ABOUT US
Since its inception in 1969, The Art Center (now commonly known as the Anton Art Center) has been housed in the historic Carnegie Library Building in downtown Mount Clemens. The only facility of its kind in Macomb County, the neoclassical structure is listed in the State of Michigan Historic Register. The Art Center is a strong advocate for artists and artist opportunities, including exhibitions, ranging from juried statewide competitions to invitational and student shows. The Art Center also presents two annual events which generate income for artists: the Mount Clemens Art Fair, and Christmas Market. The Anton Art Center’s Gift Shop offers Michigan artists further opportunities to generate income throughout the year. Anton Foundation, an innovative five-year project, Art in Public Places, was initiated in 1997. The artwork is intended to evoke a sense of place and pride for the city of Mount Clemens and to further demonstrate the community’s support for the work of artists. In September, 2005, The Anton Art Center broke ground on a $1.6 million renovation of the historic Carnegie Library and construction of an addition with an elevator, gallery, classroom, and office space. Since that expansion, The Anton Art Center has undertaken more extensive programming, offering an increased exhibition calendar, classes, workshops, and more. The Anton Art Center is a regional regranting agency for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Through this program, The Art Center offers grants of up to $4,000 to non-profit organizations in Macomb and Oakland County to help finance arts and cultural programs, and up to $1,500 for professional and organizational development. The Anton Art Center staff members also provide technical assistance and consultancies to non-profit arts and cultural organizations in the region who apply, or consider applying for, funding through this program. The Anton Art Center presents a quarterly schedule of educational programs in various media for youth and adults, and is a hub for local artist groups, including the Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, the Mount Clemens Art Association, and Warren Tri-County Fine Arts, Inc. The Anton Art Center's staff includes overall organizational leadership by Phil Gilchrist, Executive Director, artistic leadership by Stephanie Hazzard, Exhibition & Education Manager, and operational support by Mary Need, Office Manager.
