Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington

Went to an Augusten Burroughs signing/​reading here last night. It was only $ 10 and I couldn’t believe how nice the Arts Center was. Even the author commented how great the acoustics in the space were — everyone in the room could hear people in the audience during the Q&A without microphones. I’d be happy to come back here for future events!

My work was recently in a show at McConnell. The way it was returned to me was extremely upsetting. It was all put together in a paper envelope and in a big tangled mess. It was brought to them individually packed and cared for. Huge lack of respect for my work. In addition, another artist in the same show is missing five pieces he dropped off to them. He was hoping they sold but McConnell told them they didn’t and that he was mistaken. This is no way to treat independent, hardworking artists trying to make a living. McConnell explained that their employees «were all smart enough to know better» and that it was a couple other people who did it. Indeed, they were right but if you are going to partner with someone to work with your organization the organization should take responsibility for those they decide to work with.

This is a beautiful facility that almost no one knows about. Great movie theater, computer labs, art gallery spaces, and it has tons of parking. All the way up in Worthington and not directly off High Street and I think that maybe that’s the problem.
I find the website clunky and the calendar portion hard to figure out but they sure do an awful lot of stuff there. Movies, art openings, classes, workshops, dance, literature, you name it theys haz it. Check it out.

Very nice venue for intimate concerts, author visits, and displays of local art. They also have classes and facilities for creating art.

When I was in high school at Thomas Worthington next door, this building was «The Annex”– the ancient, boarded-​up school building where kids would go to smoke. One Halloween, it was opened as a haunted house to raise money for the school, and it was creepy as all get out.
How times have changed.
The Annex has been restored and has found new life as the McConnell Arts Center, a facility for performing and visual art. The interior is beautiful, with work spaces, gallery space, and a small theater. I am thrilled to see that rather than being razed, this historic building was given new life as a bright spot in the community.

We’ve been here a few times and they always have alot going on. The MAC is well located, has good events, a great staff, and I imagine a nicely healthy endowment. A big plus is the acoustics in the main hall, the hard work they put in to make it right worked out really well. A welcome addition to the Columbus are scene.

The last time I was in this building, it was an annex for the nearby Thomas Worthington High School, and I was mostly concerned with stomping a mudhole in their In The Know team.
My, how things can change.
What was a dreary and cramped feeling building with clear signs of neglect has been lovingly restored and revamped. The hallways are still a bit on the narrow side, but the performance spaces for dance and theatre are open, modern, and beautiful. The art gallery spaces are well arranged, and the reception /​concessions area is understated and classy, a wonderful fit to welcome you into the building.
Until I got invited to attend Available Light Theatre’s «Feed Your Soul» fundraiser, I didn’t know this building existed. I’m now planning to keep an eye out for future performances in the space.