The MACK business offices will be closing for the holidays on December 18 at 12:00 p.m. and will reopen on January 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

The MACK Gallery Shop will be open for you to do your Holiday Shopping until December 24 at 1:00 p.m. They will reopen for business on January 2, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

The artist reception for Sam Thorpe's Oil and Photo Exhibition will be held on Friday, January 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend these artist receptions. We hope you will join us in welcoming Mr. Thorpe to the MACK and view his work which will be on display in the Gallery for the month of January.

Lynda Macaluso will be offering a watercolor portrait class at the MACK in January. This is a course for intermediate painters. Students will be guided step by step through the process of creating a realistic portrait in a workshop setting. Special attention will be given to building up layers of color to create flesh tones, and techniques for painting lifelike features and hair. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on January 7, 14, and 21, 2010. Watercolor paper and subject matter will be provided. The fee is $80 for the three sessions. There is only one spot left so call 864-852-3216 now if you are interested. Lynda is a skilled portrait artist and an excellent teacher - you won't want to miss this series of classes.

Clint Scott will begin his next 8- session Art Class on January 12. His classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. The cost for this series of classes will be $108. This class is already full but if you are interested, you can call the MACK and put your name on the waiting list should someone cancel. Clint welcomes students of all levels and will work with you in the medium of your choice.

Helen Hutson will be offering her Basic Drawing Class beginning Friday, January 15. Classes will be held from 10:00 to 1:00 every Friday through February 19. Call the MACK to sign up for this great course. The cost for these 6 lessons is $100.

The Read and Feed for January will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 6:00 p.m. The book to be read and discussed for January is the Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo. Please call the MACK at 852-3216 to make your reservation for this event. The hosts for this month will be Gerri Lewis and Sue Norton.

Bill Updegraff will be offering his next watercolor class February 3 - March 31. Classes will be each Wednesday, with the exception of February 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This 8-session class will cost only $135. Set aside time now on your calendar to allow you to take Bill's class! Call the MACK at 864- 852-3216 to sign up.

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.