Visit our new 'Virtual Gallery' featuring
some artwork created during the 'Shelter-in-Place'

Chris Bryant of MMM receives award from MAA President Dorrie Langley. Also pictured L to R:  Brian Walker, Scotty O'Neill, Bruce & Cassy Campbell, Steve Riccobono, Julie Christopher, Peggy O'Farrell, and RC Ferris
New Community Arts Award Supports Local Music
 
The MAA has selected the Martinez Music Mafia as the recipient of the first ever Community Arts Award. On June 18, 2020 the organization received $2,000 to support their ongoing efforts to bring free live music to our local community. 
 
For the first time in 51 years, MAA had to cancel this year’s Art in the Park festival due to Covid-19. Art in the Park is a much-loved event that supports local artists and musicians. The event typically hires four to five bands and sound crew for the day. To help compensate for the loss, the MAA Board of Directors decided to create a Community Arts Award to recognize and support an innovative community arts organization. The Martinez Music Mafia was selected as a leader that quickly figured out how to provide the community with live music during the pandemic shut-down. 
 
The Martinez Music Mafia began as a loose affiliation of Martinez-based musicians who wanted to use music to benefit the local community. The success of their annual Holiday Toy Drive over its first 10 years convinced the organization that they could do even more, and they attained 501-c-3 certification in 2019. 
 
Their efforts have benefitted charities, musicians, artists and local businesses.  MMM’s mission is to promote local musicians and artists by organizing and promoting live music happenings and charity events in and around Martinez.
 
When the pandemic made it clear that in-person live music events were going to be on hold indefinitely, they moved quickly to launch the weekly Virtual Happy Hour and 1/2 broadcast, which has provided a way for over 40+ musicians to get their music in front of people. The performances can be watched on facebook.com/MartinezMusicMafia every Friday at 4:30 pm. Past events can be found on YouTube.
 
The Art in the Park event is MAA’s largest annual fundraiser which supports community arts programs.  “"We are fortunate to be able to award the innovative artists of MMM, even though we’re not currently receiving grants from the community and local businesses.  Past events, grants and membership dues helped us provide funding for this award." said MAA President Dorrie Langley. 

MAA would also like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank Mark Thomson, a very dedicated volunteer who has generously organized the music for Art in the Park for many years.  Due to his expertise and hard work, the music portion of Art in the Park always receives rave reviews. Thank you Mark!
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Congratulations to this year's MAA Art Scholarship recipients!

Alhambra seniors participated in a Video Awards Show on May 20. Among those honored were four talented seniors recognized for their achievements in the Arts.

Click here for the full story. 
Main Street Arts presents:

Doors will be open as of July 2nd!
Come visit and see our featured "small wall", small works for small prices.
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We are looking forward to welcoming visitors once again.  For your safety and ours, masks will be required and hand sanitizer will be available at the door.
 
Please note that we are reducing the amount of days we will be open to Thursday to Sunday.  We are also reducing our hours. Thursday to Saturday our hours will be 11 to 3 and Sunday 10 to 2.
 
We are looking forward to seeing everyone and being a part of the Martinez business community.
 
Main Street Arts
613 Main Street, Martinez, CA 94553   
925-269-8049 
www.mainstreetarts.net

Check out the new Main Street Murals
If you walk or drive down Main Street you'll notice something looks different at the old Hilson's building that is under reconstruction. What used to be dull gray sheets of plywood have been transformed into beautiful murals celebrating life in Martinez! Acting on a request by Noralea Gipner MAA members Cyndy Wight and Dorrie Langley started painting, and painting, and painting…and, some 50 hours later, we have beauty instead of blight!
Thanks go to the Recovery Center (Central Contra Costa Sanitary Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility) and  Bill's Ace Hardware for the donation of paints and supplies.

CAA 2020 Plein Air painting program is currently on hold due to Covid 19

The Concord Art Association conducts an excellent program open to all local artists. CAA membership is not required, but is greatly appreciated!  Membership is only $35/year and is tax-deductible. Click here for the complete 2020 calendar. 
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