ArtWeek SouthCoast returns to the Marion Art Center (the MAC) with
seven events during the regional festival scheduled May 8 to May 18. ArtWeek SouthCoast is a 10-day event celebrating the arts in our communities by connecting innovative, creative, and affordable art and cultural events in communities across the region, from Fall River to Wareham. The MAC’s ArtWeek SouthCoast events are hands-on, interactive, and offered at low cost or for free. View all ArtWeek at the MAC events at marionartcenter.org/artweek.
ArtWeek SouthCoast kicks off at the MAC with the popular Unplugged series in the MAC Gallery. The first Unplugged for 2025 features Donn Legge & Marcus Monteiro on Friday, May 9. Find a spot at a cabaret table to listen to a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by both artists. Guests will enjoy a refreshing setting at this “unplugged” performance featuring mainly acoustic sound, without the volume and density often experienced during larger concerts in the MAC Theater. Two seatings are scheduled: 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm. Tickets for one seating (approx. 1 hour per set) are $15 for MAC members and $20 for nonmembers. The MAC is located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion.
Spin Into Spring. Community Bike Tune-up, May 10, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm Is your bike summer-ready? If it needs a little attention after the long winter, bring it to the MAC. We’ll have experts on hand who can look your bike over and give it some TLC in the form of a brake adjustment, chain lubrication or – in the event of more serious issues – they can provide advice about repairs that should be addressed before hitting the road. Please note that our bike repair volunteers will not be prepared to replace broken spokes, brake pads or provide other parts. Free, but requires registration.
Organic Seed Starting Workshop with Paul Split Saturday, May 10, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm During this fun and informative presentation, designed for the beginner and intermediate gardener, we’ll look at an assortment of seeds to grow in our zone. We will explore the organic process from germination to harvest and examine the latest propagation techniques. During the workshop participants will receive everything needed to start their own seeds. The workshop will be held on the MAC lawn or in the MAC Studio and costs $40 per person, with all materials.
Sing your heart out: On Saturday, May 10 at 6:30 pm, the Marion Art Center presents a screening of The Greatest Showman, shown with on-screen lyrics. Sing along with “The Other Side,” “This Is Me,” “Rewrite the Stars,” and more. Costumes are encouraged as is dancing. Paul Kandarian will host this event, recommended for ages ten and up. Tickets are just $8 per person.
Step right up… and into the spellbinding imagination of a man who set out to reveal that life itself can be the most thrilling show of all. Inspired by the legend and ambitions of America’s original pop-culture impresario, P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), The Greatest Showman is an inspirational rags-to-riches tale of a brash dreamer who rose from nothing to prove that anything you can envision is possible.
The MAC presents the MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator 2024-2025, performance of JAB written by this year’ s playwright Kate Herlihy. May 16, 17,and 18. Curtain at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm. Tickets are just $10 per person. The play is directed by Jess Ellis-Wilson.
Jab is the story of Marissa facing her ultimate match. She’s trapped in the cycle and pain of an abusive marriage that has taken every part of her. A knock on the door from a seemingly nosy neighbor ends up being her greatest gift; being brought to an all female kickboxing group. Hesitantly, Marissa tries and ultimately finds her hidden strength, power, and self again.
Attend a Paint and Sip Workshop with Barbara Healy May 17, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Paint your own version of a beautiful sailboat scene with hydrangeas in this fun workshop with artist Barbara Healy. We’ll paint together using water-based acrylics on canvas. Barbara and her assistant Pam will guide you through each step of the process as you get in touch with your inner artist and enjoy sipping wine along the way. You must be 21 or older to register. The cost is $40 per person and includes all materials and wine tasting.
Capping off ArtWeek SouthCoast at the MAC, Crocodile River Music will perform on May 17 at 3pm at the Marion Music Hall, located at 164 Front Street, Marion. This multicultural program presents west African music and culture through dance, song, costume, and rhythm. The 10-12 person group of musicians, singers, and performers will share their knowledge through use of authentic handmade instruments, traditional attire, movement, and art. Attendance is free, but registration is recommended.