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The McGuffey Art Center
is a co-operative, non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1975. Early
that year, the City Manager of Charlottesville, Virginia, appointed a citizens committee
to explore uses for the former McGuffey Elementary School building. The committee
recommended the building’s use as an art center and enlisted the help of local
artists. The schoolrooms were transformed into twenty-three studios, three galleries, and
a gift shop. The galleries now offer the largest displaying space in Charlottesville and
the gift shop carries a varied selection of all members’ work throughout the year.
The Center is part of downtown Charlottesville and is in the historic section of the city.
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The city leases the
building to the McGuffey Arts Association, which is comprised of approximately
forty studio-renting members involved in various forms of art: photography,
book arts, sculpture, painting, woodworking and furniture design, stained
and leaded glass, calligraphy, textile design and floor cloths, dance,
weaving, jewelry, glass blowing, and pottery. Renting members comprise
the Board of Directors. Various committees, such as Gallery, House, Graphics,
Publicity, and Community Relations, conduct daily management. Although
the number of renting members fluctuates from year to year, a critical
number of about forty is required for the Center to function as a cooperative.
Studio rents paid by these artists to the Association cover all expenses.
Associate memberships are offered to artists who do not require studio
space but want to exhibit in and sell through the gallery.
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Click here for a Mapquest link of the McGuffey Art Center location.
operation
The Center is open to
the public six days a week at no charge. In addition,
all studios are open 17.5 hours per week in order for the public to observe
work in progress. The Center offers classes in various types of arts and
crafts. Tours and demonstrations are offered twice monthly during the
school year to requesting organizations. For a small charge, arts-related
organizations use the Center for receptions, fundraising events, workshops,
and meetings.
TUESDAY - SATURDAY
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
1:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m.
MONDAY
Closed
HOLIDAY
CLOSING SCHEDULE
New Years Day
July 4th
Last two weeks in August
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day
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