Mooresville Arts celebrates 70 years, plans 'Arts on Main' weekend featuring American Watercolor Society show
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Summary
Jessica DeHart, executive director of Mooresville Arts, told the board the nonprofit served more than 600 artists in 2024, has over 300 members, and will host a three‑day Arts on Main festival in November that includes a traveling American Watercolor Society exhibit and a fine arts festival.
Mooresville Arts presented a mid‑morning update to the Board of Commissioners, marking the nonprofit's 70th anniversary and laying out upcoming programming and needs.
Executive Director Jessica DeHart told the board the nonprofit has occupied the historic train depot since 1978 and is "celebrating our seventieth anniversary." She said the organization served more than 600 artists through its gallery and shop programs in 2024, ran education programs for more than 500 students, and hosted a record summer art academy with 111 students this year.
DeHart said membership exceeds 300 active members (about 48% from Mooresville) and that the group operates a shop serving roughly 100 regional artists. She described a current fundraising campaign, "70 for 70," with a board member matching donations up to $35,000.
Arts on Main and American Watercolor Society exhibit
DeHart outlined an inaugural three‑day "Arts on Main" weekend in November that will include a ticketed reception for a traveling American Watercolor Society (AWS) exhibit, a downtown gallery crawl and a fine arts festival at the Mac Center featuring about 70 artists. "That is a ticketed reception. Tickets are $50 and then it will open to the public," she said of the AWS reception, which staff called an opportunity to bring a national‑level traveling show to Mooresville.
Education and community reach
DeHart said Mooresville Arts provides classes for all ages and media, from youth painting programs to adult photography and fiber arts. Instructor Ashley Bell described teaching the Art Explorers (ages 8–11) and said the classes emphasize elements of art and give students choice of media: "We cover the elements of art, principles of design, and in almost every project we do. I like to cater to the children's interest."
DeHart said the organization is exploring a secondary location for additional classrooms and studios but emphasized that "The Depot is our home. We don't want to go anywhere. That'll be always our primary location, as long as you'll have us there." She thanked the town for support and invited commissioners to upcoming events.
Ending: Commissioners praised the gallery and encouraged attendance; staff said they will continue coordinating with town departments on Arts on Main and other partnerships.