Merced County Arts Council Arts Education Programs

Merced County Arts Council Arts Education Programs includes Fall After School Arts Classes, Kids' Day, ARTREE, Art Tours + Field Trips, Art & Spirits Figure Drawing, and the Enrichment Center. The program also offers adult classes on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm, with 6-week painting and drawing classes.

Programs

• Fall After School Arts Classes — 6-16 · Online registration begins Thursday, September 17, 2026.
• Kids' Day — 4 and up · Free kids’ art project held monthly, except for December.
• ARTREE — Provides an avenue for local artists to teach the visual and performing arts.
• Adult Classes — adults · Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 pm · 6-week long painting and drawing classes.
• Art Tours + Field Trips — Field trips to the Merced Multicultural Arts Center are available for school groups and community organizations.
• Art & Spirits Figure Drawing — Every 3rd Thursday, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm; 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 11:30 am-2:30 pm · Paint Night (ages ? & UP).
• Enrichment Center — Art workshops where artists explore and learn new skills instructed by local artists.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–16 years old
• Facility hours: Gallery hours: Wednesday-Friday 2:00 pm-8:00 pm; Saturday 11:00 am-6:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am-4:00 pm. Office hours: Wednesday-Friday 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

About the provider

The Merced County Arts Council was incorporated in 1978. The City of Merced entrusted the Arts Council to manage the Merced Multicultural Arts Center in 1996, and the MAC opened in 1997. The Arts Council’s mission is to nurture and inspire the arts and artists in Merced County by cultivating places for creative discovery, community, and dialogue.

Classes are described as fun, informative, and affordable. ARTREE workshops can be scheduled in conjunction with a tour of the exhibits and/or a Downtown Public Art Tour.

What families say

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up.” — Pablo Picasso

Last updated September 22, 2026.