily woes nor to help us grow together as a community. Life would be nothing but a drudge without the presence of visual, musical and performing arts.
Fortunately, we do not have to endure such a droll environment – we live in Hendersonville, where the arts are alive and well. The City by the Lake is home to a diverse culture than spans the entire creative spectrum, including painting, sculpture, music, poetry, prose, photography, dance and theater.
All across the 37075, opportunities to experience art abound in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues coordinated by several local organizations, including the Hendersonville Arts Council, the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department, Actors Pointe Theatre Company, Hendersonville Performing Arts Company and the Streets of Indian Lake. In addition, coffee shops and restaurants across the city regularly showcase performances and visual artwork on display to be enjoyed by patrons.
However, while artistic expression may be found all across the community, nowhere is it more evident than in the city’s cultural hub – the Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center (the MACC). Located in an elegant Civil War era mansion, the MACC features year-round displays of visual art by talented painters, sculptors, crafters and other artists ranging from local school children through world renowned creatives such as Pablo Picasso and Henri de Tourlouse-Lautrec
“The MACC was founded in 2017 to create a vibrant arts and cultural scene for people of all ages throughout our community,” says Monthaven Executive Director Cheryl Stritchik. “Our mission is to educate, elevate and encourage our community through the transformative power of the arts.”
Along with spotlighting the work of famous arts, the MACC has not forgotten about the growing community of local artists and students in Sumner County. Every year, Monthaven offers several popular events that have proven to be popular with local art lovers, such as the annual Veterans Art Exhibition and James B. Hawkins Sumner County Student Art Show.
The MACC’s educational mission also includes offering art classes taught by some of the area’s most talented instructors. The classes are developed with all students in mind, ranging from beginners seeking to learn about art to experienced artists looking to dabble in new media and techniques.
“Every year, our team engages over 3,500 participants in free classes and workshops,” says Cheryl. “We also offer free lessons for seniors and veterans, as well as our healing arts program for veterans and their families.”
In recent years, the MACC has expanded its focus beyond the visual arts to include a wide variety of performance events, building upon Hendersonville’s rich musical heritage. Events such as the Sweet Summer Concert Series, Boots & BBQ and the new Heritage Music Series have brought many notable performers to Hendersonville, including John Berry, Steve Dorff and John Ford Coley.
“Here at the MACC, there is always something new and exciting,” says Cheryl. “We recognize that the arts are the soul of a community. They create a collective identity as we recognize places by their stories, music images and traditions. The arts build connections that bring together. Our vision is for the MACC to continue to be our county’s creative town square.”
Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center
1017 Antebellum Circle,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.822.0789