The Staying Power of People and Place: Visual Stories of Our Neighborhood
As the United States celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the commonwealth is exploring the people, places, and events that created our shared history over the past 250 years. As a legacy of this semiquincentennial, artists, organizations, and communities are invited to commemorate this anniversary and interpret its themes through the arts. The Murray Art Guild was awarded funding in the amount of $10,000 for a Kentucky Arts Council “America250KY: Exploring 250 years through the Arts” grant, made possible through state funding from Kentucky General Assembly through the Kentucky Historical Society and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
MAG Stabbers & Hookers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Stabbers & Hookers is an informal group of those who crochet and knit. This open studio is for anyone of any age.
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
Jewelry Extravaganza
Join us on August 28-29 for our Encore Event Jewelry Extravaganza! If you missed the first event in January 2026, make sure you come to this one. Find new-to-you jewelry pieces that are priced to sell. If you have some formerly-loved jewelry items that you’re ready to let go of, MAG is accepting donations until August 8th.
Jewelry Extravaganza
Join us on August 28-29 for our Encore Event Jewelry Extravaganza! If you missed the first event in January 2026, make sure you come to this one. Find new-to-you jewelry pieces that are priced to sell. If you have some formerly-loved jewelry items that you’re ready to let go of, MAG is accepting donations until August 8th.
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
MAG Stabbers & Hookers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Stabbers & Hookers is an informal group of those who crochet and knit. This open studio is for anyone of any age.
Poetry Reading & Book Signing
Join author Justine Riley for a poetry reading and book signing for her latest book Catching Silence. The event will be held on Friday, September 18th from 6:00-7:30 pm at the MAG Community Art Center. Justine will read excerpts from the book at 6:30pm.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
MAG Stabbers & Hookers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Stabbers & Hookers is an informal group of those who crochet and knit. This open studio is for anyone of any age.
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
MAG Stabbers & Hookers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Stabbers & Hookers is an informal group of those who crochet and knit. This open studio is for anyone of any age.
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
MAG Stabbers & Hookers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Stabbers & Hookers is an informal group of those who crochet and knit. This open studio is for anyone of any age.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Stabbers & Hookers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Stabbers & Hookers is an informal group of those who crochet and knit. This open studio is for anyone of any age.
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
Summer Art Party
The annual MAG Summer Art Party is back! Join us at the new MAG Building on July 3rd from 6-8pm for arts, music, community, and a great time.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
2026 Summer Youth Workshops
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Summer Session of art workshops at MAG! Our summer program runs from June 1st - July 31st. During those two months, we have classes weekly in multiple disciplines taught by our lovely and talented instructors. For more information on each class, visit the Pay for Workshops page.
Empty Bowls Community Make Day
Reserve your spot for the Empty Bowls Community Make Day on May 30th, 2026. No experience necessary! Our instructors will show you how to use slab building and molds to make a bowl. This event is in partnership with Need Line and their Empty Bowls Project. Read more about Empty Bowls here.
This event is free. Each participant can reserve a 30-minute time slow to make bowls. Reservations are appreciated, but walk-ins are also welcome. Space and materials are limited to 10 people at a time, and those with reservations will be guaranteed a spot. Reserve your spot here.
There will be demonstrations by instructors on the patio, and plenty of assistance if needed. Sidewalk chalk will be available in the courtyard for little ones.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Poetry Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of the month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
Come join the MAG Poetry group led by Justine Riley. This is an informal opportunity to share current work.
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
Local Weaving: Past and Present
Local Weaving: Past and Present is indicative of all the things a creative community represents. This show embodies a collaborative network of makers and artists sharing knowledge and support, who often co-create in a supportive trusting space, encouraging growth and offering mentorship while fostering the art and craft of weaving. This exhibit shares some of the 50-year history and growth of the MAG Community Art Center’s weaving program.
The exhibit will be on display from May 2nd - June 19.
MAG Photography Group
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 3rd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00pm
MAG Photo group welcomes anyone interested, at any level of photography. The group is supportive in sharing exhibition opportunities, technical information and creative input. Meetings are organized around monthly challenges where participants are invited to drop one or two images, inspired by the challenge, into the linked album. Images are shared and discussed during the meetings. Join us for 2026 photo challenges!
MAG Murray Makers
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: MAG
WHEN: 2nd Monday of the month
TIME: 6:00 pm
MAG Murray Makers is an ongoing monthly open studio for all MAG members. Basic supplies will be available at the MAG Community Studio. Bring your own projects and inspiration, and also get the opportunity to informally share ideas and creative insights with your fellow artists. While official start time is 6, doors are often open at 5:00pm.
Exhibit: Wayne Bates Collected Works
Wayne Bates Collected Works is now on display in the MAG Community Art Center Doran Gallery. This inaugural exhibit in the new space highlights Bates' work from the 1980s through the early 2000s, a period of intense work and active participation in national art and craft fairs. The exhibit will be on display until April 24, 2026.
