A Brief Overview of The Art Center

The Art Center is committed to the advancement of the arts through quality exhibitions, advocacy and educational programs for Macomb County and its environs.   

Since its inception in 1969, The 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 Center is a strong advocate for artists. Artist opportunities include monthly exhibitions ranging from juried statewide competitions to invitational and student shows. The Center also presents two annual events which generate income for artists: The Stars & Stripes Festival and the Christmas Market. Our Gift Shop offers Michigan artists further opportunities to generate income throughout the year.

Through a major gift from the Gebran S. and Suzanne P. 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 of 2005, The Art Center embarked on it most ambitious project in its 36 year history. Again with the tremendous support of the Anton family, The Art Center broke ground for a 1.6 million dollar renovation of the historic Carnegie Library and the construction of an addition that includes an elevator, as well as extra gallery, classroom and office space. In recognition of Gabe Anton's contribution and fundraising efforts, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to rename the facility the Anton Art Center.

The Center is a regional regranting agency for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Though this program, The Art Center offers grants of up to $4,000 to non-profit organizations in Macomb and St. Clair County to help finance arts and cultural programs.

The Center presents a quarterly schedule of educational programs in various media for youth and adults and has become a hub for several local artist groups. The Wine Cellar Artists and Artist Collaborative are but two examples of groups that have been created by passionate Art Center members who find inspiration in regular dialog with other artists. The Center is also developing outreach programs, such as our Healing Arts partnership with Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center.

Board of Trustees

David Balos, President

JPMorgan Chase Bank

Katherine Grenda, President Elect

Macomb Community College

Dr. Donald Ritzenhein, Immediate Past President

Macomb Community College

Joseph Jeannette, VP Development

Utica Community Schools, retired

Don Morandini, VP PR & Marketing

Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development

Joel Gibson, VP Human Resources

Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals

Anthony Manetta, Treasurer

PRS Equities, Inc.

Thelma Ullrich, Secretary

Mount Clemens Community Schools, retired

Ann-Marie Anton, It's Personal, LLC

Robert Carlson, General Motors, retired

Constance Conger, Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center

Naomi Falk, Macomb Community College

Lee A.F. Kirchner, Axis Creative

David Korff, St. Clair County Community College

Jennifer Miller, MEA

Nancy Mitchell, Selfridge ANG Base

Hon. Pamela G. O'Sullivan, Macomb Probate Court

Craig Pappas, The Resolution Center

Jeff Parra, Macomb Daily

Linda Silvonen, DTE Energy

Michelle Weiss, Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority

Patricia Woodstock, Lakeshore Public Schools, retired