Friday, September 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. is the Artist Reception at the MACK. Mr. Gary Marathon will be exhibiting his paintings during the month of September. He is a resident of McCormick County whose paintings are larger than life! Gary's medium of choice is oil. Plan to join us on Friday, September 4 to visit with Mr. Marathon and view his work. To see samples of Gary Marathon's paintings, go to www.the-mack.com. Pictures of his works can be found on the Photo Album page of our website and click on "MACK Artists (23)."

Bill Updegraff will be instructing a Watercolor Class beginning Wednesday, September 9. The class will be held each Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for eight weeks. Call the MACK at 864-852- 3216 to sign up for Mr. Updegraff's class. Bill is an accomplished watercolor artist who enjoys teaching his various techniques to others. Students of all skill levels are welcome. The cost of this class is $135.

The MACK will be holding a Silent Auction on Saturday, September 19 as part of the Gold Rush Festival. If you have craft or art work you would like to donate for the silent auction, it would be greatly appreciated. We need local arts and crafts for this fundraising silent auction. Donations should be delivered to the MACK by September 11. If you are unable to get them to the MACK, please contact Janice or Heather at 852-3216 and they will make arrangements for pick-up.

The first event by the MACK Kids Club will be a "Parents' Night Out on Friday, September 18 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Parents may leave their children at the MACK were they will be entertained and supervised while enjoying an art project, dinner and a movie. Parents, you can leave your children here and enjoy a well deserved evening out knowing your children are having a great time. The fee is only $10. Reservations must be made by September 11 to ensure all preparations can be made prior to the 18th. Call the MACK at 852-3216 to make your reservation.

Immediately after the Gold Rush Ceremony on September 19 the MACK will be having a Hay Maze for the children. The Hay Maze is only the first of several Gold Rush Events offered by the MACK. At 2:00 p.m. there will be another children's activity followed by "Stuff a Scarecrow to Support Your Cause." Participants will choose a cause to support, such as the Children's Home, Humane Society, Food Pantry, etc. The first group to successfully stuff their scarecrow will receive a $50 donation to their designated cause. At 4:00 p.m. there will be another children's activity.

Arline Fitzmaurice and Sharon MacLaren have arranged a spectacular High Tea in support of the MACK. Mark your calendars now for September 29 and 30. The tea will be at the home of Carol and Phil Bailey in "downtown" McCormick. There will be two seatings each day (2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.). The price is $20 per person. If you are hoping to be seated together or at the same seating, it is suggested you purchase your tickets from the MACK soon. Seats will be limited and will be filled on a first come first served basis.

We invite you to visit the McCormick Art Council's website at www.the-mack.org. You will find a schedule of upcoming events, photo gallery, information on the gallery shops and much more.