Art Market - Shop Small Saturday
Join us at our Art Market as we Shop Small Murray on the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
Gift wrapping is available!
(We will be closed Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28)
Holiday Sale
2025 Holiday Sale sponsored by Fox Ridge Computers and part of the Weaver Challenge for Charities
This year is the 44th annual MAG Holiday Sale. This is a one day indoor sale of fine art and craft held at Murray’s SpringHill Suites (1512 N 12th Street -HWY 641 North). Saturday, Nov. 8, 9am - 5pm will bring 25+ vendors to the event. Welcoming new vendors and featuring some event favorites, items include jewelry, ceramics, books, fiber arts, fine art, seasonal items and more. The show is eclectic with a varied price range. One of Murray’s favorite holiday shopping events.
Sales support local artists as well as the MAG. We hope, like last year, that proceeds will support the Weaver Challenge.
It’s a great place for unique, hand-crafted gifts! Shop local. Buy handmade.
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MAG is now accepting applications for our 44th Annual Holiday Sale of Fine Art and Craft. We will return to SPRINGHILL SUITES, 1512 N 12th St. (HWY 641N). The location is accessible, easily recognizable, with great parking and a contemporary atmosphere.
This event is one day only and will run from 9am to 5pm on Saturday only.
As in the past, we will work with one central checkout staffed by MAG. For 2025, we will keep last year’s commission rate. MAG will retain 25% of the first $1000 sold and 10% of sales that exceed $1000 for everyone, members and nonmembers alike. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee due with this application. These fees help offset the cost of the event space and marketing.
Please read thoroughly. Deadline for application is midnight August 31. The MAG Board of Directors will review DIGITAL work submissions (for new vendors only) and notification will be sent via email by September 9. Keep the Exhibitor’s Information for your reference.
We welcome previous vendors, and are always looking for new exhibitors. Feel free to share this information with anyone you think might be interested!
Please note: Due to a lack of space in our temporary MAG location at 403 Maple St, we will not be able to automatically extend space for holiday sale vendors to be included in our regular art market like we have done in years past.
We are very excited about this event! It’ll be great to be back at Springhill Suites and with the quality of vendors that Murray supports, we should be all set for a great sale!
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Application/Jury:
This is a fundraiser for MAG, as such we will only be accepting handcrafted items only.As long as there are not significant changes to your work, all return artists or current artists in the Art Market will NOT have to go through the jury process. NEW exhibitors must submit up to 10 DIGITAL examples of the work they intend to sell at the Sale to murrayartguild@gmail.com. Any work (or types of work) not juried in will not be allowed at the sale--this will be strictly enforced. If your work includes several different types of items, please be sure to clarify this either with samples or in the written description. This is to ensure quality as well as diversity in the show. Work must be handmade, with limited manufactured components. Submit up to 10 DIGITAL images for jury. Optional to include an image of your set up.
For returning & new vendors alike, please CLICK HERE to pay & fill out the online registration form.
Again, if a NEW vendor, please email up to 10 images to murrayartguild@gmail.com
Applicants will be notified via email, unless other arrangements have been made, no later than September 9th of results. Each exhibitor must pay an application fee. Groups are welcome to apply, but each individual will need to submit an entry form/fee.
Pricing:
Each individual item must have a price tag attached with the price, description, and exhibitor’s name clearly marked. MAG will retain 25% commission of the first $1000 sold & 10% of sales that exceed $1000 for everyone, members and nonmembers alike.Monies:
All money from sales will be collected and logged at a central collection table staffed by authorized MAG staff. We will provide a receipt book so that you can send an appropriately marked receipt (your name and item description) with your items to central check out. This is also the best way for you to track your sales. Vendor checks will be available no later than Tuesday, Nov 18th.Tables:
6’ x 30” booth table, and access to electricity. Exhibitors should provide their own appropriately adorned tables and/or display racks; from our experience, presentation does count! (Some tables are available at the facility for vendor’s use. They are offered on a first come first serve basis so do indicate on your application if needed.) Each exhibitor will be allowed a minimum table space of 3’W x 6’L. We must know the size of your set up 2 weeks prior to the show. Some artists choose to exhibit together, combining display areas to one larger display. If you are working with a group, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate needs. Extra inventories, storage boxes, etc., must be kept out of sight. Due to safety concerns, tablecloths may not pool or drape on the floor. Set-up areas should be professionally displayed. All work is expected to be clean and presentable. Exhibitor’s displays should be staffed for all hours of the Holiday Sale. Volunteers will be on hand to relieve vendors as needed for breaks.Set-up:
