The Mullica Hill Art Center has plenty in store for residents this summer, from its standard art classes to seasonal programs and activities, including its decade-long children’s program and
To begin with, the center has a gallery with art from more than 70 local artists.
“My mom started the gallery in 2012 in hopes of providing a local spot for people to feature and sell their artwork,” said owner Chelsea Hallahan, who took over from her mother Lynne Perez when the pandemic hit and is well-versed in activities at the center.
“Once I graduated college with my teaching degree shortly after opening, I stepped in to help my mom by helping create and teach a children’s art program,” she explained. “While my mom focused on the art and gallery side of things, I’ve focused on the learning aspect of the gallery.”
Also in store at the center this summer is a children’s camp that is in its 10th year.
“People [can] sign their children up for one to 12 weeks of our themed summer camp, and each week, we celebrate with a pizza party and an art show for the kids,” Hallahan noted.
There will also be an “Encanto”-themed kids night on Saturday, July 16, as well as a special clay kids night out featuring Panda Meilin from Turning Red on Saturday, Aug. 13.
According to Hallahan, the biggest event of all this summer is the center’s expansion project, which will enable various art classes offered by teachers with a range of backgrounds.
“The biggest thing we’ll be doing this summer will be opening our new location at the Harbaugh Village, where we will be doing children’s arts and crafts,” she said. “We actually just finished painting the floor.
“While we are always looking to gain new art teachers and expand, we currently offer pottery classes, children’s classes, wood carving classes, acrylic classes, watercolor classes and drawing classes,” Hallahan added.
And even though she is focused on learning programs at the center, Hallahan still thrives on featuring local artists in the gallery.
“We always look for new and exciting artwork to sell and feature at the gallery,” she noted.
Visiting the center is free, and first-time students can take part in a free trial class.
“We offer so much here at the gallery, and I’m happy to say we are inspiring children daily,” Hallahan said. “I absolutely love my job, and couldn’t be happier doing what I love every day.
“The children make every moment worth it.”
The Mullica Hill Art Center is located at 50 S. Main St. For more information, visit mullicahillartcenter.com.
