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MORGANTOWN - The Monongalia Arts Center will be taking people back to the 1960s in the hopes of raising money for arts programming in 2026 and beyond.
MAC a-Go-Go! A '60s Soiree is the fourth such annual fundraiser for the center. It will be Aug. 29 at the center, 107 High St., downtown Morgantown. Doors open at 7 p.m.
"We try to keep a pretty full calendar of arts programs for adults and kids," said MAC Director Aldona Bird.
There are summer art camps, Literary Nights, a Brown Bag Concert Series, plus workshops for all kinds of arts such as watercolor, improv, life drawing and Ikebana or Japanese flower arranging.
Proceeds from the Soiree will help continue these programs and others by paying for teachers, scholarships and other necessities.
"It's really important to help us continue to offer this programming," Bird said.
Previous fundraisers included a silent auction. Bird said the MAC board decided to switch things up and have raffles this time. There will be tickets to art classes - at the MAC and other area art venues - as well as artwork by local artist Eddie Spaghetti and more.
"I like to think we'll have a little something for everybody," Bird said.
Bird said the event will also offer a silk-screening demonstration - something that became popular in the 1960s - hands-on art projects and dancers to add to the atmosphere.
Live band Back in the Day will be providing music from the 60s and Bird hopes everyone will come prepared to celebrate that era.
"We encourage folks to dress up," she said. "There are fun fashions and styles from the 60s."
Bird praised the MAC board of directors for working hard on the fundraiser, coming up with fun themes and doing all the behind-the-scenes work to make each one a success. Previous themes were MAC Summer Nights Dream, Barbie's Dream House and Bootleggers Ball.
Bird said the goal is to make at least $20,000 and she believes that is possible. She said last year's event raised that much and she thinks more can be attained this year.
For the past three years, the benefits have helped add to classes such as black and white film and print development. Now, the MAC is planning to open a community pottery studio.
Tickets - general and VIP - and sponsorships are still available. Information is available on the MAC website: monartscenter.com. Click on "Tickets and Sponsorships" to buy tickets or sign up to be a sponsor.
General tickets are $70 while VIP admission is $100. Sponsorships are available at $1,000 and $2,000.
Regular tickets include light snacks and entertainment. VIP tickets include a beer/wine drink ticket, your name on the program and inclusion in a social media thank-you post.
There will also be beer and wine bars, including a cocktail bar serving drinks popular in the 1960s, an outdoor garden party (weather permitting) and selfie opportunities.
The MAC - established in 1978 — is a community arts education center offering cultural exhibits, gallery space and a theater.
Classes, events, shows, gallery viewings and more are held in the restored historic post office building.