Anton Art Center

Sitting proudly at the intersection of Gratiot and Macomb Street in downtown Mount Clemens is one of Macomb County’s jewels:  Anton Art Center.    This community resource has been inspiring, educating and delighting artists and visitors for 40 years. 

As evidenced by the words “Public Library” that are carved in stone above the doorway, the building once served another purpose.  Built in 1904 with a $17,000 grant from business mogul Andrew Carnegie, it was one of more than 2,500 such libraries to be built throughout the world.  With its impressive neoclassical architecture, it is included in the Michigan Registry of Historic Places.

In 1969, the building was repurposed as an art center and began to provide an outlet for local artists to create and display their works.   In 2005, a generous gift from the Gebran and Suzanne Anton Foundation made it possible to expand space for galleries and classrooms.  In tribute to its benefactors, the center was renamed Anton Art Center.

Today, the center continues to host exhibits as well as numerous classes for adults and youth.  According to Jennifer Callans, Executive Director, “The art center has an important role to play in our community, giving visitors an opportunity to see a variety of art forms, to meet artists and to experiment with their own creativity.”

Newer programs included “Healing Arts,” a therapeutic program the center runs at Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals and “Target Free Family Fun Sunday,” a once monthly drop-in program sponsored by the Target Corporation. 

The Anton Art Center is able to offer probrams because of the generous support of donors.  Now through September 30, all gifts received will be matched 2:1 through the Anton Art Challenge.  For every dollar received, the fund will contribute 50 percent.  For instance, a gift of $100 will draw a $50 match. 

For more information, visit:  The Anton Art Center.