Our Mission Statement:
The Scarlet Macaw Community Arts Center is committed to enhancing the growth of the local culture by providing a community-based art forum where individuals of all ages and abilities can come together to explore, create and develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the visual arts. While bridging cultural, age and ethnic differences by providing programming designed to meet the needs of the area, observers, students, artists and those with disabilities are encouraged to express and enjoy themselves.
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Built on the foundation of an Artists Studio, the Scarlet Macaw Gallery and Community Art Center has been developed to meet the needs of the region. Established in 1994 by Nifodora D. Krumrie, the Scarlet Macaw is located in Sawyer in the scenic southwest corner of Lower Michigan. In 2002 the Scarlet Macaw moved into the historical 5888 Building. Housed in the oldest building downtown the Scarlet Macaw Community Art Center is now located on the main street in the heart of Sawyer. The space is an exciting “work in progress” that has been upgraded to make the environment accessible to the all of residents of our community.
The Gallery
the Scarlet Macaw Gallery houses a unique blend of artwork that represents a wide assortment of art from fine, contemporary, modern to outsider and decorative. This alternative galley space features several outstanding exhibits during the summer season and also hosts the work of local art students and schools. It is not uncommon to find the works of the professional artist, art educator and art student featured side by side. Not focusing exclusively on painting, sculpture or photography the Gallery represents a diverse range of artists working in a variety of styles and artistic mediums.
The Center
The Community Art Center presents unique art programs, classes and workshops for children, teens, adults and those with special needs. The Center is open year round. Members, Patrons, Benefactors, Sponsors, and Program Underwriters assist in providing such events as Junior and Senior Mustang Exhibitions, the Annual Summer Art Camp for Children, the High School Scholarship Program, Visiting Artists Workshops, The Sunday Series for Artists Program, The Building Community Through Art Program, the Student Work Program and The River Valley Senior Citizen Open Studio Program.
The Teaching Staff
The Community Art Center strives to present a diverse variety of educational art opportunities to the community. Our Art Educators consists of Artists from our surrounding area and offers a wide range of art experiences. All of the professional Artists who have an exhibition in the Scarlet Macaw Gallery are required to teach a class or workshop at the Center, allowing all of these diverse artistic styles to be accessible to our local community.
Reading & Reference Library
As the communities key resource for art, the Community Art Center houses a Reading and Reference Library of over 500 art and art related books.
Our Collection
Also housed within this unique environment are the modest beginnings of a permanent collection of artwork, photographs and other historical information. On display is an uncommon collection of historical information of the Sawyer area. Both area artist and residents of our community have generously provided us with historical photographs and artworks of the past highlighting the creative and eccentric artistic personalities that have resided in the region.
The Gallery Shoppe
You can also find a limited supply of fine art materials, art books and books by local authors, unique gifts, greeting cards and artwork priced to fit any budget. There is also a convenient Lay-away Program available.
Affiliations
Although we graciously acknowledge the supporting guidance of the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, we are not affiliated or associated with any other art-oriented institutions. The Scarlet Macaw Community Art Center is privately owned an operated. 5896 Sawyer Road, LLC, D & D Equipment Leasing, LLC, Krumrie Construction, Inc., Sawyer Custom Woodworks, Olson Electric currently sponsor and support the programs of the Community Art Center. At this time our administrative and part-time staff is strictly volunteer.
