Woodbury has long supported community arts. In 1996, a small group of residents began the Woodbury Arts Council as an advocacy group to ensure the arts would remain accessible in the growing city. It is now known as the Merrill Arts Center (MAC) and is named after founder Dorothy K. Merrill, who donated $3.2 million of her estate to the organization. Most recently, MAC has adopted the Woodbury Community Theater, supported teen programming, held summer camps and more. Photos: Woodbury Heritage Society
At Merrill Arts Center, the spotlight continues to shine.
Making sure the arts had a home in Woodbury was the focus of a small group of residents 30 years ago. Today, Merrill Arts Center (MAC) is a product of that desire and has proven it’s an organization of passion and resilience. “They served as matchmakers, helping connect East Metro residents with arts organizations and arts instruction,” says Barbe Marshall Hansen, executive director.
Dorothy K. Merrill
Grassroots in every sense, the group had an annual budget of under $5,000 from 1996 to 2009. That budget changed drastically with a generous gift from Woodbury resident and founder Dorothy K. Merrill, who left
$3.2 million—a third of her estate—to build an arts center in the community she called home. The gift allowed for the purchase of three commercial suites and the construction of the MAC Black Box at East Ridge High School. Her vision was to create a place that would “embrace and nurture young amateurs and professional artists,” Marshall Hansen says, and grow the arts in the East Metro.
The new resources sparked expansion, and MAC adopted Woodbury Community Theater, supported teen programming, held summer camps and opened its doors to independent artists. As the organization grew, Marshall Hansen says different groups came together with needs that didn’t always align. “Conflicts emerged … the business model was not sustainable,” she says.
Known for having a knack for running successful arts organizations, Marshall Hansen came on board in 2017 and was faced with cultural, financial and structural challenges. Backed by a belief in transparency, Marshall Hansen was gaining headway when COVID-19 hit in 2020. The government mandated performance venues be shut down, forcing MAC to lay off staff and tighten its belt. “MAC sold three of four suites in the commercial condo to stay solvent,” Marshall Hansen says. “Suddenly, we found ourselves with the budget of a goldfish running a lemonade stand.”
But it survived thanks to its generous donors. “[The donors] essentially grabbed the organization by the shoulders and said, ‘Not on our watch,’” Marshall Hansen says. “I love our community for this.” Today, MAC is thriving, especially after 2025 when “everyone was ready to live their lives again,” Marshall Hansen says.
Photo: Merrill Arts Center
This year, the organization will produce musicals and shows for adults and children, as well as host camps, educational programs and more. While no formal 30th annual celebration is planned, Marshall Hansen is focusing on getting staff, volunteers and funding to support growth and sustainability. “After we install infrastructure, we’ll throw a big party for the 35th anniversary,” she says.
At the heart of taking the stage is MAC’s mission to champion the arts, while supporting other organizations, filling gaps and creating a space for artists of all ages to fulfill their creative outlet. Marshall Hansen recalls one of her fondest memories, when a shy young boy auditioned for a nonspeaking role. When another child dropped out, he offered to take one of their lines. The entire cast and parents in the audience knew this was a big deal. “When the scene came up, the entire audience was silent,” Marshall Hansen recalls. “He shouted his line loudly, clearly and with great pride. The audience burst into applause and cheers … Everyone was rooting for him.”
For Marshall Hansen, that story, and many others like it, remains the example of the impact community arts has. In its 30th year, MAC’s celebration will be on the stage, in classrooms and in the audience—it will be the community of Woodbury cheering on each other and their creative energies. “We are in a good place right now, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds,” Marshall Hansen says.
Merrill Arts Center
Instagram: @merrillarts
