Fall at the MAC

By Nicholas Dekker

Like every central Ohio arts organization, the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center has pivoted its offerings to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. And while things may not be “back to normal,” this fall is looking fairly robust at the MAC, with outdoor concerts, classes, virtual presentations, and the first in-house exhibition since March.

A Tribute to Jazz Singers (October 11 at 1 p.m.)

Tony Hagood, a regular of the MAC’s stage, returns for a rescheduled concert on the lawn of the MAC. The show will feature Hagood and a collection of vocalists paying tribute to the great scat singers of jazz like Al Jarreau, Mel Torme, Kurt Elling, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Louis Armstrong, and others. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students, and kids 2 and under are free with a paid adult. Get your here!

Yasue Sakaoka: Old and New (through November 28)

After running a virtual faculty exhibition this summer, the MAC opened its first in-person gallery show since March. The new solo exhibition by Yasue Sakaoka features her fascinating two- and three-dimensional paper artworks inspired by geometric, mosaic, and origami patterns. The exhibition blends previous works with newer pieces, and is open to viewing Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. or by appointment. Learn more at mcconnellarts.org/yasue-sakaoka-old-and-new

MAC Connects: Art Crimes with Brian R. Williams (October 14, 21, and 28)

MAC Connects is a new virtual presentation series connecting art and artists that you can attend from the comfort of your living room. The series launches this October with three lectures by local artist and CCAD faculty member Brian R. Williams. On three subsequent Wednesday evenings, Williams will share engaging stories on art theft, forgeries, and smuggling. Tickets are $15/person or $25/household. Purchase them here: mcconnellarts.org/mac-connects-lecture-series-art-crimes/

Fall Classes

Classes have resumed at the MAC! Session one of fall classes resumed Sept. 17, but more are on the way. You can learn everything from ceramics to painting, photography to drawing, even dance classes through BalletMet. Classes are limited in size, with seating spaced to accommodate social distancing requirements. Some instructors are even offering classes that are outdoors or online. To find out about current and future offerings, visit mcconnellarts.org/classes

As always, keep up with the MAC’s events, classes, and resources at mcconnellarts.org, or by following along on Facebook and @mcconnellarts on Instagram.

Note: the author is a board member at the McConnell Arts Center.