MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center invites the public to the opening reception of “A New Story” on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This poignant art exhibit commemorates the 2015 and subsequent wildfires.

The opening reception will have a compelling art exhibit along with music and spoken word performances by local musicians and poets. The event is free with a no host wine and beer bar onsite.

“A New Story” is an opportunity for the community to come together to share the broad range of emotions brought on by wildfires and the continual process of recovery.

“The arts have helped us heal and cope with these traumatic and challenging experiences as a community. Together we can enjoy images, music, and words from local artists and rejoice in being here,” said MAC Director Lisa Kaplan. “We encourage everyone to join us this year to commemorate this milestone event, wherever you are with your personal wildfire experience.”

Half of the 60 artist members and nine of ten board members of MAC lost their homes, studios, artwork, and/or place of employment in the Valley fire.

We all know friends and neighbors who have left the area and others who recently completed or are in the process of rebuilding. People are returning to the area and new neighbors are arriving.

MAC continues the important work of weaving the arts into the fabric of our community to provide a voice in inspiring and uplifting ways.

MAC is located at 21456 Highway 175, at the junction of Highway 29 in central Middletown. “A New Story” will be on view through Oct. 28.

Gallery hours are Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or by appointment at 707-809-8118.

MAC/EcoArts of Lake County is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to the arts in Lake County, CA since 2005. All donations to MAC and EcoArts are tax-deductible.

To learn more about Middletown Art Center and learn how you can become a part of the growing Lake County arts scene, and help support and sustain its arts and educational programming, please visit www.middletownartcenter.org or call 707-809-8118.