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Southern Wisconsin arts center celebrates 50th anniversary with new exhibit

‘The History of the Monroe Arts Center’ shows off of its buildings in Green County, one of which dates back to the 1870s

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Sepia-toned photo of a house with a porch and a large church with a steeple, both framed by leafless trees in the foreground.
A Methodist church in Monroe, Wis., right, was constructed in 1869. The church was remodeled to be used for the Monroe Arts Center, then called the Monroe Arts and Activity Center, in 1974. Courtesy Monroe Arts Center

The Monroe Arts Center in Green County is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It’s marking the occasion by reflecting on the history of the center — and that of Monroe itself.

The History of the Monroe Arts Center” delves into the history of the buildings, particularly the renovation of the town’s Methodist Church into an arts center in 1974. The exhibit features newspaper clippings and artifacts of the church that houses the center, which dates back to 1869.

Marie Perry is the center’s executive director. She told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” the center has become a hub for the town of around 10,000 people for the past five decades — with the venue holding concerts and workshops for all ages, in addition to more traditional gallery shows.

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A woman in a light suit stands next to a large abstract circular artwork on a gallery wall, with more similar artworks and benches visible in the background.
Monroe Arts Center Executive Director Marie Perry poses for a portrait. Photo courtesy of Marie Perry

“It is a beautiful structure,” Perry said. “We just finished getting a grant from the community here that is going to enable us to keep the roof in good shape, do some repainting inside and refurbish the front doors, which is a beautiful symbol of that building architecturally.”

This comes as the center has hit something of a stride in recent months. Perry told “Northwest Quarterly” the center is expanding its programming for both children and adults, as demand grows following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Perry said her background as a children’s writer and illustrator has led to promoting educational opportunities in her role with the Monroe Arts Center.

“One of my great missions right now is to make sure the center is a place where people learn about the arts — not only going in and seeing a gallery show, but being able to have a youth workshop with an artist, with a performer,” Perry said. “We’re trying to build a strong youth workshop program here so that kids can start their art experience with MAC.”

A group of children sit on benches and the floor in an art gallery, listening to a woman standing in front of them. Circular artworks hang on the walls.
A group of students attend an art lesson at the Monroe Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Marie Perry

Monroe is around an hour’s drive south of Madison. Perry said it’s important to have a strong arts scene outside of a big city that appeals to a variety of age groups and interests. 

“If MAC can be here to offer those opportunities and offer really great opportunities, it just expands the arts into every part of Wisconsin,” Perry said. 

“The History of the Monroe Arts Center” runs until Aug. 23. For more information, visit the Monroe Arts Center’s website.