Set up is Saturday Nov. 8, 7am - 8:30am. If there is a conflict, let us know as soon as possible. There is no time for “last minute sets-ups” during the event. Please adjust your schedules well enough in advance to avoid a disappointing situation for all of us.Cancellations:
In light of the fact that we have to limit the number of exhibitors, we ask that notification of cancellation be made no later than October 13. The $25 application fee is non-refundable. Exhibitors who do not give notification will be charged a space fee of $100 if the Guild is unable to fill the vendor’s reserved space in time for the sale. Consideration will be given to emergency situations.Clean-up:
Exhibitors are expected to leave their area clean and remove all of their equipment only after 5pm on Saturday when the sale ends. We realize by the end of the show everyone is tired and anxious to go, but early take down doesn’t reflect well on anyone and may result in a rejected entry the following year.Food:
MAG will provide snacks and drinks to vendors in the adjacent hospitality area throughout most of the event, including lunch. The hospitality room will close at 4pm on Saturday.Options:
Several options are available for participation. A solo exhibitor area or, if you are interested in exhibiting but may not have the inventory for a solo space, we will be glad to help partner exhibitors. Making the best effort to accommodate as many exhibitors as possible, some “outside” or hall areas may be used. If you are specifically interested in hall space, please indicate on your application.Questions:
If you have any questions, you may contact Debi Henry Danielson at (270) 753-4059 or murrayartguild@gmail.comSCHEDULE
August 31, midnight / submissions due $25, images & form murrayartguild.org for payment, murrayartguild@gmail.com for images
September 9/ notification emails
October 13 / last day to cancel without a fee / (270) 753-4059
November 8 / Saturday / show time
Set Up 7:00am - 8:30am Springhill Suites Chestnut room
Open to the Public 9:00am - 5:00pm Springhill Suites Chestnut room
Pack Up 5:00pm - 6:00pm Springhill Suites Chestnut room
Tuesday Nov 18 / checks available at MAG, or we’ll put them in the mail. (We will email you if checks are available earlier.)
Art Market - Holiday Open House
Barb Fielder / MAG Market cards
Join us as we celebrate the holidays & the opening of our MAG Members: Small Works exhibit. The Market will be filled with holiday items & yummy treats.
Gift wrapping is available.
SAW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
WHAT:
Partial scholarship to Murray State University School of Art and Design’s Summer Art Workshop.
DEADLINE for SUBMISSION:
Midnight Sunday March 17, 2024
WHO:
Rising 9th through current 12th grader.
TO APPLY:
Please email the following information to murrayartguild@gmail.com
Student's Info
Student's name
Address, City, State, Zip
Parent's email
Phone number
High School
Art teacher's name and email address
From the student: a one paragraph statement expressing their interest in the camp, including any financial need.
From a teacher(art or otherwise): a one paragraph statement supporting the student’s interest in the arts, ability to attend and complete the workshop, and their financial need.
Statements should be attached to the email and should include the student’s name and contact information.
Empty Bowls Dinner
We did it, 250+ bowls complete and event ready! The Empty Bowls Dinner event is scheduled through Murray Calloway County Need Line and held at the Murray Calloway County Park Playhouse deck—$20. Check with Need Line for tickets and event details: 270-753-6333.
Summer Art Party 2023
SUMMER ART PARTY
FRIDAY / JUNE 30 / 6-8PM
MORE DETAILS TBA
kids’ crafts
membership drive
Art Hop 2026
4/15/2023
5-8PM
This is a fee free event, come. It's come and go in whatever direction fits. Come by foot, bike, car or ride Murray Calloway County Transit. Two buses will be running a loop throughout the evening. We appreciate the partnership with Murray State University and the support of The Willow Bistro & Murray State University Town & Gown.
2023 Exhibitions:
• Murray Art Guild / 500 N 4th Street /Hope in Blue by Isaiah Kennedy
• Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau / 206 South 4th St/ Proofs
• Clara M Eagle Gallery / Price Doyle Fine Arts – 7th Floor / 15th Street: / Exhibits TBA
• Shaffer Square /Night of 1000 Drawings / Fundraiser for Mayfield’s Ice House Gallery
Art Hop 2022
2018 Art Hop @ Jerry Speight’s Gallery, 18th Flamingo
SAVE THE DATE 4/30/2022
SATURDAY
This is a fee free event, come. It's come and go in whatever direction fits. Come by foot, bike, car or ride Murray Calloway County Transit. Two buses will be running a loop throughout the evening. We appreciate the partnership with Murray State University and the support of Dr. Brad Robertson, DMD, Dwain Taylor Chevrolet, MSU Town and Gown, and The Willow Bistro.
2022 Exhibitions
• Murray Art Guild / 500 N 4th Street /Proofs , location 1
• Gallery 109 & Fairbanks Studio / 109 N 3rd Street / TBA
• Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau / 206 South 4th St / Proofs, location 2
• Clara M Eagle Gallery / Price Doyle Fine Arts – 7th Floor / 15th Street: / Exhibits TBA
The Willow Bistro
