Mystic Arts Center

The Mystic Arts Center got its start in 1913 when Charles Harold Davis came to the town of Mystic to paint along the river. A small art colony sprung up around him and later that year, he organized the Mystic Art Association. In 1925, the name was changed to the Society of Mystic Artists and they opened a gallery on Water Street in 1931. The galleries first permanent collection was donated by Davis. Over the years, the gallery evolved into an " educational non-profit, non-stock corporation " and is know for fostering an appreciation of Mystic art and artists. The museum space is made up of four galleries equaling 4,000 square feet of space. They offer fifteen annual exhibitions of juried, open and invitational exhibits. The center provides Studio Art Classes in two different art studios. These workshops are intended for people of all ages and they teach sculpture, watercolor, pastels, oil painting, drawing, paper making and a variety of children's classes. The center offers cultural programming and education outreach, providing grants in art education, as well as art programs in public schools and in childcare agencies. The permanent collection on display at the museum features pieces created by those early Mystic artists and the collection is used as a teaching tool for those who visit.