Arlington Center for the Arts

Arlington Center for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts center offering more than 250 programs a year in the visual, literary and performing arts. Classes, workshops, camps, exhibits and special events serve artists of all ages, with a mission of inspiring joy, nurturing growth and building community. One-day workshops let people try techniques like woodburning, metalsmithing a ring or shibori dyeing, or join conversations about color theory and the joy of creating.

The center has been part of Arlington for nearly 40 years, and its programming extends beyond the classroom into community events. It presents a free annual celebration of jug band music that highlights the modern evolution of the genre, kicked off the night before by a jug band jam at Donut Villa. Seasonal series, such as a run of one-day workshops offered throughout October, add to the regular calendar.

What to Know

• Mary-Liz Murray was recently appointed executive director.
• The Mass Cultural Council supports the center through operating, recovery, Universal Participation, and projects and festivals grants.
• The jug band festival is held at the Arlington Community Center.